Courage Retreat®
Grade 7 or 8
We empower kids to be themselves and take
positive risks that make a healthy difference
for themselves, their peers and their school.
See what one school had to say about the Courage Retreat
Key Learning Objectives for the Retreat
Identify personal fears and understand that everyone has them.
Commit to acting with courage to make your school a better place.
Deepen relationships with classmates to break down social barriers.
WHAT TO EXPECT
OUR CONTENT
Youth Frontiers programs are designed to define, explain and inspire key character traits like kindness, courage and respect. Our content is scripted and consistent in delivery from client to client. To make our programs accessible and inviting to all clients, our messaging intentionally avoids topics such as political, social and religious content. When on retreat, staff are expected to communicate the program’s message and refrain from expressing personal beliefs and opinions. Any personal stories staff share to illustrate our character-based content have been vetted and edited as necessary to resonate and connect with our mission.
OUR FACILITATORS
Our programs staff come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, bringing their strong storytelling, musical performance and facilitation skills to our dynamic programs. Staff are vetted through a multi-step hiring process, undergo annual background checks and participate in ongoing observation, coaching, and training and development opportunities. These efforts are to ensure that we employ facilitators who deliver our message of character, consistently provide high quality programs, and ultimately have a positive impact on everyone they engage with through our retreats.
RETREAT AGENDA
HIGH-ENERGY
With loud music, high-energy facilitators and student leaders, we encourage kids to play, laugh and connect with one another.
ACTIVITIES
Community-building activities designed to break down social barriers help foster stronger relationships among students.
PRESENTATION
Our Program Staff share personal stories centered on the value of the day. With humor and heart, they challenge kids to make a difference in their school.
SMALL GROUPS
Throughout the day, students meet in small groups, facilitated by high school or adult leaders, to process what they are learning and experiencing.
SHARING
At the end of the retreat, students have a chance to stand up and commit to how they will live out the value of courage in their school community.
FOLLOW-UP
After the retreat, our follow-up videos, student evaluations (online only), classroom materials and posters help extend the impact of the retreat. View follow-up materials.
THE DETAILS
GRADES
7th or 8th
(YF retreats are designed to work with only one grade level on each retreat.)
LENGTH OF RETREAT
5 to 5.5 hours
COST TO SCHOOLS
Pricing for the 2025-26 school year:
Twin Cities: $3,745
Midwest: $4,145 (MN, WI, IA, NE)
National: $3,745 + travel costs
Flexible pricing options are available for smaller schools (classes with fewer than 40 students). Call us at 952.922.0222 for more information.
WAYS TO FUND IT
Learn about grants and fundraising ideas to help you pay for a retreat.
PREPARE FOR YOUR RETREAT
PREP PACK
A helpful checklist and guide for getting the most out of your retreat.
PRIORITY ONE (P1) FORM
This form tells us everything we need to know to prepare for your retreat.
SAMPLE MEMO TO STAFF
We offer a sample memo to tell school staff about your upcoming retreat.
LETTER TO CAREGIVERS
We offer a sample letter to tell parents and caregivers about your upcoming retreat.
We would love to talk to you about how the Courage Retreat
can help inspire character and build community in your school.