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empowerwa
Teen Leadership Retreat for High School Students and the Educators Who Support Them
Belong deeply. Lead boldly. Bring it home.
EmpowerWA is a three-day, two-night leadership retreat where students in grades 9–11 and their school staff sponsors step away from daily pressures to connect, reflect, play, and practice authentic leadership together.
Students return with greater confidence, clearer values, stronger relationships, and a deeper understanding of how they can positively influence their school community.
Leadership From the Inside Out
Many leadership programs begin with titles, performance, or technical skills.
EmpowerWA begins with identity, values, belonging, relationships, and purpose.
Through experiential activities, small-group circles, reflection, challenge, and play, students explore:
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Who am I?
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What do I value?
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What gifts do I bring?
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How do my choices affect others?
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What kind of community do I want to help create?
Students do not simply learn about leadership.
They practice becoming leaders who help others feel seen, valued, and capable.
Who should your school bring?
EmpowerWA is designed for school-based cohorts of approximately 4–10 students, accompanied by teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, or other staff sponsors.
A strong cohort does not need to be made up entirely of ASB officers, straight-A students, or young people who already identify as leaders.
Schools may bring a thoughtful mix of:
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Established student leaders
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Students with strong social influence
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Emerging leaders who have not yet recognized their potential
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Students who demonstrate care, courage, creativity, or integrity
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Young people who have faced barriers or have not had access to opportunities like this
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Students whose voice or lived experience would strengthen the group
Some of the most powerful participants arrive unsure whether they belong in a leadership program—and leave recognizing the influence they already have.
Who This is For
Students & Educators Grow Together
Adult sponsors are more than chaperones. They participate alongside students, building relationships beyond the normal limits of the school day.
Each school returns with:
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Stronger youth-adult trust
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Shared language around leadership and belonging
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Greater understanding of student strengths
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Adult allies for student-led ideas
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A connected cohort prepared to carry the experience home
The goal is not only individual growth. It is a stronger school team.
What Happens at EmpowerWA?
Participants experience a dynamic mix of:
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Games and community-building
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Values and leadership exploration
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Small-group circles and reflection
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Empathy and perspective-taking
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Healthy challenge and courage
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Gifts, growth, and purpose
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Visioning and practical commitments
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Play, laughter, and meaningful connection
The retreat balances depth and joy, helping students build trust, step beyond familiar roles, and imagine how they want to contribute when they return to school.
What Your School Brings Home
Students return with:
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Greater confidence and self-awareness
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Clearer values and leadership identity
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Stronger relationships with peers and adults
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Increased empathy and communication skills
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A deeper sense of belonging
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Concrete commitments for how they will contribute
Educators return with:
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Stronger relationships with students
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Greater insight into student gifts and experiences
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Renewed hope and energy
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Practical ways to support meaningful student leadership
Schools return with:
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A connected youth-adult cohort
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Greater student ownership
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Stronger relationships across groups
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Momentum for student-led culture and belonging efforts
EmpowerWA is designed to create more than a meaningful weekend. It strengthens the people and relationships capable of carrying the experience forward.
Program Details
Participants: Students in grades 9–11 and school staff sponsors
Format: Three days and two nights
Location: Washington state venue to be announced
Dates: March 2027
Recommended Cohort: Approximately 4-10
students per school
Adult Ratio: At least one staff sponsor for
every 5 students
Participation Model: Schools inquire and
participate as cohorts. EmpowerWA is not
designed for individual family registration.
Cost and Access
Program fees include lodging, meals, facilitation, materials, and the full retreat experience.
Scholarship and subsidized participation may be available. Schools are encouraged to contact us early to discuss cohort size, pricing, access, and logistics.