The Friday after Roundtable, all brothers and new members are asked to attend an overnight retreat at Roanoke Christian Service Camp. Thirty brothers and new members arrived at the camp on the evening of September 21st. This is a traditional way to start the week where candidates are introduced to the principles and fundamental ideas behind Alpha Zeta and have an opportunity to meet current brothers. New members also get to know their fellow candidates over dinner, get-to-know-you games, and working together in the morning service project. Dominoes pizza was provided for dinner and then after dinner we have a trust walk. Activities allow candidates to learn more about Alpha Zeta and agriculture. Brothers share expectations for the week and award each candidate a paddle. They must work together the following week to be admitted into the Fraternity. Because of this, they are introduced to our motto: TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More. Candidates and brothers then enjoyed a peaceful night of sleep away from the noisy campus.
The officers set up breakfast including cereal and pop tarts on Saturday morning before the group service project. Before heading back to Raleigh, the North Carolina Chapter helped beautify Roanoke Christian Service Camp. A camp manager explained various tasks and we split up into smaller groups. A group was assigned to paint the camp’s welcome sign while a couple other groups were assigned rooms to paint. Brothers helped the camp by cleaning up trash and helping to organize storage. Another group was assigned to clip overgrown branches and weeds covering up the camp’s fence. This was a great time for us to interact with the candidates while giving back to the camp for a reduction in cost. The cost per brother was fifteen dollars and the big brothers paid for their little brothers. Everyone returned to Raleigh around noon.