TEEN WELLNESS RETREAT
Saturday, September 28 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mountain View Community Center
Welcome!
Empower. Unwind. Thrive.
You're feeling the burn? School, clubs, and work are a total juggle, right? We get it. Self-care often takes a backseat. But don't worry – we ' ve got you covered!
On Saturday, Sept 28, join us for the Teen Wellness Retreat This isn't just any event; it's an event for teens by teens and a day of chill vibes, serious self-care, and discovering your awesome potential.
Get ready for workshops, destress activities, an inspiring speaker, and a whole lot of fun Plus, we ' ve got your taste buds covered with lunch and ice cream! This is your chance to hit the reset button and remember just how amazing you are.
Check out the event guide to learn more and secure your spot!
Event Schedule
Saturday, September 28
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Mountain View Community Center
9-9:30 a.m.
9:30-9:45 a.m.
9:45-10:30 a.m.
10:45 - 11:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30-1:20 p.m.
1:30-2:15 p.m.
2:15-2:30 p.m.
Check In and Opening Activities
Welcome and Mindfulness
Keynote Speaker
Workshop Session 1
Workshop Session 2
Lunch, Resource Fair, and Furry Friends
Workshop Session 3
Ice Cream, Raffle Prizes, Swag Bags, and Cold Plunge Tub
THANK YOU, Youth Advisory Committee Members!
The 4th annual Teen Wellness Retreat is set to be an even more impactful event this year thanks to the invaluable contributions of the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). These young leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping the retreat, ensuring it directly addresses the needs and interests of their peers.
The YAC has taken an active role in every stage of the planning process. Their fresh perspectives and lived experiences have been instrumental in creating a retreat that is both relevant and engaging. Additionally, the YAC has actively assisted staff in reaching out to local organizations, securing essential resources and support for the retreat. A highlight of this year ' s retreat will be the two workshops led entirely by YAC members. These young leaders have carefully crafted sessions designed to empower and inspire their peers!
Opening Activities
9-9:30 a.m.
Mindful LEGO® Minifigure Building
Build your own unique Teen Wellness Retreat LEGO® minifigure! This hands-on activity encourages mindfulness through the simple act of creation Choose your hair or hat, head, shirt design, and pant color!
Stacking Up Positivity
Write uplifting messages and affirmations on Jenga blocks, sharing words of support and kindness with fellow teens. Jenga pieces will be added to the swag bags you’ll receive at the end of the event!
Photo Booth
Strike a pose and capture the fun! We've got props, backdrops, and all the fun you can handle Photos will be available on The View Teen Center IG following the event
Keynote Speaker
Daniel Byun FLEX College Prep CEO
9:45-10:30 a.m.
Drawing on insights from Harvard University's groundbreaking "Making Caring Common" initiative, this session will equip teens with essential life skills for thriving in school, career, and personal life. Discover practical strategies to cultivate compassion, curiosity, gratitude, grit, a growth mindset, perspectivetaking, purpose, and self-control. Leave this workshop empowered to navigate challenges, build strong relationships, and achieve your full potential.
Lunchtime Activities
12:30-1:20 p.m.
Lunch
A healthy lunch will be served, free of charge. Attendees will receive a boxed lunch from Erik’s Deli Cafe. Healthy snacks and drinks will also be offered free of charge throughout the day
Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available! Please note all dietary restrictions during registration
Mental Health Resource Fair
Visit the Resource Fair to learn all about what it means to take care of your mental health There will be representatives from local organizations and outside services who can help answer any questions and provide resources and giveaways
Therapy Dogs
Pets, hugs, and cuddles from furry friends! Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy Services will be on-site with dogs who will help provide stress-relief
Choose your own adventure!
Workshop Sessions
Choose your own adventure during three different workshop sessions!
Workshops are interactive, educational, and fun and run for 45 minutes each. Topics include but are not limited to, mindfulness, stress management, fitness, and self-expression You may attend whichever workshops interest you and meet your mental health needs While each workshop is led by a different community organization, they all have one thing in common: creating a deeper understanding of how to achieve your very own wellness!
*Workshops subject to change Full descriptions available on the next few pages *
Workshop Session 1
BUILDING YOUR PERSONAL WELLNESS TOOLKIT
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Identifying Your Purpose
by FLEX College Prep
Join us for an exciting and interactive workshop that dives deep into the Eight Attributes of Harvard's Making Caring Common initiative compassion, curiosity, gratitude, grit, growthmindset, perspective-taking, purpose and selfcontrol Using a blend of engaging social media examples and user-generated content, we’ll bring each of these attributes to life, providing realworld contexts and allowing students to see their impact on both academic success and personal growth. Teens will explore their own personal goals and aspirations more deeply, helping them connect with their individual sense of purpose
Mental Wellness Skills
Led by the HAERT Program
Overwhelmed by all the things you should be doing for your mental health? Learn about the TABE-L strategy It can help you prioritize all the mental wellness advice Use TABE-L to focus your attention and get the best results. Play an interactive bingo game to develop personal mental wellness plans at the end!
Becoming the Best Versions of Ourselves
Join us for a relaxation session, conducted by volunteers from the Heartfulness Institute The relaxation techniques have been shown to have many benefits including reduced stress and anxiety, improved sleep, higher efficiency and increased well being
Meditation
This class provides a safe and supportive space for you to explore the art of meditation, cultivate mindfulness, and foster inner peace Through guided sessions, the class uses very simple relaxation, breathing, physical (poses), and meditation exercises to get into a quiet and balanced state of mind
Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness
by Stanford REACH Lab
Join Dr Bonnie Halpern-Felsher from Stanford's REACH Lab where she will provide information on the dangers of illegal fentanyl, impact on teens and adolescents, harm-reduction strategies, and educational resources available to educators, students, parents, and more
Led
Led by Juergen Hofler, Chakra Yoga Meditation Instructor
Led by the Heartfulness Institute
Led
Workshop Session 2
HABITS FOR HAPPINESS
11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Building Healthy Relationships to Social Media
Offering affirming, trauma-centered support for folks who use substances The training itself explains the history behind Naloxone, the war on drug users, education about drug classifications, what harm reduction encompasses, and what to do in the event of opioid poisoning We provide flyers walking you through the steps of how to administer NARCAN, the importance of having NARCAN at your workplace and on your person, and locations to get free NARCAN in Santa Clara County
Therapy and Wim Hof Method for Teens
Social media has shaped us in so many ways unimaginable, especially young people who become online at an early age The HOPE Coalition centers on our lived experiences, and with every issue, we imagine how we can design social media platforms to meet the needs of young people online In this workshop, we will unpack our relationship with social media and discuss issues that youth face on online platforms
Boards for a Happier You
by the City of Mountain View Youth Advisory Committee
This interactive workshop will guide teens in creating a visual representation of their goals, dreams, and aspirations By crafting a vision board, participants will learn to set intentions, cultivate positivity, and develop a roadmap for creating a fulfilling life Vision
This session will go over the history, science, and benefits of Cold Therapy, a practice involving cold exposure (ice baths, cold showers) which has many mental and physiological benefits! In addition, you will learn more about Wim Hof, the Iceman, who greatly promotes cold exposure and specific breathing methods that ease anxiety Learn useful methods and tools that you can use your wellness routine!
Join us for an interactive workshop focused on promoting self-care This workshop aims to explore Watercolor and its Psychosomatic symptoms means Come and delve into art therapy to help explore emotions, reduce stress, and boost your self-esteem and engage in discussions with licensed professionals from Pacific Clinics Agency
Teenled!
Led
Led by the Los Altos High School Cold Therapy Club Self-Care through Watercolor
Led by Pacific Clinics Agency
Led by Youth Leadership Institute
Harm Reduction 101
Led by the The Q Corner's Harm ReduQion Project
Workshop Session 3
SELF-CARE + EXPRESSION
1:30-2:15 p.m.
Chill Out Creations
Led by the City of Mountain View Youth Advisory Committee
Teenled!
Wellness in Nature
by Canopy
This workshop will teach teens about preserving and enhancing wildlife and trees in our urban environment Young voices will engage in discussions about the value and benefits of nature, and help envision a resilient and biodiverse ecosystem for Mountain View This is a great opportunity for teens to get involved and make meaningful contributions to their community
We're Not Really Strangers
Led by Youth Community Service Teenled!
This workshop is based on the card game “We’re Not Really Strangers,” where its purpose is to empower meaningful connections and deepen pre-existing ones Individuals will have the opportunity to connect with others on a deep, authentic level through three different levels of questions: perception, connection, and reflection
Unwind and recharge at this teen-led selfcare workshop! From soothing slime-making to colorful cupcake decorating, we'll provide a space for you to express yourself and practice mindfulness Discover the joy of crafting succulents and personalize your style with unique bracelet making Leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world!
The Art of Affirmations
Led by allcove Palo Alto
Join us in making affirmation bracelets and sharing your experience with self-care! Choose from 4 affirming word designs to make a bracelet for yourself or create one to be shared in the community
Self-Defense Skills
Led by Jon Keeling, Silicon Valley Karate
Explore ways to keep yourself safer! In this workshop, learn basic self-defense moves and techniques to increase your awareness and readiness, understand how to manage stress, build resilience, cope with challenging situations, and develop effective communication skills to navigate difficult conversations and stand up for yourself
Led
Closing Activites
2:15-2:30 p.m.
Ice Cream + Popsicles
After the final workshop session, enjoy frozen treats handed out by members of the Youth Advisory Committee Choose from eight different ice cream bars and popsicles Vegan treats available, too!
Cold Plunge Tub
Sponsored by the Los Altos High School Cold Therapy Club, take a plunge in cool water Cold plunges are known to boost energy levels and improve mood! Bring a towel and a swimsuit to change into if you would like to participate in this activity
Raffle Prizes
Swag Bags
Each teen will leave the event with a swag bag filled with mental health giveaways, goodies, stickers, healthy snacks, and items from our partners! You don't want to miss this
TEENWELLNESSRETREAT
Upon check-in, you will receive a raffle ticket for a variety of prizes! Enter to win one of four awesome prizes - Beat Headphones, a JBL Portable Speaker, a Polaroid Instant Camera, or a LEGO® set.
FAQ
What is the Teen Wellness Retreat?
The Teen Wellness Retreat is an annual city event providing 9th-12th grade students with an opportunity to learn, relax, and refresh Our goal is to provide you with a supportive and inclusive environment to learn valuable skills and engage in meaningful discussions about personal growth and self-care
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-care and being comfortable in your own skin
Tools that you can apply to school, sleep, relationships, and life in general!
Will I be able to choose the workshops I attend?
Yes! Choose your own adventure during three different workshop sessions You may attend whichever workshops interest you and meet your mental health needs
What topics will be covered in the sessions?
Topics include but are not limited to, mindfulness, stress management, fitness, and self-expression Workshops are led by community organizations and businesses
How do I register?
Registration is available at MountainView gov/TeenWellnessRetreat Register by Sept 25 at 11:59 p m We cannot accommodate day-of registrations
Who can attend?
This event is being offered by the City of Mountain View Only Mountain View and Los Altos teens in 9th-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 do I need to bring into the event?
Additional Information
For more information, please contact the Recreation Coordinator at 650903-6404 or email TheViewTeenCenter@mountainview.gov. We are happy to answer any questions you may have!
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 socio-economic status. Everyone’s opinions are to be respected, and we ask that you respect others’ differences
Thank You!
Our most sincere thank you to all of the speakers, organizations, and businesses who generously donated their time and talents to the event
