Orthodox Church in America - The Hub for Youth and Young Adult Ministries

The Way Retreat
Introduction and Introductory Group Session

What's New:

6:00 PM Team members’ meeting

When team has arrived we will review every aspect of the retreat. We will 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.

7:45 PM Candidates will be taken to the common area for the Welcoming Remarks and Rectors’ Rules Talk.

1. The most important thing about making The Way an exciting experience is our attitude. The Way is a very intense retreat. 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 the retreat.

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 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 Saturday’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.

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.”

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.

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 pass out notebooks and ask that they be passed around for signing. After this is accomplished, ask the candidates to spend a few minutes reflecting on where they are in their relationship with God and with others at this point in their lives. Ask them to write a paragraph or two describing this. After all are done, the leader should begin by sharing his or her paragraph and asking others to do the same. DO NOT elaborate on these any further, and do not pry in any way. Thank each candidate for sharing what he or she did.

Let any other discussion flow freely. YOUR 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.