Knightly News

This week, 83 eighth graders and 11 chaperones headed west for an annual Middle School rite of passage. Students took part in a team-building and leadership retreat at Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, Texas, just outside of Houston.

This is an exciting time for Episcopal Middle School students, as this is the first time the camp tradition is taking place at Camp Cho-Yeh. Middle School Division Head Anne Dalton, Dean of Students Dr. Taylor Wharton and Counselor Katie Carpenter say the benefit of Camp Cho-Yeh is its proximity to Baton Rouge. Carpenter points out that because the explorers had only four hours to travel, they arrived by lunch on the first day and enjoyed a full afternoon of camp activities. Previous camp retreats have required two full days of travel, reducing camp activity time.

At Camp Cho-Yeh, students enjoyed archery, paddleboarding, ziplining and ropes courses. Campers especially enjoyed the giant swing and the aerial crate stacking. During their free time, there was a range of activities, including one-wheelers, a jumping pillow, sand volleyball and gaga ball.

In addition to the camp activities, the Middle School Student Council, with help from Dr. Wharton and Carpenter, led leadership development sessions. The sessions, “Leading Yourself” and “Leading Others,” covered everything from making good choices and empathy to integrity and the influences that impact students.

Dalton is a firm believer in retreat programs, noting that the experiences solidify a class and help them appreciate being eighth graders and leaders of the Middle School. Carpenter says the experience challenges students to do things they’ve never done before and step outside their comfort zone.

Camp Cho-Yeh was established in 1947 as a Christian camp and retreat center. According to camp information, “Cho-Yeh means tall pines.” The center features more than 800 acres of pine trees and outdoor activities for children and adults. 

With so many activities, eighth graders are sure to return to school inspired and ready for the rest of the semester.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.