While High School students packed their bags for camp, Knoxville Christian School’s middle schoolers proved you don’t have to leave campus to experience an extraordinary getaway. The annual KCS Middle School Retreat is a treasured, longstanding tradition; a dedicated time when 6th, 7th, and 8th graders step out of the everyday classroom rhythm to laugh, connect, compete, and grow in fellowship together on our own campus.
This year’s retreat brought exceptional energy from start to finish. Between high-stakes sports, creative artistry, and good-natured class rivalries, our Middle School Knights seized every moment. While our 7th graders ultimately walked away with the overall championship glory, the true reward belonged to the entire student body, as they welcomed new classmates, deepened friendships, and made memories that will carry them through the academic year ahead.
Faith, Fellowship, and Games: Pickleball, 9-Square, and Student-Teacher Fun
The morning opened with our middle schoolers attending their usual early classes before gathering as a collective body for a chapel service led by our own Spanish and Electives teacher, Mr. Hall. This intentional kickoff anchored the day in our school’s core spiritual values, reminding us that before we engage in play or competition, we center our hearts on God.
With chapel concluded, the traditional school day officially paused. Middle schoolers were dismissed to the gymnasium, eager to throw themselves into an afternoon of recreation. Faculty and staff organized various stations so students could freely explore different sports, team challenges, and games alongside classmates from every grade level. We watched our HS/MS Science teacher, Ms. Morales, show off her impressive pickleball skills, played several rounds of 9 Square with our Principal, Mr. Bobby Simpson, and watched middle school volleyball players spike and volley balls with music teacher Mr. Kerr.
The athletic courts buzzed with activity all afternoon. Fast-paced volleyball matches saw continuous rallies, while basketball courts drew crowds of enthusiastic spectators cheering on every play. On the side courts, partners teamed up for energetic rounds of pickleball and badminton, showcasing great athleticism and coordination. Meanwhile, the gaga ball pit remained a hive of action as students dodged, leaped, and struck their way through high-intensity elimination rounds. At the same time, 9-square saw long lines of eager players waiting for their turn in the king square. This open play period gave middle schoolers a chance to let off steam, mix across grade levels, and enjoy getting to know each other in a relaxed setting.
Grade-Level Competitions: Musical Chairs and Giant Jenga Showdowns
While open play kept the energy elevated, the excitement reached a whole new level when the afternoon transitioned into the formal grade-level competitions. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grades squared off in three official challenges designed to test individual reflexes, steadiness under pressure, and collective artistic imagination: Musical Chairs, Giant Jenga, and the Flag Making Competition.
The musical chairs tournament was an incredible test of focus and agility. As music echoed through the air, students circled the ring of chairs with sharp concentration. Whenever the music abruptly cut, players frantically dashed for a seat. Round after round, players were eliminated until only a handful remained. Demonstrating lightning-fast reaction times and incredible enthusiasm, the 6th grade class dominated the game with the most wins, capturing first place and earning a loud celebration from their peers.
Where musical chairs required quick movement, the tournament-style Giant Jenga challenge called for steady hands and careful strategy. Representatives from each grade stood over the tall wooden tower as classmates watched with anticipation. Every movement had to be planned, as even the slightest tremor could send the tower crashing down. In the end, the 7th grade performed admirably, carefully removing and balancing blocks to claim victory in the Jenga competition.
Class Flag Showcase: Celebrating Student Creativity and Unity
The afternoon’s highlight was the Flag Making Competition. Each class was challenged to create a custom class flag that captured their identity, spirit, and shared values. When each class presented their finished flags, the creativity and thought behind each project was impressive.
The 6th grade class took a personal, heart-centered approach focused on community. Their flag prominently featured colored hand-prints from every single member of the class. Inside each hand-print, individual students drew symbols and wrote small notes showing their personal hobbies, passions, and unique traits.
Taken as a whole, the flag showed that while every student brings something unique to KCS, their individual strengths come together to form one united team.
The 7th grade class chose a faith-first approach, grounding their artwork in Scripture by featuring Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Their design featured a first-place trophy, proudly declaring, “God is #1!”
The 8th grade class brought humor, personality, and impressive artistic effort to their flag with a custom KCS spin on The Magic School Bus. Their winning design featured Ms. Mac behind the wheel, driving the bus, with actor Johnny Depp cast as a lizard passenger, while Ms. Smith flew overhead dressed as a fairy. The clever mix of faculty appreciation, pop culture references, and bright colors engaged the judges and earned 8th grade top honors in the flag competition.
Building Lifelong Bonds for the KCS School Year Ahead
When the afternoon point totals were tallied, the 7th grade class officially took home top honors, winning the final round of Giant Jenga in the cafeteria this Thursday afternoon, and claiming overall retreat victory.
However, the final scores tell only part of the story. The true success of the Middle School Retreat showed in the shared laughter during games, the encouraging words during competitions, and the sense of unity that filled our campus grounds. From 6th graders celebrating their musical chairs win to 7th graders expressing their faith through banner art and 8th graders leading with creativity, every student contributed to a day that represented what it means to be part of Knoxville Christian School. As we head deeper into the academic year, the bonds established during this special tradition will continue to support our Middle School Knights in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in their daily walk of faith.
Considering Knoxville Christian School for your student?
Memorable events like our Middle School Retreat reflect our commitment to nurturing the whole student, academically, socially, and spiritually. We believe learning thrives in an environment where students are known by name, supported by faculty, and given opportunities to build lifelong friendships.
If you are looking for a Christ-centered educational setting where your child can excel and belong, we invite you to explore what Knoxville Christian School has to offer. Limited enrollment opportunities remain available for the current school year. Contact our Admissions Office today to schedule a campus tour and experience the KCS community firsthand!