Nestled in the grounds of Rustic Falls Nature Camp in Burlington, Wisconsin, Key Club board members spent August 15 through 16 team-building and completing a service project, Dan Rhoades, Key Club Assistant Sponsor and Social Studies Teacher, said.

The camp provides a safe space for special needs children and their families to spend time together, senior Adriana Given, Key Club Admin said. Key Club’s goal with this service project was to clean and organize the campgrounds for its guests, Given said. The club board completed tasks like organizing the barn and kitchens, sorting DVDs, and painting a tile on the nonprofit’s playground, Jessica Pritzker, Key Club Sponsor and Science Teacher explained.

“Service is one of those things that people often tag on to their high school experience as an afterthought or something that you need to check off for a resume,” Pritzker said. “I think it’s important to take yourself out of the rat race, and take a moment to think about what service really means.”

Sixteen students and three sponsors attended, Pritzker said. The club’s annual tradition is an opportunity for club leaders to connect with one another before kicking off the school year, Pritzker added. The retreat builds a strong atmosphere among all club board members through making the campgrounds a great place for its guests, Given added.

“We were connected by this aspect of service that we all love,” Given said.

Key Club members also took time to build team unity through activities like karaoke, games, and an escape room, Rhoades said. The students had a chance to bond on a deeper level and understand their goals as a group.

“Being a leader in a club is different from what school asks you to do,” Rhoades said. “The retreat is very empowering and invigorating. It’s a space where students can create a sense of accountability.”