By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Somewhere in between hitting nearly 30 miles per hour on a zipline and diving into a 27-acre lake, Kingwood Christian School senior Chase Inabiett learned more about himself and his 47-member class.

“I came from a public school, and it’s a big difference,” Inabiett said during a Sept. 3 interview. “There are no cliques, we all get along. I think things like the senior retreat help with that.”

From Aug. 22-23, the entire KCS senior class traveled to the Springville Camp and Conference Center in St. Clair County to grow spiritually and bond with their classmates.

While there, the students had a chance to enjoy kayaks, ziplines, paddle boats and water activities. On Aug. 22, the class also heard a message from Matt and Carrie Britt, youth pastors at New Life Church in Westover.

The retreat, which is held before each school year, is designed to bring longtime classmates closer together while giving new KCS students a chance to learn more about their new peers.

“I think when we have new kids come here, it helps to acclimate them to the school, and helps them make those memories,” said KCS Assistant Principal Lorna Davis. “I think as they grow closer, they hold each other accountable throughout the year.”

In addition to the outdoor activities, the seniors also had a chance to grow spiritually, said KCS Educational Pastor Benny Cunningham.

“It’s a beautiful retreat,” Cunningham said. “It sets them off on a good path to start the school year.”

For Inabiett and his classmate, Addy Moncrief, the retreat helped to solidify bonds they have had with their peers for years.

“Here, we know everybody’s everything,” Moncrief said. “It’s kind of like a big family.”