Each year we have 6 new residents, and their families and/or significant others join our large family. So every year in September or October the program sponsors a retreat for all residents to foster team building, social interaction, and a little learning. Families and significant others are invited to participate in any or all of the activities.
Our retreat was again a highlight of our year, with each resident class together with members of the faculty participating as teams in activities to foster leadership skills, especially team development and team leadership strategies to match the stage of team development. The highlight of the day was the “Flying Thing” competition in which teams created a rocket to launch their astronaut “into the stratosphere and beyond”. A good time was had by all. Dr. Kelly has now become our "Retreat Master" organizing three different retreat formats so that each resident gets to participate in all three formats during their three years in the program. The goals of the retreats are to have fun, gel as teams within resident classes, and learn an approach to leadership development and problem solving in a team.
Following the retreat, the residents organize their own get-together either at a restaurant or at one of the resident's homes.