Why All Teens Can Benefit From a Retreat

The word “retreat” comes from the Latin verb meaning “pull back” - a retreat allows individuals to pull back from daily routines and pressures. If you’re a teen who has never considered going on a retreat before, or a parent who has never considered this option for their child, there’s a lot that you could be missing; there are many known benefits for social, emotional, and intellectual well-being that retreats can bring.

Benefits to attending a retreat include:

• Getting outside your comfort zone. At a retreat, teens will be participating in fun physical activities and learning brand new skills. Events like high ropes courses and boating will take teens to unexpected places, and wilderness survival and cultural lessons will open their minds to the world and people around them.

• Meeting new people and get to know old ones. Building community in a retreat environment is an amazing opportunity to see people in a brand new light. Even if you already know some of the other attendees going in, it’s unlikely that you knew how they were going to fare up in the trees or how well they can build a fire. Team-building activities and reflection will bond you to your retreat partners quickly, and form friendships that will last well into the future.

• Learning new things about yourself. In addition to getting to know other people, retreat is a great opportunity to better know yourself. As a teen, it can be challenging to discover who you are and be confident in it. Through a retreat program, not only can you try new things in a space where everyone is in the same boat as you are, there will be a number of opportunities for reflection so you carry forward the things you learn that can help you grow.

• Taking a break from life’s craziness. Between responsibilities, social media, and peer relationships, it’s a wonder teens are able to relax at all! Sometimes, regardless of age, it can be necessary to take a step back from the outside world. Through retreating, you can relax and have fun without worrying about any of the things that bother you in the day-to-day.

This summer, the Winnetka Youth Organization is expanding its horizons and hosting its first-ever Summer Day Retreat through YMCA Camp Duncan on Saturday, July 27th, 2019 (9am - 5pm), teens who register will participate in some awesome activities together, including a high ropes course, boating, and learning wilderness survival techniques. Participants will meet at the Winnetka Youth Organization, located at 620 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093, and all drive up to the camp together.

Currently, the retreat is being offered at an early bird price of $55 if you register by July 21st, a regular price of $65 if you register by July 23rd, and a late registration price of $75 if you register by July 25th. You can register by going through the Eventbrite link here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-day-retreat-tickets-64804839018. Don’t miss out on an amazing chance for connection and growth through this retreat this July 27th!

About the WYO

Located in the lower level of the Community House in Winnetka, the Winnetka Youth Organization has been dedicated in putting their teens first and creating a safe culture within their after-school drop-in center since 1969. The WYO’s vision is to make all teens feel welcome and accepted for who they are and what they are interested in, and embrace their talents - in hopes that they lead lives of integrity and service. Uniquely, they serve teens from every social group and maintain relatable programming that allows teens to build new connections.

Contact the WYO

If you have any questions about the Summer Day Retreat, please contact the WYO at info@winnetkayo.org or call 847-446-0443. You can learn more at www.winnetkayo.org.