More than ever, today's teenagers need time away from busy schedules, daunting homework and peer pressure. With all the wrong messages blaring across radio waves and TV shows, there is no better way for a teenager to "get away from it all" than through a youth retreat. The following steps will guide you along the process of planning a youth retreat that is fun, informative and life-affirming. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Have a goal in mind. What do you want the youth to get out of the retreat? What skills do you want them to take back home with them? Whether the goal is to reinforce Biblical foundations or teach them stand up against negative peer pressure you need to have a clear goal in mind when planning your youth retreat.
2. Enlist the help of people who truly enjoy youth. Working with teenagers is a calling as any high school teacher will tell you. In today's increasingly changing culture, having the help of adults who embrace it rather than cringe at it will go a long way in building trusting relationships with the teens.
3. Stick to a schedule. That being said, be flexible. A schedule should be used to keep the retreat on track, not suck the life out of it. It is good to have set times for teaching, the arts, sharing, meals and adventure. Don't forget to schedule free time. The fastest way to turn off a teenager is to micro manage every minute of their time. Growth comes in the quiet moments when they are free to get away and think or just pal around with their peers.
4. Have fun! With all the pressures of academics, sports, ACT tests and more, it is pertinent to have fun! Plan goofy games that break the ice, tell jokes around the campfire, whatever it takes to loosen them up and make them feel comfortable.
5. Reserve your location well in advance of planning the youth retreat. You will also need to make sure you have a facility that is large enough to accommodate your group, has enough kitchen space to prepare large meals and has adequate restroom facilities.
