What is a Courage Retreat?

Curious about this myself, I attended one of the Courage Retreats last year so that I could share with parents what it was all about.

I was amazed! The group from Youth Frontiers was astonishing. I was in awe the way they engaged the middle school students. The message that they send is one that we could all benefit from, “Be a catalyst for change”. They not only encourage our kids to accept people for who they are, resist following the crowd and act with moral courage despite their fears – they TEACH them through real-life example how to do that. How to act with moral courage. How to resist following the crowd and how accept people for who they are.

If any of you have had 8^th grade students that have attended Mini-Town, think of these Courage Retreats as “mini” Mini-Towns! These high-energy, day long Courage Retreats are ran by extremely well trained staff from Youth Frontiers (click here to be taken to the Youth Frontiers website) and supported by several amazing High School Students who are volunteering their time to help make a difference in the lives of these middle school students.

Two things to remember:

#1- ASK, ASK, ASK!!! Inquire about the Courage Retreats when your child comes home. Find out what they learned and talk about ways that you can support them in trying to be a catalyst for change. I would even suggest talking with your child before the event. Talk about what your child thinks will happen. How they think this message will be received by the students. I promise you they will be blown away by how many students want to make a change. These are amazing kids. They are strong and confident. They do have the ability to make a difference and once they realize that there are many, many others out there who think the same way they do, they will be even more empowered to stand for what is right.

#2 – Come prepared. Your child should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that they can move in. I would suggest tennis shoes. This isn’t a sit down and get lectured kind of event. Your child will be engaged the entire day!

The school is requesting a $10 donation from each student’s family to help cover the cost of the Courage Retreats. The Prevention Services Grant that was used in the past is no longer available. ALL children WILL participate regardless of donations. However, if you are able, please consider sending in the donation to your child’s teacher to help offset the costs. They are also asking for students to bring a sack lunch if possible. A sack lunch can also be purchased through the cafeteria.

ALL students MUST HAVE a SIGNED PERMISSION SLIP to participate. Students should have already received one from their teachers. More are available, just ask your child’s teacher.

All in all, the Courage Retreats are an unbelievable opportunity for our students. They will help set the tone of the school year and for years to come. This is something your child will not forget.

Thanks Pueblo for helping to make our children well rounded, well educated individuals! You’re the best!

-Tammy Schick, 2010-2011 Pueblo PTO President