Westminster College Titan Traverse Teaches Trust

Thirty Westminster College students learned important lessons in trust and faith while exploring caves and climbing rocks during a fall retreat last month in West Virginia.

"The trip taught us to trust in each other and trust in God," said Allison Kennedy, junior mathematics major from Pittsburgh. "The cave we visited had 10-foot drops and unbelievable darkness. I learned you have to work with others, and trust in each other in difficult times."

The Titan Traverse and the Westminster College Chapel Office teamed up to make this retreat a success.

"This is my eighth Fall Retreat," said Steven Montgomery, program director of Titan Traverse. "I have seen students' lives change as a result of getting away from campus for a weekend, and taking a look at their lives from an angle that is free from the distractions of papers, deadlines, or stressful relationships."

"While in the cave, we played hide and seek without light, and we slept until 10 Saturday morning," continued Montgomery. "It was so restful."

In addition to caving, other groups of students slept outside and were led in rock climbing and repelling expeditions.

"I think the retreat is valuable because it provides time and space that is not part of normal life to reflect on your priorities, and listen," said Joy Barron, assistant director of Titan Traverse. "You spend a weekend with people, who at first seem so different from you, and by the end of the retreat you've shared many common questions and experiences about life and faith."

"I came back a different person with a bigger understanding of trust," said Kennedy. "I learned that we should not worry about the end result. The most important thing is the path you take to get there."

For more information, contact Montgomery at (724 946-7214) or e-mail montgosr@westminster.edu.