For those who are new, here is some background: SAYF is a self directed program of 7th-12th grade teens centered around 6 retreat weekends held throughout the school year, plus a special retreat integrated into our yearly gathering (SAYMA) in June.
Most retreats begin on Friday night, end midday Sunday, and gather together teens associated with several regional Quaker meetings.
Teens from the host meeting plan their retreats around a theme oriented towards teaching Quaker principles, spirituality and equitable process. Retreats may include activities, service, workshops, and worship planned and led by teens and adults, as well as unstructured time to rest and socialize.
Young Friends are expected to participate in all planned activities unless excused for a specific reason.
We are a Quaker youth organization run by volunteers. Adult support is critical to SAYF. Most of our Friendly Adult Nurturers (FANs) started out as supportive parents. Parent and guardian participation is welcomed and encouraged within the intention to balance awareness of the activities of our Young Friends with their need to feel trusted and independent.
Throughout the retreat weekend, the goal of our adults is to model and encourage accountability through respect for the SAYF guidelines and community values.
It is ultimately up to the individual teen to act responsibly and strive to be a positive element in the community. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend our gatherings, when or before their child attends. To attend a SAYF retreat, please contact the Lead FAN for that retreat so we can best facilitate your presence and role at the retreat weekend. (Lead FANs for each retreat can be found on our retreat page under the calendar)
To Teens:
The SAYF guidelines, including our Covid-19 guidelines and community values are included under SAYF Guidance. Please be sure you and your parent or guardian have read and understand these before attending a retreat. If you feel that you may not be able and willing to uphold these guidelines, consider whether you should attend retreats at this time.
When you come to any retreat during the year, you will indicate by your presence that you are in agreement with the guidelines and will abide by them.
Young community members who are experiencing turmoil or extreme stress can still attend, but we request that you consult with the adult facilitators of that retreat or a Steering Committee clerk to allow for preparations.
To Adults:
If you feel that your child could be a physical danger to themselves or to others, then they should not attend at this time.
There will be times when retreats include off-site trips or activities where we are not able to maintain the same level of supervision as in a closed setting such as a Meetinghouse. If this concerns you, please contact that retreat’s Lead-FAN to discuss your situation.
Information about sleeping arrangements is included on the SAYF Guidelines page. You can find the calendar on the Retreats page. If you have any changes to your contact information please email to Autumn Woodward, SAYF Program Coordinator, at: awesomesayfers@gmail.com
We continually work to improve parent communications and your thoughtful participation in the conversation is always welcome. If questions or concerns about our program arise, we invite you to email the program coordinator, or fill out our feedback survey. Updated program information is available on an ongoing basis at awesomesayfers.org.
If you feel ready to come to a retreat,
here are the next steps
- Attend a local Friends meeting, if there is one near you, and connect with the teens or adults there who can tell you about SAYF
- Reach out to our program coordinator to get on the mailing list: awesomesayfers@gmail.com
- Read through the SAYF guidelines and talk to your adult about attending a retreat
- Check the Calendar for the next retreat and fill out the required forms – Retreats.