[The teens] set an excellent example of leadership, by providing advice but also by listening to the middle schoolers. I think it was good for the middle schoolers to have role models closer to their age.”
Thomas, 7th Grade Teacher
What does a Dunrovin LEAD retreat look like?
Middle school kids tumble off the bus at Dunrovin (some retreats take place at the school or church setting), and they look around in awe at the beauty of the green surroundings of the Saint Croix River National Scenic Riverway. Next, they eat a snack to fuel up for their teambuilding challenges. Energetic Teen Leaders from Catholic high schools welcome the younger students each step of the way.
The fun mounts during a whomp-em game with pool noodles. Kids run around, tagging each other. Who can get back to the chair first? The game gets the wiggles out, and the fun begins the process of relaxation. Removed from the school day setting of books and stress, LEAD Encounter students begin to realize this retreat day just might be relevant.
We were able to have fun without any worries and that really broke down barriers.”
Teen Leader
Students move on to a teambuilding activity. For example, young students wonder how they can move through a hula hoop without touching the sides. Teen Leaders become encouragers and role models. All the students work together, suggesting ways to complete a fun teambuilding task. They learn to listen, to try new things, to trust other people. They learn respect.
And they complete the teambuilding task! Students talk more at lunch. They listen to short testimonies by Dunrovin’s Servant Leaders. And when their bodies are tired and their minds and spirits open, they sit quietly in the chapel for adoration of the Holy Eucharist. Teen Leaders pray quietly over each student for a few moments.
God is present in the quiet. In the fun. In the relationships. In the fresh start of a retreat day.
Why support a Dunrovin LEAD retreat?
Different than a typical retreat, Dunrovin LEAD has a bigger vision: to invest in generations of students (such as teen leaders) who will pour into the next generation (such as the younger students). We call it the Ripple Effect. Dunrovin staff pour into the teen leaders, who pour into the younger students. They all have the potential for interior growth that affects themselves, their families, their schools, and their neighborhoods.
On another level, younger kids love and thrive on the attention of the teen role models. Being given leadership responsibility changes teens. Their minds and hearts grow, and LEAD training empowers them to strive for lives beyond mediocrity.
The kids look up to us, and I have to be very aware of what I do to set a good example.”
Teen Leader
What are the results of Dunrovin LEAD retreats?
Kids get away from the stress of reading, tests, and the dynamics of a typical school day. On a LEAD Encounter Retreat, they get a fresh start through fun yet purposeful activities where KIDS CAN SHINE in new ways. Teachers comment that students who struggle in the classroom often stand out with a different set of gifts and talents in the LEAD retreat setting. Students discover new strengths in themselves. They learn to listen with respect and kindness. They may make new friends.
During the 2024-25 school year, every LEAD retreat middle school student except for one indicated growth in at least one of the four program goals. They wrote these comments about growth in 1) faith, 2) personal maturity, 3) community, and 4) servant leadership:
- God loves me no matter what.
- I learned to talk calmly.
- Teamwork really works!
- I learned to listen more.
100% of the middle school teachers named growth in their students, especially in relationships and community, and all highly valued the teen leaders. All of the teen leaders named growth in at least one of the four goals, and 90% indicated growth in all four.
Call today to inquire about sponsoring a retreat with a Catholic school or parish near you.
marketing.development@dunrovin.org | 651-433-2486