The 2023-2024 Mentoring Retreat was a huge success! Each year, to welcome our “Bigs” into the Mentoring program, we host a retreat that emphasizes and teaches the importance of the YELLS values. “Bigs” are 9th-12th grade students who will be paired with one elementary schooler that they will mentor and assist with homework. They focused on building a sense of teamwork and bonding within our YELLS family, understanding the essential skills and various roles of an effective mentor/Big, and sharpening their relationship-building skills.
Upon arrival, each Big received a bag containing the tools necessary for their journey during the 24-hour retreat. Before entering our facility, each Big wrote down something they would be letting go of as they entered the retreat. Once they entered the main space, there were tons of games for them to engage with and each Big was encouraged to interact with at least one person they didn’t know.
To conclude the night, each member of the YELLS Family gathered for a candle ceremony. During our candle ceremony, each Big along with every staff member shared how they would let their light shine in our program during this upcoming school year. Our Executive Director started the ceremony by lighting the initial candle and passing it around to each member of the circle. The ceremony significantly impacted the Bigs because each member of the circle was reassured that they could rely on their peers for support in the areas where they still have room to grow. The ceremony also set the tone for collaboration, teamwork, and dependability throughout the school year.
On Saturday, in preparation for the school year, the Bigs did a role-playing session where they acted out different scenarios that they could encounter with their Little during their sessions. This activity taught the students how to respond and prepare for some of the things they could possibly experience with their little. At the end of the activity, each student was tasked with sharing a helpful tip for dealing with specific situations with their peers.
Saturday Afternoon, the Bigs were tasked with going out into the Franklin Gateway community and completing a scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt included things such as “introduce yourself to a member of the community, take a picture with a community member or in front of an apartment complex, and share information about the YELLS Mentoring Program with a member of the community. The Bigs also created “Little Jars of Sunshine” that included tiny inspirational messages and they were able to share those with the community as well.
Our Mentoring Retreat was a huge success! We’re so excited for to see our Bigs flourish as Mentors in our program and we can’t wait to see the fun activities they have planned.
