Into the Wilderness: 2024 Leadership Retreat Recap

FLY Leadership Retreats: A Transformational Experience for Youth

At FLY, we believe in the power of connection, growth, and new experiences to transform the lives of young people. Our Leadership Program Retreats, a tradition for over 20 years, provide youth with a unique opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors. Leadership Retreats are typically hosted in nature, and are an overnight experience. Youth participate in physically and mentally stimulating activities; they build confidence, trust, and resilience—all essential skills for their leadership journeys. In addition, they build community and have fun, playing sports, breaking bread together, and just hanging out! One youth shared: “Leadership Program helped me to be better person and have a future for myself, with FLY I was able to achieve those goals”  

A Deeply Impactful Experience Across the Bay Area

Each retreat, held across different counties, provided a unique and enriching experience for the youth involved. Here’s a glimpse into their journeys:

Santa Clara County (SCC)
Held at Happy Valley Campground, SCC’s two-day, overnight retreat brought 15 youth together for personal development and team-building exercises. Activities like a ropes course encouraged them to challenge themselves physically and mentally while fostering trust and camaraderie. Through goal-setting reflection sessions, youth gained clarity and motivation for their leadership paths.

Alameda County (AC)
Eleven youth and three Peer Mentors gathered at Alliance Redwoods to deepen connections, develop social awareness, and build a supportive community. Highlights included ziplining, a healing bonfire circle, and a SMART Goals workshop. Youth appreciated the opportunity to unplug from technology and engage in team-building exercises that fostered gratitude, cohesion, and empathy.

San Mateo & San Francisco Counties (SMC/SF)
At Nature Bridge Conference Center and Outward Bound Ropes Course, ten youth and three Peer Mentors took on thrilling challenges that built trust and encouraged vulnerability. Community-building exercises, charades, and a healing bonfire helped strengthen their bonds. Many youth reflected on the warmth and support of the FLY team and expressed eagerness to participate again.

Contra Costa County (CCC)
Six youth, three FLY alumni, and the CCC team gathered at Alliance Redwoods for an overnight retreat centered on outdoor adventure and FLY traditions. Activities like Rose and Release and Letter to Self provided meaningful moments of reflection. Youth shared how much they valued the safe and supportive environment, the strong sense of community, and the authentic connections with staff and peers/ 

Together, we are unlocking potential and advancing justice—one retreat at a time.