Fall Mountain Retreat - 2025 - Wow!

By Jeff Philbrick, Headmaster

We thank God for His gift of outstanding weather for this year’s Fall Mountain Retreat. Students, staff, parents and alumni enjoyed the hospitality and beauty of Camp Shiloh in Jefferson NH. 

Wednesday was our start up day, featuring interactive games, good food, and an exhilarating jump and swim at the Ammonoosuc River, featuring fresh cold water right off the side of Mount Washington! 

Thursday was the annual hiking day, and this one sure did not disappoint. One group walked the Cliff trail on Pine Mountain, and got to see the classic old camp called Horton Center. A brave and comparatively young group hiked over the legendary Caps of Mount Jefferson, enjoying a brief stay upon the top at 5800 feet, 40 degrees and a windchill to challenge. Each year we offer an “over the top” trip, and this year it was the Castle Trail to the summit of Jefferson, filled with all the challenges and majesty of a great Northern Presidential. 

A main goal of the Fall Mountain Retreat is Spiritual Formation, one of the 6 Key Expected Student Outcomes of a Jesse education. This year, the faculty offered a powerful three part teaching on areas of growth opportunities for the students. Susan Sicard and Carter Martens opened up Wednesday evening with a strong invitation to greater Engagement and greater Endurance in the race of student life. They impressed upon the students that students who thrive the greatest at JRHS are those who engage the greatest. Thursday evening, Mr. Philbrick brought on a strong teaching in Grit, and how Effort is more important than Talent. He made an unabashed invitation for the body to become more “Gritty.” Friday morning, Miss Ellie and Mr. Hannan led an informative and inspirational seminar on “what is the Church?” and how getting involved in the local church is key to fulfilling the Spiritual lives of the students. 

We offer our thanks to Camp Shiloh, the Jesse Team of Leaders and ultimately the Lord for providing us a life formative experience. May God use this time to strengthen our students and our school.