Last weekend, the Counseling Center hosted a relationship retreat for serious couples interested in “taking their relationship from good to great.” The retreat, which lasted from Friday night through Saturday afternoon, was held at Camp Asbury in Silver Lake, New York.
Kimberly Eclipse, the administrative assistant for the counseling office, stated that the event is annual- this is the 9th year in a row the Counseling Center has hosted the retreat. “It’s a great opportunity, and it was so beautiful.” Eclipse said. “The retreat center was just yards away for the lake. It was like a little getaway.”
According to Eclipse, the relationship retreat is sponsored by an outside organization, Center For Healthy Relationships. The group runs the event, plans the content, and brings in the speakers. The group was founded, Eclipse stated, by a couple who was interested in mentoring young relationships.
Counselor Wendy Baxter stated that the retreat content runs on a two year cycle. Last year’s retreat was focused on helping couples manage conflict. This year, couples focused on healthy communication.
Funding for the organization is provided by a group of anonymous donors, and is awarded by through an application process. According to Counseling Center Director, Bill Burrichter, Houghton has always been a recipient. “We’ve consistently received this grant” he said. “Without it I don’t think we would be able hold the event. The financial help makes it possible.”
“You’re getting lodging, meals, snacks, activities and presentations for the low cost of $25 a couple, thanks to the organization’s funding.” Eclipse added. Each year the retreat’s content is presented by different speakers.
Eclipse also reported the event can host up to sixteen couples. At least one person in each couple is required to be a current or former Houghton student, and this year there were two married couples, four engaged couples, and 12 who are seriously dating. This makeup, according the according to Eclipse, is typical.
“What you are provided with is excellent tools for a long term relationship” stated Eclipse. “If you are casually dating, you probably aren’t planning for a future, and although this retreat could help any couple, it’s designed to help relationships develop a strong permanent foundation so that they can withstand difficult times.”
Alana Paris ‘18 and Hannah Banks ‘17 appreciate that the retreat does not define a “serious relationship” as marriage. Paris commented “I think it’s interesting that they have an opportunity for non- married couples to go, usually relationship retreats only focus on couples who are married.” Banks added her agreement, stating that “it can seem exclusive” when events are limited to couples who are married.
Following the retreat, Eclipse said the Center For Healthy Relationships will send the couples on a follow up date night in December. This year, participating couples will join Burrichter and his wife for dinner at their home, and then travel to Rochester to enjoy A Christmas Carol at the Giva Theatre.