Back by popular demand! JVC Northwest is proud to bring you a third Former Volunteer Retreat September 13-15. The retreat will take place at Ghormley Meadow camp in Naches, WA, the same location as our first Former Volunteer Retreat last Fall. Read on to learn more about the specific details of the retreat.
One of the most common struggles we hear about from FJVs is how to better integrate the values they fostered and developed during their year of service with their lives after JVC Northwest. This retreat seeks to address that struggle, providing attendees the chance to reexamine the values and experiences of their service and how they fit into their lives today. Given that this challenge is faced by many former volunteers from other service organizations as well, the retreat is open to any young adult who has participated in a service immersion program. Spiritual director Jack Kennedy, who led last Fall’s retreat (with excellent reviews from participants), will also facilitate this retreat.
The past two retreats have included former volunteers from a whole host of service organizations, including JVC, Peace Corps, Mennonite Central Committee, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, AmeriCorps, Augustinian Volunteers, Farm of the Child, Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos, and the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. When asked what they appreciated about last Fall’s retreat, participants said:
“The chance to be with like-minded young adults and to be refreshed”,
“The community, the location”,
“Meeting new friends, relaxation/reflection time, Jack Kennedy”,
“I am grateful for the questions that were presented. I am grateful for the setting, the people, the honesty, and the chance to explore these questions without judgment and with acceptance”.
These represent only a few of the plethora of positive reviews from last Fall’s retreat, which was also held at Ghormley Meadow camp.
In terms of structure, participants are asked to arrive in the afternoon and early evening of Friday, September 13. That evening will be a time for introductions and a chance for retreatants to interact and get to know one another. Saturday will contain the bulk of the programming, with time for group and individual reflection, presentations and discussion with Jack Kennedy, recreational activities, and time for general interaction and relaxation. On Sunday the 15th, some final activities will take place and the retreat will conclude around noon. Snacks will be provided for Friday and meals will be provided Saturday and Sunday. Outreach and Events Coordinator Zach Reuter (outreach@jvcnorthwest.org) can help organize carpools and transportation for participants.
Due to a generous grant from Volunteers Exploring Vocation, the cost of the retreat is only $35. We do not want cost or travel to be an impediment so please do not hesitate to contact Zach with any questions you may have. As stated before, this retreat is open to all young adults who have taken part in a service immersion program, so please feel free to register regardless of your service organization, and share with other former volunteers who may be interested!
Directions to Ghormley Meadow camp
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact Outreach and Events Coordinator Zach Reuter at outreach@jvcnorthwest.org.
