Peer Support leaders and trainees attended a retreat at the Oaks Camp and Conference Center in Lake Hughes from Sept. 7-9. Students participated in several team-building activities, such as a ropes course and boat-building, and reflected on their roles for the upcoming school year.
Peer Support Coordinator Van Kamenstein ’25 said his aim to bring students in Peer Support closer was accomplished through the retreat.
“My biggest goal was for the seniors and juniors to bond deeply with each other and ignore a common grade barrier,” Kamenstein said. “This was achieved more than I expected because, by the end, everyone was friends, regardless [of] if they were strangers two days before.”
Head of Peer Support Tina McGraw ’01 said the annual retreat unites students as they go into the new year.
“Although much of the training occurs on campus throughout the year, the retreat provides a valuable opportunity for students to connect and form meaningful relationships,” McGraw said. “These connections help maintain a positive, caring and inclusive culture within Peer Support as new leaders guide it each year.”
Peer Support Coordinator Pearl Gatins ’25 said the retreat was impactful because it allowed her to deepen her relationships with others and develop a greater appreciation for each student.
“This retreat was so meaningful to me because not only is it now one of my best memories at Harvard-Westlake, it reminded me how grateful I am to be around such amazing people,” Gatins said. “It was super emotional connecting with people you see every day in such an intimate way. Retreat left me feeling so honored to be around so much love and light.”
Peer Support Trainee Callum MacLachlan ’26 said the retreat helped him realize the importance of having compassion for others, especially when someone was sharing their personal experiences.
“The retreat helped me develop my skills as a trainee by giving me practice listening to people expressing their insecurities and tough situations, which helped me become comfortable comforting my peers while they were being vulnerable,” MacLachlan said. “I want to bring the sense of community and togetherness from retreat not only to Harvard-Westlake but carry them with me throughout life.”
Kamenstein said Peer Support’s ability to foster a community in which every student belongs is special to the school.
“Peer Support provides a unique and genuine connection with all students of the Upper School and the opportunity to be part of a group like this is important to take advantage of,” Kamenstein said. “I can guarantee when one looks back on their high school experience, Peer Support will be their highlight.”
