The “digital divide” vanished in March 2026 as Bryn Mawr Online School (BMOS) touched down in Baltimore for an unforgettable four-day in-person retreat. As a top-ranked online school for girls, BMOS prides itself on fostering strong peer connections, and this retreat was a powerful testament to that commitment.
With nearly half the student body and seven faculty members in attendance, the event was a masterclass in community building. It proved that while our classrooms are virtual, the sisterhood at BMOS is incredibly real.
A Home Base for Bryn Mawr Online Connection
Students and faculty traveling from across the country found a home base at hotel near Bryn Mawr’s Baltimore campus, which served as a hub for late-night chats and morning strategy sessions, allowing students to transition from “screen friends” to real-life confidants.
Creativity, Collegiate Exploration, and “Hungry Hungry Hippos”
The retreat kicked off with a burst of color at an on-campus painting party led by BMOS art teacher Madeline Hosier. Students traded their laptops for paintbrushes, enjoying a pizza dinner while creating original works of art.
The following day, the group explored the best of Charm City through specialized excursions:
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High School Scholars: Visited Johns Hopkins University for a VIP guided tour, offering a firsthand look at collegiate life and the high-level academic paths available to BMOS graduates.
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Middle Schoolers: Headed to the Maryland Zoo to bond with wildlife, witnessing the spirited displays of brother rhinos and the majestic roars of the lions.
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The day concluded with a “Total Takeover” of Bryn Mawr’s auditorium, Centennial Hall, featuring competitive rounds of Super Mario Kart on the big screen and fierce games of Uno.
Thursday was dedicated to high-energy bonding, starting with a scenic hike and a “Mawrtian” scavenger hunt at Loch Raven Reservoir, followed by duckpin bowling in Towson.
The afternoon took a theatrical turn, when English teacher Alex Hewett led an improv session. This brought faculty, students, and parents together for spontaneous laughter and storytelling through games like “Zip, Zap, Zop.” The energy peaked in the gym with a high-stakes, live-action game of Hungry Hungry Hippos involving scooters and milk crates—a highlight that showcased the joyful, active spirit of the BMOS community.
The Parent Perspective and Lasting Bonds
A unique aspect of the Baltimore retreat is the involvement of the broader BMOS family. Parents joined in for several activities, observing firsthand the “BMOS magic” that happens when students from diverse backgrounds unite. These interactions outside the digital classroom allow faculty to support the whole child, building a support network that extends far beyond a single school year.
Before Friday’s final farewells, the group gathered to write letters to their future selves. One student perfectly captured the magic:
“It was so cool to finally see everyone in person after communicating with them all year… it was nice to feel even more connected to the community.”
Faculty members echoed this sentiment, noting that seeing BMOS friendships strengthen in real-time is what makes our school an exceptional choice for families seeking both flexibility and a deep sense of belonging.
