JYM Retreats Schedule 2011 - 2012 Program Year

September 16-18, 2011 at Woolman Hill Retreat Center

Theme:  “Giving Time, Time”  retreat will explore how we, people at every stage of life, choose to respond to life’s demands and the daily busyness we find ourselves within. How can we approach time and use time in ways that add to our sense of enjoyment and fullness of heart and Spirit? Where are the traps and areas where we could do things differently? The idea of using Giving Time, Time, as a retreat theme comes from the recovery term of the same name, and from a recording by Eric Bibb, called “Needed Time.” Signup for the first retreat of the year begins on August 20th.

November 18-20, 2011, at Westport Friends Meeting

Theme:  "Kindness and Love"  “You can’t have one without the other,” said the late, great, Odetta. At this retreat we will explore why kindness and love, when expressed and lived into hand-in-hand, become an unstoppable force for good in the world. This theme was inspired by the song, ‘Taint Such a Much,’ a duet by Eric Bibb and Odetta. William Penn and John Woolman touch upon kindness and love in their writings, too!   Signup begins October 15^th.

January 27-29, 2012 at Wellesley Friends Meeting

Theme:  “Umption In My Gumption!” * Well, as most children who attend our retreats already know, this theme comes from the song, “Give Me Oil In My Lamp,” with each line a petition and prayer about seeking truth, joy and sharing, with each topic directly rooted in Scripture. And that’s just what we’ll explore at this retreat! This is also our annual Sculpey Retreat, and once again we’re grateful that Gretchen Baker-Smith will lead this particular and ever popular activity!  Sign-up begins December 20^th.

March 2-4, 2012 at Westport Friends Meeting

Theme: “Bodyworks”
(This retreat sponsored jointly by JYM and JHYM Retreats. Gretchen Baker-Smith, co-leader.) Our annual retreat for 6th graders only! A smaller transition retreat designed just for 6th graders with special games, foods and discussions. Our “Bodyworks” small group workshop will tenderly and playfully explore what’s going on with changing bodies and emotions and how to keep these precious gifts from God, safe. Sign-up is open anytime for this special retreat. Parents are especially encouraged to speak with Kevin and/or Gretchen in advance to obtain additional special info regarding this retreat.

May 11-13, 2012 at Woolman Hill

Theme:  "How to Spot a Quaker!" Oh, this will be fun! At this retreat we will explore how being a Quaker is both like, and especially unlike persons within other faith traditions. And we will also have some fun at our own expense, too, identifying the many ways that Quakers really are, “A Peculiar People.” Watch out, NEYM, we just might make a list!  Signup begins April 15th, right after you mail out your taxes!

Staff with us! If you would like to explore what’s involved with staffing JYM Retreats, please visit us online, or speak with Kevin. For additional info about our program and to sign your child up for a retreat, please visit us online. Thanks!