New Member Retreat 2013

Our post today is written about our annual New Member Retreat, a staple in Tri Delta, in which the entire new pledge class travels together for a weekend of bonding with their new sisters. This year our event was hosted in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and lead by our amazing New Member Educator Courtney Mauldin (pictured above right). Courtney was slated into her position as a Freshman, which is almost unheard of in Tri Delta. She exemplifies all the characteristics one would want in a leader for future Trideltas- grace, strength, and a true love for Delta Delta Delta. She was the clear choice for the position lovingly nicknamed Pledge Mom, and has done a truly incredible job thus far. Thank you to today's writer Courtney, and for being such an incredible role model and for all of your hard work!

"This semester, Tri Delta was blessed with 120 girls from across the country with different backgrounds and personalities, brought together by one common interest, a love for Delta Delta Delta. These ladies have had numerous opportunities to get closer with their sisters, however they had one particular weekend to create an unbreakable bond. 

On September 20th the new members, and a select group of six older sisters, traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC for their New Member Retreat.  Lakewood Camping Resort welcomed us all with open arms and not to mention yummy doughnuts, which were a huge hit among the ladies! Hanging out in the water, getting our tan on, and taking millions of pictures were just a few of the perks of the retreat. In addition to being right on the beach, Lakewood provided us with so many great activities such as water slides, paddle boating, and much more. The new members got to learn many new aspects of Tri Delta ritual and history, and even got the opportunity to tie in our love for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by making Halloween cards for the patients. Lastly, we did many sisterhood bonding events throughout the weekend including a sand castle building contest, hilarious skits, and of course, our fireside ritual, where the girls had a chance to open up and be vulnerable with their sisters. 

There was such a huge difference when the girls came back, and being able to feel all of the love and happiness that filled the room was something I can't even explain. Nothing is better than being able to connect on a more personal level and truly understand how special each person is. These New Members have opened up my world, and they have inspired me to be so much better of a person than I who was before. I have learned so much from being with these girls and they have made me so incredibly proud already! Thank you ladies for such an unforgettable experience!"

Delta love and LOTS of mine,
Courtney Mauldin

I would like to add a shout out to Claudia Chamberlain, the Assistant New Member Educator for all that she does as well! Claudia is additionally in her position as a sophomore and the two have made a phenomenal team in preparing our new members for their upcoming initiation and induction into our chapter. Additionally, I want to recognize the incredible hosts at Lakewood Camping Resort. I know all of the girls had a fantastic time due to the wonderful hospitality and amenities of your resort. Thank you to Lakewood for making our weekend seamless and so much fun!