Blog
2025 Older Youth Retreat: Building Friendships, Skills, and Memories
August 21, 2025
This summer, the 412 Youth Zone had the privilege of bringing 11 incredible young people to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown on July 28th, 2025 for the annual Independent Living Older Youth Retreat. The Older Youth Retreat theme this year was Reach for the S.T.A.R.S. and it is no ordinary trip. It’s a high-energy, week-long experience that brings together youth from Independent Living programs across Pennsylvania to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. For one week, participants live on a college campus, step outside their comfort zones, and dive into activities designed by youth, for youth. From inspiring guest speakers and interactive workshops to creative projects, recreational games, and deep group discussions, every moment is about building leadership skills, independence, and friendships that last far beyond the week.
This year’s lineup of activities had something for everyone: Cooking & Baking, Sewing & Fiber Arts, Pardon My Garden, Photography, Improv, Banners of Expression, Pieces of Me, and Write Your Heart Out. Whether our youth were baking bread, painting murals, or mastering the art of “yes, and” in improv, they were building skills that will serve them far beyond this week.
And the magic really happens in the connections. One of our attendees, Maurice, shared, “Coming to the IL Retreat you have to have an open mind and be prepared to make a ton of friends. My favorite part of the Retreat was being in my peer group and growing close to my peers in my group.”
Delayshia agreed and also added, “You get to learn different things about different people and learn that you are not alone. My favorite part about the IL Retreat was definitely the dance!”
From the laughter during games to the heartfelt late-night conversations, our youth came home not only with new skills but with a deeper sense of connection, to each other, to the larger IL community, and to their own potential.
Here’s to another year of growth, courage, and unforgettable memories at the IL Retreat.
This year’s lineup of activities had something for everyone: Cooking & Baking, Sewing & Fiber Arts, Pardon My Garden, Photography, Improv, Banners of Expression, Pieces of Me, and Write Your Heart Out. Whether our youth were baking bread, painting murals, or mastering the art of “yes, and” in improv, they were building skills that will serve them far beyond this week.
And the magic really happens in the connections. One of our attendees, Maurice, shared, “Coming to the IL Retreat you have to have an open mind and be prepared to make a ton of friends. My favorite part of the Retreat was being in my peer group and growing close to my peers in my group.”Delayshia agreed and also added, “You get to learn different things about different people and learn that you are not alone. My favorite part about the IL Retreat was definitely the dance!”
From the laughter during games to the heartfelt late-night conversations, our youth came home not only with new skills but with a deeper sense of connection, to each other, to the larger IL community, and to their own potential.
Here’s to another year of growth, courage, and unforgettable memories at the IL Retreat.