Weekend Retreats Offered for Youth Dealing With Stress

Suicide Prevention Resource Centre is inviting youth struggling with stress, emotions, or self esteem to take part in one of their Breakfast Club weekend retreats.

The retreats, which are for youth aged 13 to 17, take place at Bear Creek Bible Camp, with the next one scheduled for December 8-10.
 
Executive Director Gladys Blackmore says as many as 18 teens can attend the event.
 
“It helps them learn a little bit more about how to manage stress and conflict, how to deal with emotional or self-esteem issues, and an inability to cope.  It is for youth that are maybe making some poor decisions or engaging in risky behaviour.  Or they might just simply be a little insecure.”
 
Applicants, who can either sign up themselves or be referred by an adult, go through a brief interview process before they agree to attend the retreat. 
 
Blackmore says the weekend begins with a viewing of the movie “The Breakfast Club” on the Friday night, then continues with a number of activities throughout the weekend.
 
“They might have an activity that focuses around your inner self and your outer self, and the image that we project to the world is different from the one that is inside of us.  Or they might do some activities around understanding grief and processing grief.  They might talk about the idea of toxic friendships and healthy friendships and how to determine which one is which.”
 
This year is the 25th anniversary of the Breakfast Club Youth Program, and Blackmore says hundreds of youth have taken part in past retreats.

Information and registration details is available by calling the SPRC office at 780-539-7142, or going online to www.sp-rc.ca.

Future retreats are also scheduled for early February, and late March and April.