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Retreats and Trips

Student committees work with Park Faculty Scholars and administrative staff to plan and organize class retreats and learning laboratories, or studies of current issues in their regional or national context. Each Park Scholar takes a leadership role in organizing one of these trips or other class activities during their time at the university.

Learning Laboratory I

Learning Laboratory I is an experience that allows Park Scholars to study leadership through the exploration of an issue facing the state of North Carolina. The Class of 2015 traveled to sites in Chatham, Surry, and Wake Counties to learn about the impact community colleges and small
businesses have on North Carolina in the areas of economic and environmental sustainability, along with the challenges that leaders in these areas are facing.

During their trip, students learned about how composting biodegradable materials from industrial sources, converting waste products into biodiesel, and cultivating grapes instead of tobacco are transforming North Carolina’s economy. The class gained insight into how one of the nation’s largest community college systems is integrating sustainability
concepts and skills into the curriculum. These sustainability initiatives are providing tomorrow’s green workforce with highly specialized credentials to seek careers in areas such as mass transit, and wind and solar power exploration.

Learning Laboratory II

The Learning Laboratory II field experience allows students to develop a critical understanding of national and global issues by interacting with leaders immersed in these issues.

The Class of 2014 spent their fall break in Washington, D.C. analyzing the media’s impact on the dissemination of information in the United States. In light of events such as the WikiLeaks scandal and the national healthcare debate, the class explored the responsibility assumed by the media in providing news to the American public. Students gained a deeper understanding of how journalists can affect individuals’ understanding of current events, why certain stories are covered over others, and the fine line between commentating on the news and objectively reporting the news.

First-Year Retreat

Prior to the start of the academic year, each new class of Park Scholars travels to the Blue Ridge Mountains to participate in their retreat. Park Faculty Scholars facilitate discussions on a shared reading experience. Upperclass Park Scholars work in small groups to prepare the class to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the Park program and NC State. The class also participates in challenges, both on the ground and on high ropes, which hone skills such as teamwork and communication.

Senior Retreat

The senior retreat is one of the culminating events during the final year of the Park Scholarships experience. Each year, the senior class of Park Scholars selects one of America’s national parks as the setting for their retreat. The experience provides class members with a unique opportunity to reflect on their time in the Park Scholarships program and at NC State, while establishing priorities for the future. Previous retreats have taken place at locations such as Grand Canyon National Park and Olympic National Park.