Read your Prep Pack thoroughly. This webpage is a great overview of the steps you need to take to prepare for your retreat, but your Prep Pack is chock-full of need-to-know information and details beyond what is listed here. Explore funding options. We understand the challenges of working within your school budget. If you’re coming up short of funds for your retreat, check out these helpful funding resources and ideas. Book a facility. Though we strongly recommend you select an off-campus location for your retreat, doing so is optional. Retreats at a neutral location are more effective and free from distractions. Schools typically reserve a space at a nearby community center, religious center, banquet center, hotel conference room or similar type of facility. Fill out your Priority One (P1) Form. This form tells us everything we need to know to prepare for your retreat. Fill it out now! Please note that you cannot save your progress; you must complete the form in one session.

Recruit small-group leaders. Small-group leaders establish the energy and tone of the retreat and have a major influence on its success. Students will meet in pre-assigned small groups for discussion three times during the retreat. Each discussion is facilitated by a small-group leader and allows students to talk about the messages of the day. We ask that small-group leaders arrive at the retreat ready to be present, engaged and committed to helping make the day a positive, meaningful experience for all. Small-group leaders may be local community members, parents or high school students in the 11th grade or above. Successful high school leaders are positive role models and demonstrate leadership potential in and/or outside of the classroom. We suggest reaching out to high school teachers, counselors and coaches for leader recommendations and sharing the opportunity with your local high school’s student leadership and volunteer groups (e.g. Student Council, Link Crew, Key Club, etc.). There should be a gender balance and the diversity of the leaders should be similar to that of the students. One Heart One Fire recommends one leader for every six students. There should be no more than eight students per leader. Our Programs Staff reserve the right, per our contract, to shorten or reschedule a retreat if there are not enough leaders/chaperones present. Here’s a helpful handout to give to potential small-group leaders and a promotional poster to put around your local high school. Ensure you’ve submitted your Priority One (P1) Form. Fill it out now! Our Programs Client Relations Coordinator will reach out to you at this time if we have not yet received your P1.

Talk with our Programs Client Relations Coordinator. Our coordinator will contact you to confirm your retreat details and answer any questions you may have to ensure that your retreat is as successful as it can be.

Inform school staff about the retreat. We offer a sample memo to tell school staff about your upcoming retreat. Inform parents about the retreat. We offer a sample letter to tell parents and caregivers about your upcoming retreat. Download our English version, Hmong version, Somali version or Spanish version. You can also show them our Respect Retreat video.

Chat with your Lead Retreat Facilitator. Our retreat facilitator will contact you to introduce themselves, make sure everything is ready for your retreat and that you’re feeling good about the experience. Get excited! You’ve worked hard to make this retreat happen, and you are just a few days away from being a part of a great experience for your students.