During our time at the future legacy project, we participated in a retreat. The retreat was designed to allow us to get to know each over more and learn new skills. The retreat ran from Sunday to Wednesday. It was held at Folly Farm which allowed us to escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse ourselves in our social action projects. Folly Farm had fantastic views and scenery it created a quaint and calm environment which was amazing to work in and bond with each over.
On Tuesday I began my day by attending yoga, Stephanie ran the session and it was really relaxing it gave me a chance to wind down and have an enjoyable time. The area had spectacular views and the environment was really welcoming. During the session, the group leaders were kind and helpful throughout the experience. We began with a stretch to help wake us up and then did some yoga exercises.
At 9 am we had breakfast; breakfast had many options including a vegan option. We were offered a range from a buffet-style full English, cereal, fruit, and a range of pastries. Throughout our time there I was able to try most of the breakfast options. They were delicious, and the range of options was good as it meant there was an option for everyone.
We then began the main activities for the day. From 10 am – 1 pm we spent time working on our group projects. During this time, my group worked on a range of projects including developing our website, stop animation and creating music. Our group wanted to create a range of elements for our project which allowed us to develop multiple skills.
Through the help of the team leaders, we were able to appropriately manage our time and use our time on the retreat to maximize the experience we could from the project. We learnt to work effectively as a team and communicate our ideas to create the best possible social action project. As well as developing our teamwork and listening skills.
During this time, I was also asked to help another group with their project. They needed someone to help act in their short film on mental health. Helping with the film was a big accomplishment for me as before joining the future legacy project I was terrified to be on camera but with the support of my new friends and the encouragement and guidance from the group leaders, I was able to overcome a fear of mine and help create something amazing. Whist helping the other group, everyone was able to develop a range of skills including filmmaking, acting, and directing, as well as developing our confidence, communication, and teamwork skills.
After this we had lunch. We then went to one of the workshop areas to do a presentation and confidence workshop. During this, we had an assortment of words on the floor and using the Spheros in pairs we had to make the robot go to the word that was appropriate for the question. We were asked questions like; which skills have we developed? And what have you enjoyed the most? As a group this allowed us to reflect on our experience with the project and really see just how much we had achieved. This was a great evaluative activity as it made us think about our whole time on the project and see that even with limited time, we had managed to do so much from learning to develop websites, to podcasting to digital embroidery whilst also improving our listening communication and other basic skills.
Afterwards, we then went back to independent work which we used to work on our projects. Some people had coaching sessions, but I used this time to work on the project with support from others around me. Following on from this was an inspirational panel. The panel was made up of women in a range of different jobs. We had a free-lancer director, an apprentice and more. We were able to learn more about the opportunities out there for young women and non-binary folk in our local and further communities. We were asked questions and gained a detailed insight into things like apparent ships. By having this panel, we were able to feel empowered and see that all people can go anywhere in their life if they want to. It showed us that no matter who we are we can make a difference.
For dinner on Tuesday, we had a curry which was served with rice. There were multiple types of curry including a vegan option. The curry was really nice it was very filling then after dinner, we had free time.
Whist on the retreat we were able to really connect and become friends with each over. Myself and some other participants enjoyed playing board games during our free time and spending time together. We played games like Cluedo, Uno and Midlife crisis. This was really fun and was a wonderful way to end the night. It let us relax and enjoy ourselves. The entire time was a great laugh and a great way to end the day, making the whole experience memorable and fun. We also sat near the fire pit and admired the gorgeous sunset from Folly Farm while chatting to others.
– Jenna-Leigh
