Subscribe to the NetworkPreparing Volunteers for a Retreat
Enjoyed this post from The Middle Ground about preparing volunteers for a retreat. I think i’ll adapt it to our setting next time we go on one. Good stuff, here’s a clip:
Be prepared to stay up late Friday night. They have been waiting for this for months. They will be eating extra sugar, drinking extra caffeine, and set to sit still on a bus for 2.5 hours. They will be up late.
- Encourage/challenge the extra energetic to more energetic activities (also encourage showers afterward).
- Try to avoid all-nighters, though this is quite the badge of honor for Jr. Highers.
Take advantage of one-on-ones. Walk to/from session. 2-player games. Opportunities to talk to your small group students will present themselves, especially if you are looking for them. Make the most of these times to follow up on previous issues, comments the speakers made, a noticed poor/great attitude, and lots of encouragement/compliments.
Expect more openness. Students tend to open up more when they are away from home. You need to expect it and look for it.
JG
