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Leadership Retreats

First-Year Leadership Retreat

Calling all first year and transfer Screaming Eagles! 

The Student Life Office is excited to share a brand-new program that invites first year and transfer students at USI to engage in an off-campus leadership focused retreat that will be held at the YMCA’s Camp Carson, supported by our equally new, O’Daniel Leadership Academy.  

The First-Year Leadership Retreat (FYLR), will be held from October 23rd to the 25th, 2026 and will be an opportunity for new students to spend time in a new space, make connections with other students interested in holistic growth, learn from professionals about characteristics of leadership, participate in small groups led by student mentors and of course have fun!

A yellow-orange acorn shape with a red perimeter. Overtop the shape is text that reads "Fall Leadership First Year Retreat" as well as an outline of a campfire and leaf. Above the logo reads "O'Daniel Leadership Academy"

What You Need to Know

The retreat will be held from October 23rd to the 25th at Camp Carson located in Princeton, IN.

Cost for registration is $50 per student, which includes:

  • Lodging
  • Transportation
  • Meals
  • Activities
  • Program materials
  • Exclusive retreat swag!

Yes! The Student Life Office aims for all students to be able to take advantage of opportunities to be involved and grow while they are here at USI. To reduce barriers, a fee waiver application is available for the First-Year Leadership Retreat (FYLR). An approved fee waiver application would allow for a student to register for the retreat at no cost. 

Complete the Waiver Application Here

 

Waiver Eligibility:

Students may qualify for a retreat registration fee waiver if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • Indiana 21st Century Scholars

  • Students who qualify for standardized test fee waivers

  • Military veterans and their dependents

  • Pell Grant Recipients

 

Fee Waiver Process:

Students who believe they may qualify for a fee waiver should follow the steps below:

  1. Wait before completing the Retreat Registration.Do not register before receiving a decision.

  2. Submit your fee waiver application.

  3. Upload required documentation. Supporting documentation must be provided to verify eligibility.

  4. Wait for review and a decision. Student Life Office staff will review your request and send a status update via email.

  5. Complete next steps

    1. If approved: Complete registration using the link provided in your approval email.

    2. If denied: Complete the retreat registration here.

Please note that students who pay the registration fee before requesting a waiver, or before receiving a decision, will not be refunded, even if they are later determined to be eligible.

Each student will stay in a cabin with other students, where they will have their own bunk, and access to a shared restroom with a separate shower house just steps away. 

A packing list will be provided for all registrants ahead of the retreat.

All buildings and cabins are ADA compliant with the main paths between cabins, shower houses, the dining hall, and conference lodge being paved. A golf cart will be available for those needing assistance traveling to other camp locations that require gravel or dirt paths. 

All meals will be provided on site.  

Students with dietary restrictions or allergies should indicate them in their registration form to ensure alternative options will be available when necessary. 

Activities will include large group sessions indoors, small group sessions both indoors and outdoors, high-ropes obstacle courses, campfires, hiking, and group games. 

Alternative engagement opportunities if the aforementioned activities are not possible for attendees will be provided based on ability. 

The following is a loose itinerary of the retreat; a more detailed schedule of sessions and activities will be shared with registrants. 

Friday, October 23rd 

  • 11:00 AM: Depart from Campus 

  • 12:00 PM: Check in to Bunks 

  • 12:30 PM: Lunch 

  • 1:30 PM – 6:15PM: Activities and Sessions 

  • 6:15 PM: Dinner 

  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Activities and Session plus a campfire! 

Saturday, October 24th  

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast 

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Activities and Sessions 

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch 

  • 1:00 PM – 6:00PM: Activities and Sessions 

  • 6:00 PM: Dinner 

  • 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM: Activities and Sessions 

Sunday, October 25th  

  • 8:30 AM: Breakfast 

  • 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Activities and Sessions 

  • 12:00 PM: Pack Up 

  • 12:15 PM: Depart Camp Carson 

  • 1:15 PM: Return to Campus 

Students who may miss class to attend will be provided with a letter of justification to provide to their professors. 

Each student is responsible for communicating absences to their instructors and coordinating completion of their assignments ahead of the retreat. 

The image depicts the inside of a camp cabin including wood floors and walls, and built in bunk beds.

Inside of Fenneman Cabins

A peek into the cozy atmosphere inside the Fenneman Cabins at Camp Carson where students will stay while at the retreat.

The image depicts the top of a climbing tower that uses ropes and harnesses to traverse.

Glimpse of the Alpine Tower

Students will test their courage and strength when climbing the Alpine Tower located on camp grounds. Alternate activities will be provided for students that may be unable to participate based on individual ability.

The image depicts a large meeting space with wood floors and walls and large windows. The room is empty.

Eddie Edwards Lodge

This is where students will come together with mentors and professionals to learn, connect, and grow as leaders during their time at camp.

The image depicts many people seated at round tables enjoying a meal. Along the ceiling hangs flags representing different countries around the world.

The Dining Hall

Sharing food is a key component of community building, the dining hall is where all meals for retreat attendants will be served included in their registration cost.

The image is a bird's eye view of Camp Carson's property and includes labels for each building and activity available on site.

A Birds Eye View

Familiarize yourself with the grounds of Camp Carson and envision yourself here this Fall.

Connect With
O'Daniel Leadership Academy

(812) 228-5107