1. In your opinion, what is The Young Adult Retreat?

“It's home! It's where I gather with my like-minded friends to participate in workshops that enrich my life further. I liken it to a salmon going back to its birth spot to spawn and die-is that too graphic? In other words, a safe place to reveal myself to myself and others.”

“It’s a community of loving and understanding friends who actively and passively assist each other in growing into the people they want to become. It’s a place where you are loved unconditionally and are appreciated for who you are no matter what.”

2. What’s your favorite part of the Retreat?

“Experiencing that workshop that gets you SO good! The release you feel as you move into a space of enlightenment after that workshop and the closeness you experience with life as a result.”

“Well, I have to say that the first thing that comes to mind is seeing all of the friends that I don't get to see but once a year. These are the people you trust with your deepest secrets and sometimes they are the people that know you the best.  They keep you in check throughout the year by e-mail and phone, but it's so great to connect one-on-one in person.”

“The people! It’s so wonderful to have a group of peers who sincerely care about me and who I can express my affections to openly.”

3. What do you find most empowering about the Retreat?

“What it does for me after Retreat. That I have experienced things so profound that I actually come home, armed and ready to make positive changes in my life. I know I could have done that before the Retreat, truly, at any moment in my life but-it's a booster shot to the arse!”

“There's a heightened sense of awareness because I spend the weekend focusing on myself.  Not really thinking about all the million things going on in my life but rather choosing a few select things that I want to work on and I feel so rejuvenated at the end of it all (in spite of the severe lack of sleep and hot showers.)” 

“The Retreat has given me so much confidence by providing me with a space to be myself and be appreciated for all my qualities. It also gives me the chance to see just how much power I have and that I can change my life when I’m ready to.”

4. How has Retreat helped you grow?

“At the Retreat, you face your mirror, take stock of where you are in your life and the commit to changing that which you feel doesn't serve you anymore.”

“I have been attending [Religious Science] youth retreats since I was 13 and I honestly feel that I am the person I am today because of my experiences at camp.  When things get crazy in my life I sometimes think, "Maybe I need therapy," but then I remember that I am equipped with all of the knowledge I need to get through any situation that presents itself in my life and I deal with it accordingly.”

“I am more open to trying new things and don’t make assumptions about situations the way I used to. I’ve also learned that it’s not selfish to care about myself.”

“Young Adult Retreat was one of the first places that I felt safe enough to fully express myself.  Being surrounded by such loving, encouraging, and positive people gave me the opportunity to build my self confidence, fully loving myself and express my light in the world.”

5. How has Retreat impacted your day-to-day life?

“After years of Retreat therapy, it's just a part of how you deal with day to day conflicts and situations. With the ridiculous changes that you go through in young adulthood, THIS is the arena where your belief system is put to the test. The Retreat brings you back to your truth and gives you tools for the little aggravations that life can bring.”

“Over the years, the Retreat has helped me create a more positive perspective. It has taught me that something can be learned from any problem or challenge I face and that if I look for the “silver lining” my life will be more meaningful.”

6. Do you have a favorite Retreat experience?

“I really appreciate the hardcore, get in deep, workshops at young adult Retreat, where I come away from them thinking in a whole different way about situations that trouble me.  I always feel like I got my money's worth when I wake up the next morning with bags under my eyes cause I bawled my brains out the night before! :)”

“How can you choose just one favorite memory when you have four days of spiritual growth and absolute fun?  Between group singing, dancing, hiking, talking, cornbread telephone, talent show and cracking up with friends.  It’s impossible to narrow it down.”

“There was this one workshop at young adult Retreat that knocked me upside the head with a spiritual 2 X 4. For the first time in my whole life I felt connected to the universal energy we call God. I concluded that if I was really one with God, the self-hatred I had felt over the years was also being directed at everything in existence and that I had no business judging one part of God as lesser than another. It was an incredibly emotional experience.”

7. What do you like about the people? OR Tell me about the friendships you’ve formed at Retreat.

“The friends I've made at camp I've had for 15 plus years. I don't keep in touch with everyone of them but at some point in my life they have made a tremendous impact when I needed them. It's comforting to know I have that place I can go, not only to see the friends I've always had, but to meet the new ones as they come into their own. It's definitely a beautiful thing to see everyone grow up, before your eyes sometimes!”

“I am so happy to have re-united with my dear friend Christine "Bean" Pinto.  She and I were great friends throughout the youth retreat experience and when I went to my first young adult Retreat last year I was thrilled to find out she was there.  I think it is so amazing that a span of 10 years can go by and we are able to pick up right where we left off all those years ago!  That's what you get when you truly pour your heart out to someone... they are your friend for life!”

“There are friends who go to the Retreat that I’ve known since I was 13 years old and who are constant sources of love and wisdom in my life. However, no matter how many ‘old’ friends I have, I always connect with 1 or 2 new people who completely enrich my experience. It’s awesome how so many people from completely different backgrounds can come together and feel like they belong.”

8. What do you like about Camp Loma Mar?

“It's SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL! The camp is clean, the cabins are quaint, and there’s great nature exploring to do there!
“I love going to Camp Loma Mar for young adult because back in my day, summer youth retreat was held there. I have such fond memories of trekking and swimming and sunning and forgetting about anything but the beautiful day in front of me. My mom asked me after last YA retreat which camp we were at. I told her Camp Sierra and she said, "Oh, the one with the potholes?" She remembered because apparently I never stopped talking about it when I was younger!”
“It’s such an escape from suburban southern California. There are trees everywhere and lots of natural beauty to take in. Plus, the stillness and quiet of nature is so refreshing. One of my favorite things to do is go outside at night and just look up at all the stars.”

9. What would you tell someone who’s attending the Retreat for the first time?

“Hang on for the best ride of your life! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll meet the best people you could ever want to know and you love every single moment of it! And the food's not so bad either:)”

“I wish everyone in the world could go!  It doesn't matter what religion you are (or aren't).  All you need is an open mind and to know that you can change your life for the better.  You will meet life long friends, have life altering experiences and come away with a new lease on life!”

“This is a place to learn about yourself and gather tools to change your life. You’re going to meet friends you’ll have for a life time and make memories you’ll always hold in your heart.”

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