USA Teen Retreat 2024 Review

USA TEEN RETREAT JUNE 3-7, 2024

We experienced adventure and connection in the Summer of 2024!!

The Learning Brave Teen Retreat 2024 was based around the theme of being brave and opening the door to living our best life.

We focused on 3 topics;

Emotional Intelligence, Relationships and Making a Difference!

- Emotional Intelligence: Understand what we are feeling and know how to manage this in connection with those around us.

-Relationships: Understand what others are feeling and how to use this information to improve our relationships.

-Making a Difference:Understand and plan for changes to our current relationships (including oneself) and use what I have learned to make a positive impact on those around me.

We made incredible connection!!

We made new friends,

We tried some new experiences,

and learned together about becoming brave.

The Retreat leader for this trip was Ross Gilbert, he has extensive experience working with youth.

Ross Gilbert is the Headmaster and also a Leadership Mentor for Williamsburg Academy. He was awarded numerous mentoring awards through Williamsburg Learning 2019 - 2024. He has never regretted leaving corporate life 8 years ago fulfill his dream of living intentionally and working in a meaningful capacity with youth.

Ross has lived and traveled all over the world with his family of 7. He is passionate about helping youth have meaningful experiences full of friendship and connection. Together with his wife Skyler, they have been running successful Teen Retreats and International Teen Tours since 2019.

The additional Mentors for this retreat were Toni Windor and Karin Williams - both excellent Mentors for Williamsburg Academy.

The Learning Brave Teen Retreat 2024 was held at Camp Tifie

Sky Haven Dr, Mt Pleasant, UT 84647

Monday, June 3rd - Friday, June 7th

Testimonials

"I realized on this teen retreat how important people and experiences are. It's the little things and the little moments that will have the biggest impact ultimately. I didn't realize how important these people would become to me. Lots of smiles, tears, and laughs went around this week and I seriously hope that so many others will get to experience this kind of magic. I have loved every second that I got to spend in this enviornment and these wondeful people. The level of support and love is always unmatched and it's something that doesn't always show in life but these retreats have make it so easy to enjoy these little things and the people that come with them." Hannah Wiley 2024

"I have had to do many brave things in life such as canyoneering and cliff jumping but I did the bravest thing at the retreat, I was myself. I was not what others wanted me to be, I was simply myself."

Jane Porter 2024

"This week brought so much light into my life. I needed this week to destress and gain more self love and confidence. Thank you for all you have done for me!"

Ellie Batty 2024

"The thing that really impacted me the most was being able to deeply connect with my friends. Never would I have expected that I would have made friends that have turned into family. I have been going to camps since I was 6 and none of them can compare!"

Laurelyn Ewell 2024

"You guys have changed my life. I hope you realize that. The way you teach and guide your students is forever changing their lives for the better. You've helped me develop emotional intelligence and see my life, family, friends, and circumstances in a whole new light. You've shaped my future. I'll never forget that. All of us will forever be in your debt. THANK YOU!!"

Eden Johnson 2024

"Ross, there have never been more life changing experiences in my life than at the two Teen Retreats I have attended. You create experiences with the other mentors, and I am so so grateful to be blessed with the chance to learn and to grow with you and with the amazing people who are also shaped alongside me on these retreats. Thank you Ross!!"

Ethan Reichard, 2024

Our itinerary for the Summer Youth Adventures will included:

Campfire games and activities

Tough Mudder Obstacle Course

Hiking

Personal development and leadership workshops

Movie Night

Dance...and some dance lessons!!

Dating panel

Team Building Activities

Talent Night / Team skits and performances

Goose Chase (Amazing Race style activity)

Service

Morning and Evening connection with Team

Journaling, creative visualisation

Morning Yoga, Meditation, and exercise classes

Structured and unstructured free time where youth can connect with each other

Mentors.

Participants were placed in a team of 10-12 students that was led by a Mentor. These groups will become like their family for the week. Each Mentor was been chosen because of their background working with Teens, and also that their lives exemplify the values and principles of Learning Brave. Ross Gilbert as Retreat Director oversaw all aspects of the Teen Retreat and a designated First Aid Certified staff member was on site at all times.

Accommodation.

Accommodation was predominantly on mattresses in cabins (each cabin slept 4 students) where they needed to provide all bedding (sheet and sleeping bag), pillows, and towels. There was a clear separation of sleeping areas between male and female. Staff sleeping arrangements were made to help with this separation and allow adequate monitoring.

Transportation.

Parents arranged for transportation to and from the venue (we helped to facilitate connecting families with others that were willing to ride share).

What's Included:

-All meals and snacks from arrival to departure.

- Accommodation.

- Experienced and fun mentors for various activities.

- ALL activities!!

- One Learning Brave T-shirt

- Plenty of laughs and epic moments!

- New friends!!

What's NOT Included:

- Transport to and from the Learning Brave Summer venue