FLN’s Summer Retreat 2022
In July 2022, during our first but highly successful Retreat, 19 young people gathered to learn about and embrace Power. We covered this in 3 areas:
1.Personal Power
Participants delved into imposter syndrome and negative self talk, learning about how to deal with these if/when they arise - a key learning was that most people experience imposter syndrome at some point. We then focussed on mindfulness, exploring how science-backed tools and techniques can help you on your leadership journey - when your mind is healthier, you lead better!
2. Team Power
A highlight of the Retreat, Shea Davis, a professional actor and Psychology and Behavioural Science graduate, challenged participants to think how they communicate and gave them tools and techniques to communicate with confidence through engaging exercises and activities. The focus was on the power of your words, voice and body.
3. Systems Power
We convened a panel composed of leaders innovating their fields and changing the systems around them;
Indy Johar, founding Director of 00 and Dark Matter Labs
Rachel Bennett, operational researcher and behavioural scientist in the Department for Work and Pensions
Indra Adnan, writer, psycho-social therapist and political entrepreneur
They discussed systems change and how young leaders can understand and influence the systems and structures around them.
Following the panel, participants delved into their own challenge area and took time to think about how to change their systems, using the tools and techniques introduced throughout the weekend.
Our method
Key components of our Retreats are (1) learning through doing and (2) having fun. We introduced a variety of activities to help participants bring their learning to life
Activities included: a Taskmaster evening where groups teamed up to compete in (somewhat ridiculous) tasks; adventurous activities such as climbing and orienteering, and an evening campfire which included more team games, good snacks and wholesome conversations.
Every year we aim to offer slighty different activities.
Reflections from participants from 2022
“I thoroughly enjoyed the 2022 FLN Summer Retreat - I learned a lot about myself, made some fantastic friends and had an absolute blast! A personal favourite was the session about system dynamics and how we engage with systems change - this is something I continue to reflect on and use.” - 2022 Summer Retreat Participant
“The 2022 FLN Summer Retreat was the perfect reset I needed before entering my final year of university! There was a great mix of attendees already familiar with the organisation and those like me who were curious to know more. The staff did an incredible job at creating a welcoming space where I was empowered to step out of my comfort zone and take part in personal development opportunities that I often don’t get to participate in. A personal highlight was the activity to improve our communication. I gained the confidence to lead and engage in discussions about various topics whilst considering different viewpoints. I’d highly recommend the FLN Summer Retreat to a friend because, regardless of what stage they’re at in their leadership journey, they’ll discover something new about themselves!” - Jassica, 2022 Summer Retreat Participant