Activate. Cultivate. Elevate. ACEs Retreat 2025!

A Weekend of Growth, Connection, and Preparation for the Future

Each year, the ACEs Retreat provides an opportunity for our Senior Scholars to step away from their daily routines and dive into a transformative three-day experience designed to prepare them for life beyond high school. With a focus on activating, cultivating, and elevating, this year’s retreat brought together 30 scholars from across Lancaster County, uniting them in a weekend of learning, self-discovery, and adventure.

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Day 1: Activate

The theme of our first day was activation—preparing our scholars to make the most of the weekend ahead. With students representing ten different high schools, some of them were meeting each other for the first time. To ease into the experience, the retreat kicked off with icebreakers designed to spark laughter and connection. The energy was high as scholars settled into their cabins and shared their first meal together in the mess hall.

A Night of Reflection and Inspiration

As the sun set, the scholars gathered around a crackling campfire to share their hopes and fears about the future. This intimate setting created a space for vulnerability and honest conversation. We surprised our scholars with two Attollo Alumni, Pritesh ‘23 and Adrien ‘24, who joined the discussion as guest speakers. They spoke about their experiences transitioning from high school to college and emphasized the importance of building community wherever they go. Their insights resonated deeply with the scholars, reinforcing the value of mentorship and support systems.

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Day 2: Cultivate

After a night of rest, our scholars were ready to cultivate the skills necessary for success in college and beyond. The day began with a series of thrilling outdoor activities, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. The zipline and climbing tower challenged scholars to step out of their comfort zones, just as they will in their future academic and professional endeavors.

Exploring Identity and Academic Readiness

Beyond the physical challenges, the day also provided opportunities for self-exploration and skill-building. In interactive workshops, scholars delved into the intersectional layers of their identities, recognizing the unique perspectives and strengths they bring to any space. Additionally, they learned practical strategies for note-taking—a fundamental skill for navigating college coursework effectively.

Fashion with a Focus: Dressing for Success

One of the highlights of the day was the 2025 Fashion with a Focus. Scholars were tasked with curating outfits for various real-world scenarios, from job interviews to college networking events. This engaging exercise encouraged them to think about the role presentation plays in professional and academic settings.

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Day 3: Elevate

The final day of the retreat focused on elevation—helping scholars refine their skills and confidence as they prepare to step into their futures. The morning started with an essential workshop on the art of public speaking, giving scholars the tools to deliver compelling and effective presentations. They also learned how to create and optimize their LinkedIn profiles, setting themselves up for success in the professional world.

Putting Skills Into Practice

After a short break for lunch and pick-up games, the scholars returned to the meeting room to put their newfound skills to the test. Working in teams, they crafted presentations that reflected their learnings over the weekend. Seeing them apply these concepts in real-time was a testament to their growth and resilience.

A Moment of Reflection

As the retreat came to a close, scholars gathered for a final reflection session. They shared personal takeaways, celebrated their achievements, and expressed gratitude for the connections they had built. It was an inspiring moment, reinforcing the impact of the ACEs Retreat in preparing them for the next chapter of their journeys.

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About Attollo:

Attollo is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education. By providing mentorship, academic enrichment, and college preparation support, Attollo aims to level the playing field and equip students with the tools they need to succeed in college and beyond. Since its inception, Attollo has helped thousands of students realize their potential and achieve their academic goals.