Camp Alpha is a core first-year experience at Carondelet and often paves the way for strong friendships and a sense of belonging. At Camp Alpha, the incoming ninth grade students will be introduced to the powerful tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph, with a particular focus on the CSJ value, courage. As a class, they will explore what courage looks like at Carondelet, and how each of us is called to courageously contribute to building our shared Sisterhood.
In addition to reflections, discussions, and prayers led by older students and adults, ninth-graders will participate in a series of competitions and community challenges that culminate in an epic “campfire”, sing-a-long and celebration of all they have accomplished together. This is the only opportunity for Frosh students to attend a class retreat.
2025 Alpha Parent Information
Important Information for the Retreat:
- All students must be registered and have submitted consent forms in order to attend. There is no cost for the retreat.
- The is a “lock-in” style retreat —once participants enter and the retreat begins, no one leaves until the event officially ends.
- The retreat begins after school on Fri. 9/18/26 on campus. 9th grade students attending Alpha may not leave campus when 6th period ends at 1:20 PM. All 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students are asked to leave campus as quickly as possible right after 6th period.
- Carondelet High School’s retreat policy requires students who register for retreats to attend the entire retreat in order to honor the integrity of the retreat and the cohesiveness of the group. Therefore, students are expected to be present from the beginning of the retreat to the end. Contact Campus Minister Rick Grand-Lejano with questions.
- Please confirm with your student that they are, in fact, attending in order to avoid last-minute cancellations. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows upset the balance of small group numbers. Please contact Rick Grand-Lejano right away if your student is registered and no longer attending.
- Students with outside athletic, volunteer, or other commitments are encouraged to coordinate an absence with their respective coaches or mentors as this is their only opportunity to participate in their freshman retreat, a foundational part of the Carondelet experience.
- Snacks, dinner, and late-night treats will be provided. Please email Campus Minister, Rick Grand-Lejano for special dietary arrangements.
Procedures for Friday, Sept. 18:
- Students should wear the Friday Casual Uniform to school on Friday. Please encourage your students not to wear their skirts to school that day and instead, wear comfortable pants or leggings that comply with the school guidelines. Students may not have time to change before the retreat and will be more comfortable in leggings or comfy pants than a skirt for this very active afternoon and evening.
- After 6th period, students will have a short break to put backpacks in lockers, use the bathroom, call home, or relax before the retreat begins. At 2:00 PM, registered “campers” will head to the Garaventa for Camp Check In, where they will find their camp leaders. Student leaders will collect phones and smart watches, label them with blue tape, and turn them in to be locked in a secure room for the duration of the retreat.
What to Bring / Not Bring
BRING:
- Sweatshirt
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Open Mind
- Positive Attitude
DO NOT BRING:
- Backpack
- Digital or Instant Cameras
- Any prohibited items (alcohol/drug-free event)
Students are asked to bring a reusable water bottle and sweatshirt that is easy to carry / keep with them throughout the retreat. They will be directed to put backpacks in lockers and will not have access to them for the duration of the retreat. Each Camp leader will carry a “camp totebag” with items like hair ties, period products, snacks, etc. Any items that students may need to access during the retreat (inhaler, period products, etc.) will be carried in their Camp leader’s tote, not in a personal backpack/tote.
Behavioral Guidelines:
- Students are expected to behave, both on and off campus, in a manner consistent with Carondelet High School’s core values. Any conduct both in and out of school that reflects negatively upon the reputation of Carondelet High School may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension from competitive and extra-curricular activities, school suspension, and or expulsion. Disruptive behavior and/or violations of Carondelet’s core values and behavioral guidelines on retreats may result in a phone call home to parents/guardians and/or the removal of a student from the retreat by the parent/guardian.
- Behavioral policies and guidelines can be found on our Student Handbook on pages 36-41.
- Students seen with a phone will be required to turn it into a chaperone. If students do not comply with this, they will be removed and sent home with a parent/guardian.
- The Class of 2029 met with Campus Ministry on Friday, August 31 to go over retreat details and discuss behavioral expectations. Please review the different kinds of energy that are appropriate for various retreat activities with your student. There will be times when they are invited to be energetic, loud, and silly, and also times when they are invited to be quiet, still, and reflective. In all cases, respect and positive attitudes are foundational expectations and students will be removed from the retreat if this expectation cannot be met. We are counting on each student to help build a positive, inclusive, and welcoming environment for their peers.
Health and Safety:
- All medications should be listed on a student’s consent form and remain in students’ bags unless they are taking them. It is important to disclose medication so that, in the case of an emergency, school staff can accurately report medications to emergency personnel. Please email Rick Grand-Lejano if your student needs to take medication at a specific time.
- EpiPens and inhalers need to be easily accessible. Students will be asked to have their small group leaders carry those items in the small group bag.
- Food served will be pasta, garlic bread, varieties of chips, granola bars, cookies, fruit, bagels, cream cheese, and donut holes. Please email Rick Grand-Lejano if arrangements need to be made to accommodate dietary needs.
- If your student has an injury or may need to sit out of activities that are physically active (running, dancing, etc.), crowded, or loud, please email Rick Grand-Lejano to make arrangements for school staff and retreat leaders to support your student’s well-being.
Contact Information:
Please limit phone calls to emergencies.
- Carondelet High School: 925-686-5353
- *Retreat Director - Director of Campus Ministry Edie Payne’s direct line: 925-686-5353 ext. 189 (rings at desk and on cell phone)