For many North Carolina schools, today is the “first day of school.”  We had a great time spending a few days with the East Carolina University Honors College last week.  What a fantastic group of individuals who held their annual retreat on Ocracoke Island.  We are missing our time together but wish them all the best for the 2021-2022 academic school year.

The East Carolina University Honors College held a retreat for their students along with program directors August 15-18.  This annual retreat took place on Ocracoke Island and encompassed the entire Berkley property (Berkley Manor, Berkley Suites, and Berkley Barn).  Because the 2020 retreat was not able to take place due to Covid, this year’s event included both the freshmen and sophomore class along with upper classmen leaders and program directors.  Ocracoke is a neat location to hold an educational retreat and offers unique opportunities for participants.  During the three-day retreat, students were able to take advantage of beautiful weather and all the opportunities the island has to offer, including the beach, yoga, kayak ecotours, island bike rides and historical sites.  Group activities included team building challenges, educational classroom lessons, and outdoor recreation.  Many thanks to Ocracoke businesses like DAJIO, Jason’s, Beach Outfitters, Anchorage Inn and Marina, and Ocracoke Island Yoga for providing excellent service to this shining group of scholars.

The East Carolina University Honors College is a professional group of young scholars.  It was a pleasure getting to spend time with this group of participants as they spent time challenging themselves and learning outside the classroom.  The Berkley Manor is uniquely situated to offer groups the opportunity to hold retreats on Ocracoke Island with accommodations and meeting spaces available.  It’s time to begin planning your next group stay on an island that has a whole lot to offer outside the box.