Sleeping bag- check, bug spray- check, change of clothes- check, chapter staff- check, chapter introduction- check, notebook and pen- check. On September 5, approximately 200 college students packed a bag and headed to the 5th Annual College Mentors for Kids Staff Retreat in Bradford Woods, Ind.

This year, the retreat was themed, “College Mentors for Kids Goes Country.” Chapter leaders were encouraged to dress in boots, flannel, cowboy hats, belt buckles, etc…

The retreat began with chapter introductions. Our newest chapter, Valparaiso University, was the first to take the stage and presented a skit on the “birth of a new chapter,” while Butler University lit up the stage with a remake of Backstreet Boy’s “I Want it That Way.”

Throughout the weekend, chapter leaders took part in

Leadership Tracks and individual staff trainings in order to gain knowledge on the positions they would be holding during the academic year.

Chapters also participated in team building activities as well as chapter meetings in order to become acquainted with one another.

College Mentors for Kids was honored to have three guests be a part of a moving and energizing weekend. Liz Simmons led the group in team building activities. Former CE Kelly Frank came on behalf of Journey Fellows to share with all leaders on the importance of being the change you want to see in the world. Paul Sylvester, of ActionCoach Indiana, encouraged leaders to challenge their fears and to do things they have never done before.

The weekend concluded with a raffle of various donations from gift cards to an all-expenses paid appreciation day for the mentors of one chapter. Chapters went home with new activity ideas, toys for their stores, backpacks, and a box full of supplies for the year, generously donated by SGI.