2019/20:
THEMES offered for exploration by the young people, during ‘The Esker Experience’ :
We seek to touch on many of the following:
1st Year Themes-New beginnings:
Friendship, Bonding, Getting to know each other, Acceptance, Transition from Primary to secondary school, Continuing faith after Confirmation, Meditation and Prayer.
2nd Year –Values, Attitudes and beliefs:
Attitudes to self and others, Peer-identity, self-discovery, self-image, Bonding, exploring God in their lives, Bullying, Inclusion, Respect & Reverence, Values, What I believe, Meditation and prayer.
3rd year-Who am I?
Pressure of Junior Cert, Dreams/Fears, confidence, dealing with stress, Having a personal relationship with God, happiness, heroes, Prayer time, meditation.
TY/ 4th Year - Masks we wear
– Belonging, Acceptance,Communications, Choices, Transition to Senior Cycle, Relationships, and peer pressure, self-esteem, Prayer, Meditation, vocation, family, leadership.
5th Year-Relationships
Meaningful relationships, Right Choices/Decisions, Who is God, Healing, Forgiveness, Self-discovery, Respect/ReverenceMeditation prayer.
6th Year- Saying yes to life
Reflection on our past, present and future, Life as a journey, Stereotypes (Male/Female) , Change and Choice, Dealing with Stress, Moving On, Vocation, the Mystery/Wonder of God in all of life.
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The themes are explored through pottery, art, discussion groups, activity groups and guided self-discovery, self and group affirmations, focussed discussion, walking debate, brain-storming, power-points, games, ice-breakers, drama, singing.
Weather permitting we do a pilgrim walk that is a reflection on relationship to place(s), nature, people, our roots, finding God in everything.
All retreats begin with a prayer service and end with Mass or Para liturgy.
Retreat team is flexible and deals with young people’s issues as they arise.
Requests taken if a school wants a particular issue covered.