• First Talk
• Second Talk
• Third Talk
• Fourth Talk and Conclusion

Once team has arrived, review every aspect of the retreat. Also make up discussion group and rooming lists, review talks and discussion questions, and spend a little time in fellowship and prayer.

Team members should be available to greet them. Pizza and refreshments will be available as they arrive. Please assist candidates in putting their belongings in the proper places as designated during the team meeting.

1. ______ will welcome everyone.

2. ______ will state the objectives of retreat.

3. ______ will introduce the Rectors.

1. welcome the candidates;

2. reinforce the objectives stated in the welcoming remarks; and

3. introduce the basic expectations and rules.

1. The most important thing about making Journey an exciting experience is our attitude. Journey is a very intense retreat, unlike any you have probably participated in. While there will be plenty of time for fun and informal activities, our main purpose for being here is to come closer to God, to ourselves, and to each other. Please put aside any negative ideas you may have and do not pre-judge Journey.

2. Please be respectful of others, their property, and their feelings at all times. Don’t judge others and be open to what they have to say.

3. If, at any time during Journey you experience any personal difficulties or problems with others, please let one of the rectors know.

4. When you are told to turn out the lights tonight, please do so. It is important for us to get a good night’s sleep in order to be alert for Friday’s activities.

5. If you brought snacks, they should be placed on the table in the_____ so that they can be shared by everyone. (Pause for a few moments while snacks are placed on table.) If you have radios, tape players, and soon, please turn them in. They will be given back to you at the end of the retreat.

6. After meals we expect everyone to help clean up. We also ask that you not litter.

7. Once again, be open to others and the things that will be happening during the next two days. If you have a positive attitude, we’ll all have a great time.

The purpose of this session is

• to break the ice among candidates and leaders and
• to serve as an introduction to the theme.

  The leader should begin by stating his or her name and offering some information about himself/herself. Ask each candidate to do the same.

  The leader should then ask the following questions of his group members. The leader may also respond to each question, but he/she should not necessarily answer first.

• How did you feel when you arrived here this evening? (Scared, mad, excited, confused, happy, etc.) Why?
• Why did you come on Journey?
• What do you hope to experience or learn during Journey? (Some may say that they aren’t exactly sure, especially since they have no real idea of what Journey is all about.)
• Since Christmas is in the forefront of everyone’s mind at this point, ask each candidate to tell the group what their favorite was. Who gave it to them? Why was the gift so important? Any other “holiday” talk would help to break the ice.

  The leader should reinforce the importance of remaining open and should say something positive about remaining open to others and new situations from his/her own past experience.

  After these questions, pass out notebooks. Ask candidates to write their names in their notebooks and to pass them around to have others sign

  Let any other discussion flow freely. A leader’s personal enthusiasm is important. It sets the tone for the group. If a leader appears bored or disinterested, this will affect his/her group. If he/she is not real attentive to others when they speak, others will not be attentive. A group generally reflects the attitudes of its leader, so be open, up-front, and positive.

  NOTE: Please be sensitive to the fact that the candidates are of varying ages and backgrounds. Many will not know the others in their groups. Do everything you can to create an open, caring, and relaxed atmosphere in which the candidates will feel comfortable and open up.

		Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry Orthodox Church in America PO Box 675 Syosset, NY 11791 http://yya.oca.org yyacm@oca.org The Hub | Back to top