Learn more about our retreats
Can't find your question on this list? Feel free to reach out to us directly by requesting a 15-min parent connection call or email: contact@yourteenjourney.com
1. About the retreat & who it’s for? Who is this retreat designed for? This retreat is for teens and their parents or carers who want to strengthen connection, understanding, and communication in a supportive environment. Families attend at different stages of their journey — curiosity and openness are all that’s needed. What age range is it suitable for? The retreats are designed for varied ages to support the experience. We often deliver retreats for teens 13-15yrs and then teens 16+ and some retreats focus more towards emerging adults 17+. We tailor activities and groupings to be age-appropriate and respectful of developmental differences. Is this a therapy or clinical programme? No. This is not a therapy or treatment programme. The retreat is a relational, educational, and experiential space that supports reflection, connection, and shared understanding. What outcomes do families usually experience? Families often report improved communication, deeper mutual understanding, and a renewed sense of trust. Many leave feeling more connected, grounded, and equipped to support one another.
2. Consent, choice & autonomy (very important) What if I'm struggling to get my teen to come on a retreat, even if i think this could be great for us? We get it! We do not want any teen to arrive without genuine intention to connect. We recommendation a connection call/video moment to share more. This can be with the parent, teen or both. What if my teen changes their mind before we arrive? That’s completely okay. We respect teens’ autonomy and encourage open conversations. If plans change, we’ll support you to navigate next steps with care. Perhaps now is not the right time but another retreat later in the year may feel more possible. Is participation optional for different activities? Yes. Teens are always invited, never forced. Choice and consent are central to how we work, and alternatives are available when needed. How do you support teens who need space or quiet time? We honour each teen’s individual needs. Quiet spaces and downtime are built into the retreat, and facilitators are attentive to when someone needs rest or space. How are boundaries respected during the retreat? Clear boundaries are established and consistently upheld. Physical, emotional, and personal boundaries are respected at all times. We will connect with teens and parents before you arrive to learn about any specific needs you may wish to let us know about.
3. Parents, carers & family involvement What do parents/carers do while their teen is in sessions? Parents and carers have their own guided spaces for reflection, learning, and connection with others, as well as time to rest and recharge. Do i have to attend a retreat if i arrive with my teen? Yes, if you are attending a parent-teen specific retreat. No, if you are supporting your teen to attend a more teen-focused retreat. Our parent retreats are there to complement and balance, but you may also wish to create your own space during the 2 days and simply join your teen for evening connection time. You would need to simply use the chalet for overnight accommodation with your teen. Are parents present during activities? Some activities are shared, while others are designed separately for teens and parents. This balance allows for both independence and reconnection. Can siblings or other family members attend? Yes, this retreat would be suitable to bring up to 2 teens and their parent/carer. If you’re interested in bringing additional family members, please contact us to discuss options and accommodation. How do you support families before and after the retreat? We offer gentle preparation beforehand and optional follow-up resources or check-ins afterwards to help families integrate what they’ve experienced.
4. Group dynamics & attendance How many people attend the retreats? We deliver small retreats by design. Depending on the retreat, we limit parent-teens groups to 7. Each parent-teen will have their own quiet room and bathroom facilities. Can my teen attend with a friend? In most cases, teens attend independently to support personal growth. If attending with a friend feels important, we’re happy to talk this through. Can families attend together? Yes. Families attend as individual groups, while also being part of a wider, supportive group environment. What if my teen struggles in group settings? That’s very common. We keep groups small, create clear structure, and allow flexibility so teens can engage at their own pace. How do you ensure emotional and physical safety? Safety is a top priority. We maintain clear agreements, experienced facilitation, appropriate supervision, and a calm, supportive environment.
5. Preparation & communication What planning happens before the retreat? Before the retreat, we gather key information and offer guidance so families know what to expect and feel prepared. You'll receive a detailed schedule and opportunity to shape your retreat based on what you and your teen want to experience. How do you prepare teens emotionally for the retreat? Preparation focuses on reassurance, choice, and clarity. Teens are encouraged to bring questions, preferences, and boundaries. The journey begins before you arrive with us. How do I introduce the idea of a retreat to my teen? We recommend framing it as an invitation rather than a solution — a chance to connect, learn, and experience something new together. You can request teen-specific brochures for them to look over and direct them to our own website. We can also arrange calls with you and your teen to talk through any questions or concerns. What support is available if my teen is anxious beforehand? We’re available to talk through concerns and offer reassurance. Anxiety is normal, and we approach it with understanding and care.
6. Practicalities & logistics Where does the retreat take place? The retreat is held in a calm, nature-based setting chosen for privacy, comfort, and accessibility. Full details are shared in advance. How long is the retreat? The retreat runs for usually 2 nights, allowing time to settle in, engage meaningfully, and integrate experiences. What does a typical day look like? Days include a gentle balance of guided sessions, shared activities, rest time, and informal connection. What should we pack? We’ll provide a clear packing list beforehand, including comfortable clothing and any personal items that support wellbeing. What food and dietary needs can be accommodated? We aim to accommodate most dietary requirements. Please let us know your needs in advance. Breakfast is included in all our retreats and self-catering options allow for varied individual or group agreements about food, cooking and sharing mealtimes.
7. Safeguarding, ethics & responsibility What safeguarding measures are in place? Robust safeguarding policies guide all aspects of the retreat, including supervision, boundaries, and reporting procedures. We work with our own tour operator who insures our accommodation, activities & catering. Each journey guide also holds their own professional insurance and professional training standards in accordance to their responsibility and role. Who is responsible for my teen during the retreat? Responsibility is shared appropriately between parents/carers and the retreat team, with clear communication and supervision throughout. What professional standards do you work within? Facilitators work within recognised ethical frameworks relevant to their training and experience. How do you work alongside schools or professionals if needed? With consent, we can liaise with schools or professionals to support continuity and shared understanding.
8. Financial clarity & policies What is included in the cost? The cost covers accommodation, breakfast, facilitation, materials, and on-site support for the duration of the retreat. Are there any additional or hidden costs? No. Any optional extras or additional costs are clearly communicated in advance. What is the cancellation policy? Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair and transparent and is outlined clearly at the time of booking. We can offer a full refund if you or ourselves can fill your place with another parent/teen by the time the retreat takes place. What do i do if we need to leave the retreat or my teens wants to leave? We have a step-by-step plan for teens curious but cautious about joining us. We will talk this through with you. In these instances, we can honour partial refunds based on the retreat type and times of departure. Do you offer payment plans? Yes, payment plans may be available. Please contact us to discuss options. Early registration to our retreats will allow us to provide discounts.
9. After the retreat What support is available after the retreat? Families can access optional follow-up resources, reflections, or check-ins to support integration. We offer 1:1 coaching and mentoring to teens and parents. You don't have to attend a retreat to engage in our services but there could be lots of benefit in keeping in touch after a retreat. It depends on what support you or your teen already have in place. Feel free to ask us more about this. Will there be follow-up communication? Yes. We share reflections and next-step guidance after the retreat to help families continue the journey. How can families continue the work at home? We offer simple, practical suggestions that support ongoing communication and connection in everyday life. Can we attend future retreats? Absolutely. Many families return or attend additional retreats as their journey continues. Like any experience, it will be unique each time. The number of tailored options we provide offer choice to shape each experience with us. The retreat community will also change on each occasion so this always brings something new. In other ways, being familiar with the setting and having a previous experience to draw on can really help support some of us.