Kansas City Welcomes Youth Wellness Retreat
This weekend, Kansas City witnessed something truly inspiring as Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. organized an uplifting event—the “Youth Right to Life Wellness Retreat and Revival Weekend.” Held at the picturesque Country Club Plaza, this retreat offered middle school and high school students a unique opportunity to enhance their mental, emotional, and physical health through expert-led, interactive workshops.
An Ongoing Commitment to Youth Development
Janay Reliford, the founder of Camp C.H.O.I.C.E., has dedicated the last 13 years to creating positive experiences for young people in the community. “I do these experiences to educate young people on things about life that they probably think they have a clue about, but they really don’t,” she described. Janay’s commitment shines through as she strives to help kids navigate tough situations while fostering positive relationships.
Throughout the weekend, participants dove into a variety of crucial topics, focusing on resilience, self-care, and community spirit. Activities took place both in a comfortable hotel setting and in the vibrant surroundings of Mill Creek Park, where participants engaged in teamwork and communication exercises while exploring subjects such as violence prevention, financial literacy, and the importance of education.
A Collaborative Effort
This year’s event received generous support from the Kansas City Health Department, alongside several local agencies eager to contribute. The timing couldn’t be more appropriate, coinciding with National Crime Prevention Month. Janay emphasized the urgency of their mission, particularly given the sobering statistics for Kansas City youth in 2024: already, there have been 13 homicide victims under the age of 17, with 14 young individuals under investigation for homicide.
“Thirteen is 13 too many,” Janay lamented. “We want to be helping them to understand that there are things they can do to impact their environment.” Encouraging young people to recognize their power and influence is a vital part of the retreat’s philosophy.
Participants Share Their Experiences
One of the active participants, Markeese Maiden, shared valuable insights from the weekend. “There are some scenarios or people out there that will try to project that image onto you or try to make you seem something that you’re not,” he noted. “But you always have to stay true to yourself.” His words carry the weight of the challenge many young people face today.
The retreat at the Hilton Hotel proved to be a transformational experience for attendees. After a much-needed de-stressing session in the park, they had the opportunity to explore the plaza, learning the importance of mindfulness and grounding techniques. As they walked barefoot on the grass, they chanted their aspirations together, nurturing their inner strength and sense of connection.
Building Community and Purpose
Ameer Abdul-Rahman, a youth mentor and talented photographer, spoke about the pivotal role Camp C.H.O.I.C.E. plays in shaping the lives of young people. He emphasized that helping kids find their purpose can lead to transforming their futures. “People are opening up more about things they need to work on because here we’re in a community where everyone’s looking to help each other,” Ameer explained. “Everyone actually cares for each other and wants to see each other succeed.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As the weekend concluded, a spirit of friendship and camaraderie enveloped the retreat participants. They left with newfound knowledge, skills, and a stronger belief in themselves and each other. It’s clear that initiatives like the Youth Right to Life Wellness Retreat are a beacon of hope for Kansas City’s youth, guiding them towards a brighter future filled with possibilities.
