Retreats – Southern Appalachian Young Friends

What to expect at a SAYF Retreat

Weekend retreats last from Friday evening through Sunday morning. Teens travel from their home meeting to the SAYF retreat with Friendly Adult Drivers [FADs]

Friday night after everyone has arrived there is a guidelines circle where local Meeting rules are explained and the sleeping guidelines are shared.

Saturday morning all teens and Friendly Adult Nurturers (FANs) participate in Opening Circle where SAYF guidelines are reviewed and a query is shared. Each member of the community is invited to share their thoughts about the query.

Saturday activities may include games, service projects, special workshops on a theme, guest speakers, talent shows, arts & crafts and free time.

Sunday morning young Friends and FANs reflection on the retreat in worship journals. offer feedback with “Kevin,” attend the local Meeting for Worship for thanks and introductions, and have a closing circle to read epistles.

All meal preparation and clean up is done by young Friends with FAN support.

New SAYFers

Retreat Forms & Information

SAYF Retreat Medical Release Form (Required once a year with updates as needed.)
Retreat Registration – (Required for each retreat)
- March Retreat Registration Form
Photo Permission Form (Required once a year)
Retreat Fee: $40/teen/retreat, $100/family/retreat (3 or more teens)
- Payment via PayPal or Credit/Debit Card can be made at the “Donate” link below.
Addresses – SAYF Friends Meetings

SAYF Guidelines

SAYF Community Guidelines
SAYF Sleeping Guidelines
SAYF Sleeping Arrangements
SAYF Transgender Policy
Kevin (Feedback) Guidelines
Epistle Writing Information (guidance)
Guidelines for Night Shepherds
SAYF Nurturer Guidelins

Current Parent Letter

Retreat Calendar

August 16-18 Nurturer & Steering Committee Retreat

Swannanoa Friends Meeting, Black Mountain, NC

Lead FAN: Chris de Beer

September 20-22 SAYF Retreat

Atlanta Friends Meeting, Atlanta, GA

Lead FAN: Asa Kramer-Dickie/

October 18-20 SAYF Retreat

Berea Friends Meeting, Berea, KY

Lead FAN: Beth Myers

November 15-17 SAYF Retreat

Durham Friends Meeting, Durham, NC

Lead FAN: Jennifer Killen

Dear Friends,

Please use this registration link to register for the upcoming SAYF retreat November 15-17.

Durham has kindly offered to host the November retreat! The Lead FAN for the retreat is Jennifer Killen (Jenkillen2@gmail.com).

Please plan to bring the things you usually bring to a SAYF retreat.

Online Registration Process:

Fill out the registration form (linked above) and press submit
Please note SAYF’s PayPal link at the top of the registration form to pay your retreat fees – please write your young friends’ name(s) in the comments section of the PayPal payment.
Get in touch with the FAN from your home meeting with any questions about transportation and logistics.

Med Forms

All SAYFers: Please use the NEW medical form linked at the top of this page in the Retreat Forms and Information column. These need to be printed, filled out and signed by parents, and accompany SAYFers in hard copy to the retreat (even if you filled one out in June or August). If you filled it out in September or October you’re all set for the retreat year. 🙂

Photo Release

Please fill out SAYF’s 2024-2025 photo release form.

September SAYF Checklist