![]() ![]() As a teacher, if a student went to me about a major life problem, I could refer them to the school psychologist, but not so with this retreat. ![]() ![]() Some of the kids in the group talked about serious issues that warranted professional help. Perhaps for some it was a genuinely eye opening experience that taught them not to judge their peers before getting to know them. Dorks have to talk to popular kids, Jocks have to talk to the theate kids, overachievers have to talk to the delinquents. The staff and peer leaders purposefully arrange the small groups so that no one is with any of their close friends. The point is to be open and honest with your peers who you wouldn't ordinarly associate with at school or at youth group. The adult leaders and peer leaders have to lead the small group, which is supposed to be a judgment free zone where you can pour your heart out and talk about some of the real issues that you deal with every day. There are also hokey skits, cheesy worship songs, quiet reflection times, and small groups where each participant has an opportunity for "faith sharing" So a few of the adult volunteers do a talk, and each youth retreat leader gets to give a talk about their own relationship with God. The retreat has a series of talks by every youth volunteer usually personal testimonies centered around a theme. Who knows if the even believe the most basic teachings of the church. Who knows if they even attend mass regularly. The "peer ministers" are the ones who went on the retreat last year. The retreat is run by a team of adult volunteers (we were all in our 20's)and "peer ministers' they select to help direct the retreat. I'm surprised I even stayed Catholic after doing it. I never went to one as a kid (obviously) but I got roped into being involved in "music ministry" for one early on in my "faith journey." It's totally gay don't do it. It is youth retreat like a Cursillo or Cornerstone retreat but for high schoolers. ![]()
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