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
Passages
Retreat
Introduction and Introductory Group Session
What's Inside:
Purpose: Passages is an overnight teen retreat experience based on the words of Saint Paul: “When I was a child, I thought like a child. When I became a man, I put aside my childish ways.”
The purpose of Passages is to challenge the candidates
Schedule
Friday
7:00 P.M. Team members meet
When we arrive at the camp we will “settle in” and then review the retreat in every aspect. Becoming familiar with the facility will enable us to select locations for discussion groups, talks, etc. We will also make up discussion group and rooming lists, review talks and discussion questions, and spend a little time getting to know one another in fellowship and prayer.
Saturday
8:00 A.M. Candidates will board buses and depart for camp.
8:30 A.M. Team meeting, final prep for arrival of candidates.
9:00 A.M. Candidates arrive. Team will e ready to greet candidates.
The candidates will be taken directly to the common area for the Welcoming Remarks and Rectors’ Rules Talk.
Welcoming Remarks
1. ______ will welcome everyone.
2. ______ will state the objectives of retreat.
3. ______ will introduce the Passages Team and turn the program over to the Rectors.
Rectors’ Rules Talk
The Rectors will
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 Passages an exciting experience is our attitude. Passages is a very intense retreat, unlike any you have probably participated in. While there will be plenty of time for fun, swimming, hiking, and so on, 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 Passages.
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 Passages, you experience any personal difficulties or problems with others, please let one of the team members know.
4. Lights will go out tonight at 12 Midnight sharp. It is important for us to get a good night’s sleep in order to be alert for Sunday’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 so on, 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.
At this point the rectors will announce rooming assignments. Team members will assist with taking the candidates to their respective sleeping areas, helping them get their things organized, and confiscating any snacks, radios, etc., that may have “slipped by.”
10:00 A.M. Candidates will reassemble.
Rectors will assign candidates to groups and introduce them to group leaders. As each group is formed, they will leave with their group leader to their designated meeting place for Expectations.
Introductory Group Session: Expectations
The purpose of this session is
1. to break the ice among candidates and leaders and
2. 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.
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.
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Department
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