UR Retreat

To say that this year’s UR Retreat was anything short, but life changing would be a gross understatement. This was not only my first retreat as a leader, but my first UR Retreat in general and I’m so honored to have been a part of it. From the preparation, to watching 50 anxious young women enter the bus on day one, to the singing, hugging not wanting to leave phenomenal young women that I saw leave the bus on day 4, it was surreal. I don’t think anything I can say will quite capture the shift that has occurred in not only the young women participating, but for the leaders alike, you’ll just have to come and see it for yourself. I can’t deny there were some challenges as to be expected, from tears and breakdowns, trying to wake 50 sleepy heads, to a million and one band aids; but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am but one person, but I am now one of the pillars that form a bridge to weather the storm for the girls to cross safely while they watch the water flow under. My life has been changed and for that, I am eternally grateful.

On the first day, I honestly didn’t think 4 days could do anything. But it did so much. I’ve been quietly struggling for quite a while now and I didn’t think I’d be able to open up about it or get any help, the girls at Bridge Builders proved me wrong. The camp helped me meet so many new friends (which has been quite hard for me) and create a support system of people who care and want to help me. Your support on the camp means that so many other girls like myself, can make that support system that we just haven’t been able to access before. I know without this camp I’d still be using the really bad coping strategies and finding it hard in all aspects of life. I’m so glad that Bridge Builders has created this camp, and shown myself and 750 other girls that we’re worth something, that we deserve help and happiness.

My experience with the UR Retreat has been incredible. I enjoyed every second of it even the parts I thought I wouldn’t. I remember telling my mum the morning of camp, “Mum I don’t even know why I’m going, I’m not going to make any friends and I’m just going to keep to myself the whole time.” Now I am so grateful I was able to participate in the retreat. From the guest speakers to lunch times with the girls I learnt something new from every experience. In school I was the quiet one who sat at the back with my earphones in, but the camp has taught me to love myself and that I am worth it, and so are all of the other girls. I know that the friendships I made on this camp will last a life time and for that I am truly thankful. This camp wouldn’t be the same without the Bridge Builders team, the sponsors and the girls, so thank you!