Overnight retreats are an effective way to create strong and supportive relationships between students and teachers that result in an improved learning environment for traditionally low-performing students. A close-knit community supports students as they grapple with academic and life challenges and helps them stay focused on their goals. In a classroom where students are not only motivated to succeed as individuals, but also committed to the success of their classmates, students value their education and take academic risks. Communities like this are born out of mutual understanding and compassion, qualities that can be deliberately cultivated. Learn how to plan and execute powerful overnight retreats from a group of teachers who have run three per year since 1999. Participants will understand the rationale and practicalities for taking students on overnight retreats and leave with sample agendas, activity directions and knowledge of the dos and don’ts of overnight retreats.