2022 Teen Wellness Retreat Event Guide

TEEN WELLNESS RETREAT Event Guide

Saturday, November 12 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Mountain View Community Center

WE

L C O M E!

Thank you for your interest in the City of Mountain View's Teen Wellness Retreat!

School, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs can keep us pretty busy, and more often than not, self-care tends to be pushed to the back burner. On Saturday, November 12, you'll engage in an event that will empower you to thrive in your everyday life.

This event guide includes information on the event, workshop options, and more.

Before registering for the event, please take the time to review this guide and read through the workshop options to choose the workshops that best fit your interests and needs. During your online registration, you will select your top workshop choices for each session.

The Teen Wellness Retreat is an all-inclusive, action-packed event featuring guest speakers, workshops, self-care activities, resources, and more, with a focus on healthy habits, creative expression, and identity and acceptance. Along with educational and self-care opportunities, the event includes lunch, treats from the Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck, and giveaways.

We would like to thank the community organizations and businesses that have volunteered their time and talents to make this event a success.

We hope you will join us for this event and connect with like-minded teens. It is our goal that you will leave the event inspired (and ready to inspire) with new and fun tools to navigate the crossroads of spirit, mind, and body!

REGISTER:

MountainView.gov/TeenWellnessRetreat

FA Qs What is the Teen Wellness Retreat?

How do I register?

The Teen Wellness Retreat is an annual city event providing 8th-12th grade students with an opportunity to learn, relax, and refresh. The event features guest speakers, workshops, self-care activities, resources, and more, with a focus on healthy habits, creative expression, and identity and acceptance.

Registration opens October 3. Register by November 9 at 11:59 p.m. at MountainView.gov/TeenWellnessRetreat. We cannot accommodate day-of registrations.

What will I learn?

During the event, you'll learn: How to unpack and unravel difficult emotions and relax when you’re in high-stress situations Methods to practice self-love and being comfortable in your own skin Tools that you can apply to school, sleep, relationships, and life in general!

Who can attend?

This event is being offered by the City of Mountain View.

Only Mountain View and Los Altos teens in 8th-12th grade may attend, as all activities are designed for this age range.

Do I have to the attend the entire event?

Yes, due to demand and to get the most out of the day, we require participants to be able to attend the event in it's entirety. Due to safety, there will be no come-and-go privileges.

What is the tentative schedule of the event?

9:45-10:15 a.m.

10:15-10:30 a.m.

10:30-11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m. -12 p.m.

12-1:15 p.m.

1:15-2 p.m.

2-2:45 p.m.

2:45-3 p.m.

Attendees Arrive Welcome and Icebreaker Guest Speaker Workshop Session 1 Lunch, Therapy Dogs, Mister Softy Ice Cream Truck, Stanford Children’s Health Teen Van & Resource Tables Workshop Session 2 Workshop Session 3 Raffles & Closing

Will I be able to choose my workshop session preferences?

Yes! There are 3 educational sessions during the event. Each session will have multiple workshops to choose from. You will indicate your workshop preferences on your online registration form. Register early for the best choice of workshops!

What topics will be covered in the sessions?

Session topics focus on healthy habits, creative expression, and identity and acceptance. Workshops examples include Mindfulness, Art Therapy, Positive Body Image, LGBTQ+ Support Group, Social Media and Mental Health, and more.

What do I need to bring into the event?

Just bring yourself and an open mind! Everything that you need will be provided.

Is it really free?

Yes! The event is free and all-inclusive. You'll be served a healthy lunch from SAJJ, have the chance to get an ice cream from the Mister Softee Truck, and we'll even send you home with a swag bag!

Anything else I should know?

We strive to create a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for all teens, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual preferences, gender identity, religious backgrounds, and socio-economic status. Everyone’s opinions are to be respected, and we ask that you respect others’ differences.

Who can I contact with any further questions?

Email us: TheViewTeenCenter@MountainView.gov

SC H

E D ULE

Saturday, November 12 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Mountain View Community Center 9:45-10:15 a.m.

10:15-10:30 a.m.

10:30-11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.

12-1:15 p.m.

Attendees Arrive Welcome and Icebreaker Guest Speaker Workshop Session 1 Lunch, Therapy Dogs, Mister Softy Ice Cream Truck, Stanford Children’s Health Teen Van & Resource Tables

1:15-2 p.m.

Workshop Session 2

2-2:45 p.m.

Workshop Session 3

2:45 p.m.

Raffles & Closing

*Schedule subject to change*

SPE A Juan K E R A c o st a Juan Acosta is a first-generation Mexican immigrant who grew up in Woodland, California. He began his advocacy work locally at the age of 13 and accumulated over 200+ community service hours by 15. At 21, Juan drafted a historic LGBTQ+ proclamation for his hometown of Woodland.

Juan has done work throughout the state of California, across the country, and around the world. He has served on various national committees and speaks at conferences and festivals, including United Nations Side Events and the first ever Youth Mental Health Action Forum White House event. Juan and the musical artist and actor Lady Gaga co-authored the New York Times bestselling book CHANNEL KINDNESS: Stories of Kindness and Community. He regularly collaborates with numerous organizations and brands. His work has been featured by Mashable, Oprah Magazine, DOSOMETHING, MTV, and more. He currently serves as one of the regional managers for the CalHOPE Warm Line.

WO

R KSH O PS

Cho ose y our own adventure!

Throughout the event, there are 3 "choose your own adventure" sessions. During your online registration, you will select your top workshop choices for each session. Each workshop has limited space and workshops will be assigned on a first registered, first served basis, meaning if you register early you are almost guaranteed your top choices! When you check in at the event, you will receive your workshop schedule.

*Workshops subject to change. Full descriptions available on the next few pages.*

Healthy Habits & How to Seek Help Time: 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Self-Care and Creative Expression Time: 1:15 - 2 p.m.

Identity & Acceptance Time: 2 - 2:45 p.m.

Healthy Habits & How to Seek Help Time: 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.

It’s Real: Teens and Mental Health Workshop provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention This workshop raises awareness about mental health issues, how to start a conversation about mental health, the importance of self-care, and how to reach out for help.

Powerful Steps to Crush Procrastination Workshop provided by the Feeling Good Institute

Healthy Relationships & Family Planning Workshop provided by Stanford Children's Health During this workshop, teens will have an opportunity to share their perspectives on healthy and unhealthy relationships with their peers and learn about family planning resources available to them.

Healthy Sleeping Habits to Hack Your Sleep

Do you procrastinate on homework, chores, or studying? Maybe you “just don’t feel like it” or tell yourself “I can do it tomorrow.” Maybe you feel you shouldn’t start if it’s not going to be perfect.

Learn powerful tools to build healthy habits and overcome procrastination. We will show you practical steps to boost motivation, break the task into realistic steps, and talk back to temptation.

Workshop provided by allcove

Learning to Thrive in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) World

Am I Anxious or Depressed? What Can I Do About It?

Workshop provided by El Camino Health

Workshop provided by PhD students at Palo Alto University

Our world today, especially in the post-pandemic era, seems to be getting more turbulent at a rate faster than we are able to become more resilient to keep up with it. We can increase our self-awareness and self-reflection, develop a growth-mindset and make meaningful connections which can help us navigate the world in a way that gives us more joy.

Come and explore ways to build life skills that will help us all feel equipped to take on the many challenges and opportunities that life brings our way.

Sleep is an essential part of our overall health and it involves a crucial portion of our daily lives. Join us to learn about ways to improve your sleeping habits, learn about things that often worsen and/or improve your sleep hygiene for overall better health and wellbeing.

This workshop will define depression and anxiety, and how these conditions are typically expressed in teenagers. We will be reviewing common misconceptions, associated stigmatization, and will present information that supports depression and anxiety symptoms as typical parts of teenage development. Attention will be given to identifying common environmental triggers, as well as introducing practical evidence-based coping strategies that have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in this population.

Healthy Habits How toExpression Seek Help Self-Care and & Creative Time: 11:15 a.m.

12 p.m.

Time: 1:15 - 2-p.m.

Mental Health Loteria!

Workshop provided by The View Teen Center In this workshop, teens will participate in a fun Loteria game. Participants will also design their own mental wellness-themed Loteria cards to convey what mental health means to them.

Discussing Self-Image and SelfImprovement Workshop provided by Youth Community Service This workshop helps youth build up the resources in themselves so they can transition to being happy and successful adults. The focus starts with the foundational element of self image, or how we see ourselves. Developing a strong and healthy selfimage has a positive effect on how we act and feel!

HIIT Workout Workshop provided by the YMCA - El Camino Join us for a fun way to tackle exercise! HighIntensity Interval Training workouts are quick intense bursts of exercise mixed with recovery, fun, and music. Come ready to sweat! Towels and water provided.

Art workshop: A Positive Message to Yourself Workshop provided by Allcove Create artwork on a positive message that you want to send to yourself! By taking the time to pause and speak compassion and affirmation to self, this workshop will demonstrate a self-care tool and the importance of taking time for oneself.

Tools to Reduce Stress Workshop provided by International Association for Human Values and SKY Schools In this fun and interactive session, you will learn techniques to help increase your self awareness and self management. Session will cover simple stretches to relax the body, breathing strategy to help handle negative emotions and strategy to improve your awareness, energy and focus.

Identity & Acceptance Time: 2 - 2:45 p.m.

How You Doing?: Exploring Connections

Understand Yo-Self Care

Workshop provided by Jon Keeling of Silicon Valley Karate, LLC

Workshop provided by the Youth Advisory Committee

In this session, teens will explore how and why connections are made between people. Want to make more friends? Deepen your friendships? Tell your parents what you REALLY think? Get along better with your siblings? This session will benefit introverts or for those extroverts who want to help others.

Self-care is an important part of wellness, but with so much going on, it can be easier said than done.

Join teen leaders in a curated room with various self-care activities including coloring, DIY stress balls, and face masks, as well as fun atmospheric touches including music, animal mediation videos, and more.

LGBTQ+ Support Group

Smash Your Stress

Workshop provided by The LGBTQ Youth Space

Workshop provided by The View Teen Center

The LGBTQ Youth Space outreach team will lead this workshop featuring LGBTQ+ speakers who will share their lived experiences, a panel to provide an interactive dialogue, and a Q&A about identity(ies).

Push your limits, boost confidence, break social norms, and express your emotions in this fun, cathartic session. Participants will self-reflect to identify what is stressing them out, what mental health struggles they’ve been having, or any trauma they’ve been working through. On a ceramic plate, teens will write down what they want to let go of, then smash the plate!

Lunch provided by:

LU N

C H!

A healthy lunch will be served, free of charge. During your online registration, you will have the opportunity to select which lunch option you would like. Vegan option available! Healthy snacks and drinks will also be offered free of charge throughout the day. *Please list any dietary restrictions during your online registration.*

VEGAN PROTEIN PLATE Falafel, turmeric rice sumac cauliflower, eggplant ragout, garbanzo beans, hummus, diced pickles, mix greens. Comes with a side of pita bread, tahini sauce, cilantro mint chutney, hot peri peri sauce, balsamic vinaigrette. (Vegan)

TRADITIONAL CHICKEN SHAWARMA WRAP

STEAK SHAWARMA RICE BOWL

Freshly wrapped & stuffed with Chicken Shawarma, garlic spread, tomato cucumber mix, mixed greens & diced pickles. Comes with a side of hummus & pita chips.

Your choice of protein on a base of turmeric rice, mixed greens, cabbage, diced pickles & tomato cucumber mix. Comes with a side of cilantro mint chutney & tahini sauce. (GF)

Lunchtime activities: Mental Health Resource Fair Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck Stanford Children’s Health Teen Van Therapy Dogs

AD IN D I T I L A O FO N R M A TI O N For more information, please contact the Recreation Coordinator at (650) 903-6404 or email Lauren.Eck@mountainview.gov. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!

REGISTER:

MountainView.gov/TeenWellnessRetreat

REMINDERS: What to Wear: Dress comfortably and ready to participate in any activities you choose.

What to bring: An open mind! Please leave distractors at home - take advantage of the opportunity to unplug!

Teens will formally check-in to the event and be expected to stay on site for the entirety of the event. Due to safety, there will be no come-and-go privileges. During the event, if you need to leave early for any reason, please speak to a staff member on-site.

We strive to create a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for all teens, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual preferences, gender identity, religious backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. Everyone’s opinions are to be respected, and we ask that you respect others’ differences.

SW

A G B A G!

Each teen will leave the event with a swag bag containing mental health giveaways, goodies, and items from our partners! You don't want to miss this.

and more!

TH

ANK

Y O U!

Our most sincere thank you to all of the speakers, organizations, and businesses who generously donated their time and talents to the event.

Additional thanks to: