Kindness Retreat®
Grade 4 or 5
We empower kids to be “everyday heroes” by
using kindness to include others, to be respectful
and to make their school a better place.
See What One School Had to Say About The Kindness Retreat
Key Learning Objectives for the Retreat
Understand why and how to make kind choices.
Enhance empathy skills to understand how words and actions affect others.
Develop conflict-resolution strategies that can be used in response to unkind actions.
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
WELCOME
We welcome students with music and high-energy activities that break down social barriers. Our goal is to encourage students to take positive risks with one another.
GOALS
After building a sense of community, our staff shares the retreat’s goals. We encourage students to take a closer look at how they’re treating themselves and others at their school.
PRESENTATIONS
Our Program Staff share personal stories centered on the value of the retreat. With humor and heart, staff challenge students to make a difference in their lives and 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 get the chance to safely and publicly express how they will show more kindness to their teachers and classmates every day.
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
4th or 5th
(YF retreats are designed to work with only one grade level on each retreat.)
LENGTH OF RETREAT
5 hours
COST TO SCHOOLS
Pricing for the 2025-26 school year:
Twin Cities: $3,595
Midwest: $4,245 (MN, WI, IA, NE)
National: $3,595 + 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 Kindness Retreat
can help inspire character and build community in your school.