GEAR UP FOR HIGH SCHOOL
YMCA Youth Trust is a unique and unforgettable development opportunity for local eighth graders. It is a FREE four (4) day leadership retreat at YMCA Camp Ocoee! Join students from over 20 Chattanooga and North Georgia middle schools, both public and private, to participate in numerous activities and events. Students will learn leadership and responsibility through challenge initiatives, small group discussions and presentations from local Chattanooga leaders.
Youth Trust alumni, – now high school students – will lead participants in small peer groups called Houses on retreat activities, discussions and more.
2025 FALL RETREAT
WHEN: October 24 - 27
WHERE: YMCA Camp Ocoee
COST: FREE
Topics that will be covered during the retreat include:
- Teamwork
- Peer pressure
- Conflict resolution
- Respect
- Making positive decisions
- Diversity
- Self-motivation
The goal of the retreat is to bring the group together, break down barriers, have open discussions on community issues, help the group define the “community” in which they live, develop ways for the students to get involved in each others’ lives, and to have fun. The retreat is highly structured with talks by community leaders from both the private and public sector. Training sessions on leadership and community involvement will be conducted plus a great deal of group fun and challenging opportunities, such as Camp Ocoee’s Zip Wire and Climbing Tower.
School staff can nominate 4 eighth-grade students (two boys and two girls) per school.
Questions? Contact Youth Program Coordinator Erin Smith
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