50th Reunion

List of 4 items.

• Why is the Rites of Passage initiative needed at St. Christopher’s?

  Think back to your time at St. Christopher’s 50 years ago. How connected did you feel to your classmates? Did you form strong bonds with peers that still tie you to St. Christopher’s today? Were there teachers like Mr. Boyd, Mr. Bolling, or Coach Kemper—who served as influential role models, taking the time to get to know you and inspiring you to do your best?

  
  

  In 2026, St. Christopher’s continues to be a community where every boy is known, and where strong relationships between students and teachers distinguish us from our peer schools. Yet the challenges facing young men today are greater than ever.

  
  

  A glance at recent headlines reveals a growing loneliness epidemic among young men in the United States. Many are spending more time alone—isolated from peers, emotionally detached, and disconnected from their communities. Guided by the Center for the Study of Boys, St. Christopher’s School has recognized this concerning trend and developed an initiative to ensure our students feel connected, supported, challenged, and celebrated during this critical stage of their lives.

• What is this new initiative?

  Rites of Passage are experiences that foster positive identity and meaningful connections through both challenges and celebrations. At St. Christopher’s, Rites of Passage are woven into the fabric of our culture and mark important moments of transition in each boy’s journey.
  
  

  A key component of this program is our class retreats, which take students off campus and into a new environment. Through our partnership with Camps River’s Bend in Bath County, students have the opportunity to strengthen bonds with peers and faculty in meaningful ways. Each retreat includes moments of both physical and emotional challenge, encouraging growth and reflection.

  
  Our research following these retreats shows that students and their classes return with a stronger sense of belonging and connection—often wishing the experience had lasted longer so they could continue building those deeper relationships.

• What could the Class of 1976 Rites of Passage Endowment look like?

  Right now, elements of Rites of Passage are paid for out of the general operating budget. The School would like to establish an endowment to fund this initiative as it grows and evolves. The largest expense associated with Rites of Passage is our partnership with Camp River’s Bend and transportation to the retreats. In 2025-26, St. Christopher’s has retreats planned for the 5th, 8th, 9th, and 12th grades. The School hopes to expand these opportunities by offering additional retreats and extending the time students spend at camp.

• How do we plan to honor the Class of 1976?

  To recognize the Class of 1976’s support, we envision a plaque and donor bricks placed around the flagpole in front of the Kemper Athletic Center—where the seniors gather to raise their class flag after returning from their final retreat. This would be a lasting tribute to the generosity of the Class of 1976 and the creation of this meaningful endowment.