banditoloco

It's called Kairos, perhaps somebody has heard of it because it's nationwide. I go to a Catholic school, and this retreat was optional. I went because there's so much hype surrounding it. When you go, you're not allowed to say ANYTHING to anyone about it if they ask you. It's pretty ridiculous how bad it is really. Everyone who goes says they have such a great time, but they don't tell you a damn thing about what goes on. There's definitely some stuff that is best kept a surprise for future retreatants, but there does not need to be as much "mystery" surrounding it. Overall, most of the activities are nothing out of the ordinary as retreats go, but since it's a four day retreat, and is fairly well thought out, things can get powerful. You listen to people talk about their lives, and you talk about yours, and there are a couple surprises mixed in (and of course, they talk about Gawd and Jebus, but I pretty much ignore those parts). Anyhow, as well as a lot of hype surrounding this retreat, there is a lot of resentment, which is completely deserved. Students often go back to school after the retreat and will talk to others who went, and when somebody who did not attend tries to join in the conversation, they are told rather coldly to leave. A lot of personal things are said that do need to remain confidential, but people need to find a better time to talk about them. Also, those who have attended won't reveal the least bit of information about the retreat. They won't even say that it really is a pretty normal retreat, just very well thought out and very powerful. People take the whole secrecy thing far too seriously, and that really turns a lot of people off to the retreat.

Anyhow, now that I've vented about some of the BS surrounding it, I'll give my reaction. I was very skeptical when I went. I really just wanted to see what the big fuss was all about. Because of the popularity of the retreat, even among some fairly non-religious people, I didn't think there would be as much Gawd talk as there was. I got past that though, mainly by just ignoring certain parts of the retreat, and also because the main focus of the retreat was getting to know yourself and others, despite all the God talk. Overall, it was a great experience; everything it's cracked up to be. I resolved a lot of issues I have with my parents, and I feel great. I also got to know some people who I knew absolutely nothing about before. I told everyone I was an atheist, and nobody really gave me a hard time. That was a bit of a relief, but at the same time, I almost wanted somebody to get into a little debate with me. I guess I just wanted somebody to know a little more about why I'm an atheist. Instead they pretty much just accepted it without much question. It's ironic how that's both a relief and a disappointment. So I guess I had a pretty good time, especially considering it was a religious retreat.

Amie

I was a Kairos leader in HS and now as an adult I give Kairos talks when the school asks me to...
I think the parent letters are a good thing and I like that the students are taken away from their normal group of friends for more diversity. I liked the junk food.
I could not wait to sleep when I came home from Kairos...

fando

Oh boy, that brings back some memories. I never heard of Kairos, but I did go to some retreatish thing called the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, or RYLA. The usual stuff about building trust, being successful in life, overcoming barriers, miscellaneous workshops, but not much about dealing with personal hardships--it was more about community building. There was a dance, I met many people (few were interesting though), and even had a few interesting discussions on random topics.

I was urged to go by my teachers so that I'd gain something to put on my college resume, so I attended without much expectation or excitement. Although it was enjoyable, I hardly saw the benefit of it all and returned to being unsociable and individualist as before. Maybe the retreat would have been more interesting if religion had a prominent presence. (It was fairly secular.) There were lots of cute girls though... too bad I thought most of them were shallow. (The entire thing seemed shallow and without substance.)

Rusting Car Bumper

OK...

Tell us everything.

DC

Proxima Centauri

You were lucky with that retreat. Some retreats brainwash the people there. Retreats officially sponsored by American Public Schools or British State Schools may be less dangerous. I wouldn't go to any religious retreat.

Nikolai

All my friends have been trying get me to go to this Young Live retreat thingy, but I'm rather sceptical as I am really good friends with some people and just don't wana deal with having to fight off conversion attempts from them (some are fundies ) . And if I go without revealing my beliefs than I will feel like a hypocrate, in addition to everyone assuming I'm pretty religious from that point on.

Does going to a religious retreat help get in to college

fando

Nikolai, the retreat I went to wasn't religious by a long shot. There certainly were religious overtones, like prayer at dinner, but nothing brainwashing; It was cultural more than institutional.

I don't know if attending retreats improves your chances of getting into college, but I'd guess that going to kairos would do you good if you're trying to get into Brigham Young and the like. (Gosh, I hope not )

banditoloco

Like I said, most of the activities aren't that different from activities you might expect at other religious retreats. I guess since it's four days long, they have more time to do the activities not specifically pertaining to becoming closer to Gawd, which is definitely good, especially for me. Most of the time is taken up by speeches given by the student and adult leaders. They talk about things like leadership, obstacles, studying god (not one of my favorites), sacraments (also not a favorite), and I can't think of any of the other topics. Basically though, everyone just goes up and tells their life story, or one particular part of it, and makes it fit into the topic that they're supposed to be talking about. Then students have two opportunities to give their reaction to their favorite speech(es). You also get to talk with your small group about whatever you're going through at the time. I knew nothing about anyone in my small group before, but I really got to know a lot about them all. And of course there are the ubiquitous prayers, a mass, two communion services, and morning and night prayer services. Those were not fun, but I had a good time anyways. There are a couple surprises which I'll keep surprises on the off chance that anyone who might ever go is reading this.
That's definitely what a lot of people think about Kairos. I definitely think those assumptions are somewhat deserved, but still people shouldn't judge until they've been on the retreat. Maybe the retreats you're thinking of really do brainwash people, but I know Kairos doesn't.

Loki

NUDE MASS!!!

*ahem*

Sorry.

I guess the people from the D'troit area Catholic schools would understand that....

banditoloco

That's my favorite part of the retreat! Actually here in KC we like to joke about the nude bonfire. Like I said, even though people shouldn't judge the retreat until they've been on it, Kairos has it coming because people will always judge (and spread myths about naked bonfires).