During Reading Week, 22 mentors and assistant mentors working with middle and high school students in Kitchener-Waterloo came together for a three-day personal development camp organized by Grand River Friendship Society (GRFS).
While these mentors regularly dedicate their time to supporting younger students, the camp gave them an opportunity to focus on their own learning, personal development, and well-being.
The program included six discussion sessions covering topics relevant to both mentorship and everyday life: time management, effective communication with students, making a positive difference in others’ lives, giving without expecting anything in return, environmental awareness, and effective reading habits.
The conversations encouraged participants to reflect on their responsibilities as mentors and consider how they could apply what they learned in their relationships with students and others around them.
Since the camp took place during Reading Week, participants also had time and a suitable environment to focus on their academic studies. Alongside the discussions, there was room for personal and spiritual reflection, informal conversations, and spending time with fellow mentors.
Of course, good food was part of the experience, too! Delicious meals, snacks, and time spent together made the three days both productive and enjoyable.
The camp offered a chance for mentors to learn from one another, strengthen their friendships, and take some time for themselves before returning to their regular responsibilities.
Three days of learning, reflection, friendship, and good company!