Spring Retreat Reflections

The Spring Retreat for CCNYPA*VISTAs was held at Sky Lake in Windsor, NY from April 3rd to 5th. During this three day, two night retreat, VISTAs had time to share project accomplishments, attend a variety of workshops related to project growth, hear from an alumni panel, and gather interview tips from our career coach, Linda Arra. 

Reflections from Kate Regner, CCNYPA*VISTA serving at SUNY Geneseo

​"From the moment we all arrived at the Spring Retreat, I felt the friendship and support of my fellow VISTAs that I’ve grown so close with over the past nine months. These retreats are so valuable not only for the camaraderie, but for the insightful workshops put on by our amazing leaders and peers. Personally, I found the poverty workshop particularly interesting and enlightening. The activity that we did, making sacrifices with a low income, forced me to get out of my own head and situations and put myself in the shoes of someone that is struggling to make ends meet. A powerful moment for me was tying the feelings that I experienced during the simulation back to my own program and the struggles that my kids and their families face every day.

Shout out to all of my fellow Leadership Track members! I enjoyed getting to collaborate with you and see all of our hard work come to fruition."

Reflections from Chelsea Lienhard CCNYPA*VISTA serving at Albright College

"Getting to spend time with my fellow cohort members at the retreats is something I always look forward to when it comes around. At the spring retreat, I enjoyed hearing about everyone's proud accomplishments during the "Boast and Toast" because it makes me happy for them as well! Our hard work does not go unnoticed, but it is hard to see fellow VISTAs assignments come to life because we are not with each other every day. I value learning about and seeing what others are doing in their service year and I can't wait to hear how everyone's year wraps up at the close of service retreat!"