Youth Frontiers

MISSION MOMENT: Check out this touching story from one of our retreat facilitators about the world's tiniest rubber ducky and its impact at a recent middle school Courage Retreat: During lunch I approached two girls, Grace and Kiera who had found the last remaining empty table in a quiet corner of the room. I asked Grace about what flavor "Bubbl'r" she liked because that is my own daughter's beverage of choice. I then turned to Kiera, who was a little more quiet and asked about her Monster drink. This small conversation between the three of us lasted about 4-5 minutes and took us down a surprisingly deeper road. It was just one small opportunity to connect instead of taking a few bites of lunch. At the end of the day, when I was chatting with a few students, Kiera and Grace approached. Grace thanked me for the day and Kiera simply reached out her hand to drop something in my hand. At first glance I thought it was her gum. It was small, bright and yellow and thankfully was not slimy. I took a closer look and it was this tiny duck. I looked up at Kiera, but before I could speak her friend said, "You gave him a duck?" At that moment a few more of their friends walked up and Grace blurted out, "She gave him a duck!" The group of friends looked at me and looked at Kiera and said, "She never gives her ducks away." As I looked at Kiera, she just smiled and said, "This day was very meaningful for me." I asked her why. She leaned away from her friends, spoke quietly and said, "My Act of Courage is to be more confident because I have a lot more to give to the world." I asked her to name the duck and she named it, "Courage". Courage the Tiny Duck travels with me to every retreat now. It's another reminder to stop and take the time for others because we all have something to give and receive. Lesson learned: sometimes even the smallest of acts of connection can lead to big lasting impacts. #CourageRetreat #YouthFrontiers

Happy Pi Day! Just like π (pi) goes on forever, so does the ripple effect of living with character. At Youth Frontiers, we inspire students, educators and leaders to live and lead with respect, kindness and courage—because even the smallest act of character can multiply endlessly. #charactermatters #PiDay

Help us find the next great retreat facilitator! Do you know a?dynamic individual looking for meaningful work—someone who is a gifted communicator, performer or leader? Your recommendation could lead to a?life-changing role?for them and an even greater impact for the students we serve. At Youth Frontiers, we’ve seen firsthand how a single mentor, a powerful story or a well-timed moment of encouragement can change a young person’s life. This is what our?Retreat Facilitators and Musicians?do every day—create spaces where students feel seen, valued and inspired to lead with character. Please share, reach out to your networks and help us extend this search—your connections could lead us to the right person! If someone comes to mind or you'd like to learn more, send us a message. Help us find the next retreat facilitator or musician who will inspire character in students. Find more info and apply here: https://lnkd.in/ezVmqqv9

It’s a difficult time to be a leader. Really difficult. Geometry of a Leader (GOAL) offers a much-needed retreat for character-driven leaders to step back, connect and reflect on how to lead with their values, especially when it’s hard. In one morning, GOAL participants will learn practical ways to be present to the people they serve, humble enough to solicit the wisdom of others and courageous enough to follow the vision despite the cost. Participants will leave the retreat inspired and empowered to confidently pursue the call to lead — and to make our community better for all. Reserve your seat today!

Our donors are amazing! Not only do they support their communities by helping to fund student retreats, but they also show up and engage — joining students in a Courage Retreat fan-favorite game like Mongo Volleyball! A heartfelt thank you to each and every one of our donors for inspiring character and building community. Your generosity is creating a lasting impact for generations to come. #YouthFrontiers #CharacterMatters #CourageRetreat Jacob Esser

Deluxers recently participated in Youth Frontiers Young Women’s Character Academy Conference as volunteer leaders, helping inspire high school students from around the Twin Cities to learn more about the power of presence in our lives and in leadership. This immersive workshop had students and volunteers working together to learn and share experiences, leading to the creation of a personalized action step to help them be successful in their personal, school or work lives. #dlxproud #prescence

Had such a wonderful time as a volunteer lead for Youth Frontiers at their Young Women's Character Academy Conference! Alongside fellow Deluxers and other amazing women mentors, we got to work with some brilliant high school students to learn and share around the power of presence. It was such an inspiring, energizing morning, and I can't think of a better way to kickoff Women's History Month. #dlxproud #girlpower Debra Staiger Anna Brown Molly McKay Maddie Reckinger

Yesterday, 86 young women from 6 area high schools and 26 women mentors came together for the Young Women's Character Academy Conference on "Presence." It was a powerful morning of conversation, self-reflection and interaction. Thank you to Orono High School, Chaska High School, Chanhassen High School, Academy of Holy Angels, DeLaSalle High School and our host, Visitation School, for bringing together these rising leaders in honor of International Women's Day. May we all practice being present to those right in front of us.

MISSION MOMENT: At a recent retreat, we noticed a student wasn’t sitting with the rest of the group. Instead, he tried to hide himself under a table; maybe overwhelmed by the noise, maybe just needing some space from the large group. Our program facilitator, Cam, didn’t try to pull him out or tell him that’s what he shouldn’t be doing. Instead, Cam sat down under the table with him until the next activity began. Cam said, “I kept looking over to the table throughout the retreat, and eventually, the student was gone. And then I saw him — out and interacting with the group.” Cam’s quiet act of presence and support helped a student feel safe enough to rejoin and be a part of his class retreat. #BePresent #Presence #YouthFrontiers

Join fellow leaders at the Minneapolis Club on March 13th for a retreat led by Joe Cavanaugh '81. Elevate your leadership skills and network with like-minded individuals. Register now to secure your seat: https://bit.ly/3DbrQGe