Due to weather, we've moved indoors to the Warner Park Community Center

"Healing in the Outdoors"

Free Youth Empowerment Retreat

*Youth 12-18

Warner Park Tennis Courts

Saturday June 1st, 2024

2930 Sherman Ave

Madison, WI 53704

As we gear up for our "Healing in the Outdoors" workshop this Saturday, May 27th, at Warner Park, we wanted to share a few important instructions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable day for all involved:

Arrival Time: Please ensure your child arrives at the Tennis Courts in Warner Park by 10 AM. This will give them enough time to collect their supplies, snacks, and settle in before the workshop begins promptly at 11:00 AM.

Comfortable Footwear: It's going to be a day of exploration and adventure! We recommend that your child wears comfortable shoes suitable for walking on nature trails.

Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is essential, especially during outdoor activities. Please ensure your child brings a filled water bottle. We will have water refill stations available.

Sunblock & Bug Repellent: As we'll be spending the day outdoors, please apply sunblock and bug repellent on your child before arrival. We encourage them to bring these items with them for reapplication throughout the day.

Snacks: We will be providing nutritious snacks for the day. However, if your child has specific dietary requirements or preferences, feel free to pack additional snacks for them.

Lunch: A lunch will be provided at 12:00 PM, so no need to worry about packing lunch. We've got it covered!

Health & Safety: As always, your child's safety is our utmost priority. We will have first aid kits on-site and our staff are trained in first aid.

Speakers

Ajamou Butler Founder of Heal the Hood MKE

About Ajamou Butler:

With over 11 years in the field, Ajamou Butler has become an international expert in the academic and behavioral development of children of color and those from underprivileged backgrounds. His extensive experience includes roles as a statewide non-profit leader, a world traveler, and an author. Ajamou's unique teaching methods ensure audiences learn through laughter, utilizing spoken word, trauma-informed care practices, and community cultivation to leave attendees both informed and inspired. His accolades include numerous awards recognizing his contributions to social justice and community development.

Brooks Griffin Youth Motivational Speaker

About Brooks Griffin:

Brooks Griffin is an Inspirational Speaker & Youth Advocate that delivers empowering presentations, workshops and trainings on youth success, overcoming adversity and mental health awareness.

Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Brooks Griffin was faced with many toxic experiences such as having divorced parents, fighting depression & anxiety, and graduating high school by the skin of his teeth.

Brooks uses real experiences, learned lessons, and evidence-based approaches to motivate each group to experience their full significance & potential! He has delivered hundreds of presentations and has spoken to over 5,000 young leaders in 5 states through workshops, youth conferences, retreats, assemblies, and other student events.

Why Attend Healing in the Outdoors?

Did you know that 15% of youth (ages 12-17) reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode in the last year alone? Mental health crisis in youth is common, but yet we struggle to talk about it. So lets talk about it and how to interrupt it!

This event is focused in providing youth with coping, stress management, and communication skills to manage mental health trials. Youth will develop protective factors and receive tools to help them through challenging times. We recognize that not every family has access to mental health providers and that building strong protective factors in youth is more important now than ever.

Youth will have the opportunity to attend amazing workshops with incredible instructors and walk away with invaluable information.

This event was created in honor of one of Seein' is Believin's youth participants who unfortunately died this year by suicide. Every youth needs to know that it is "ok" to not be "ok" and that just like any other part of the body our brains can become sick too. Many times a young person may not even know that they are experiencing a mental health issue. Many times they just know something isn't right.

Schedule for the Day

10:00 AMWelcome with Prenicia Clifton

Prenicia Clifton will officially open the program with a warm welcome. She will introduce the day's schedule, set the tone for the event, and provide an inspiring start to the participants' journey.

10:15 AMHealing in the Outdoors with Ajamou Butler

Ajamou Butler will lead a session focused on the therapeutic benefits of nature. Participants will engage in outdoor activities designed to promote mental and emotional healing, while learning how to connect with and find solace in the natural environment. This session will include a 45-minute reflective walk, offering participants the opportunity to experience the calming effects of nature and reflect on their thoughts and feelings.

11:30 AMLunch Break

A well-deserved break for participants to relax and recharge. Free lunch and snacks will be provided, offering a variety of healthy and delicious options to enjoy.

12:00 PMTransformation Turn Up with Brooks Griffin

Brooks Griffin will host an energetic and motivational session aimed at personal transformation. Through dynamic activities and powerful storytelling, participants will be inspired to embrace change, set goals, and unlock their full potential.

1:30 PMSnack

A short break for participants to enjoy a quick snack and re-energize before the final sessions. A variety of healthy snacks will be available.

2:00 PMCenter of Gratitude and Closing

A reflective session where participants will practice gratitude exercises. This session is designed to help individuals recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of their lives, fostering a mindset of thankfulness and contentment. The day's events will be wrapped up with closing remarks, including a summary of key takeaways, acknowledgements of participants' efforts, and information on next steps or future events. Participants will leave feeling accomplished and motivated.