Daniel Lenton has written the following report on the recent Youff retreat:
From the 9th-11th September, those members of the ‘Youff’ group who are 16 or older attended a weekend retreat at Haven Caravan Site in Hastings. The purpose of the age restriction on this outing was to give us time away from, and to recognise, our positions as role models to the younger members of the group. Hence, the weekend was intended to be relaxing – and so we spent a great deal of time appreciating each other’s company, be it while swimming, playing mini-golf, or just messing around in the caravans.
However, we did have the task of being assigned particular members of the group and attempting to improve their self-esteem over the weekend. We each produced a commercial for the person, advertising the qualities that we most appreciated. In some cases this was indirect, for example, through a (very) low-budget recreation of ‘Ghostbusters’. While humorous, the effort put into these videos was clear and certainly appreciated as intended. It was also fantastically amusing to watch Gareth Pennington and Joe Scott jogging around the site, blinded by bed sheets.
Crucially, whether we were watching Teleshopping advertisements for commercial inspiration or popping water balloons in each other’s luggage, we were enjoying it as a group. This acted for many of us as a break from various sources of stress at home, and strengthened friendships between members who previously did not know each other so well. I think I speak on behalf of all who went when I say it was a wonderful weekend, and that we are all very thankful to Ruth for organising yet another successful retreat.
