So, it seems that the Junior High retreat planning fell to you this year? Oh, we know you are dedicated to young people, that you make a conscious choice to work with teens when you could actually go out and get paid real wages to do a lot less work. We understand your dedication. We’ve been there. Actually, we are there. We also know just how much work those school day retreats can be to plan. However, Youth Ministry, especially in retreat settings, is our specialty. Can we help?

We’d like to thank you for your interest in having Sean Buvala from the Center for Creative Ministry provide your retreat for your Junior High Program. How can we help you?

Why not listen in? First click here to hear a five minute overview of Sean working with a group of young teens in Tucson. You’ll need Windows Media player, but that is probably already on your computer. Or, perhaps you are a super high-tech computer teacher and you’d like an .MP3? We can do that: click here to download your .mp3 and listen to 8th graders laugh whenever the urge hits you.

Working with you to design a theme that fits your school and your students, Sean uses a blend of story, theater, games, video, group activities, prayer and liturgy, simulations and other projects to captivate your young teens for a day they will remember. If you plan to host your retreat day at the beginning of the school year or at least in the first semester, you will find that the day Sean spends with your teens will build community all year long. Let us compliment the solid groundwork you are already laying with a retreat from the Center for Creative Ministry!

Sean’s experience in Catholic Youth Ministry spans almost two decades of throughout the United States. He’s served not only as a parish youth minister, but also as a national performing arts minister, speaker, author, consultant and teller. Sean has worked hundreds of churches in a variety of settings and many denominations. He’s been contracted for dozens of Diocesan events throughout the country including local and national Religious Education conferences and training sessions.

Learn More About Sean on this website or check out some of these publications:

<>Voices from the Noise at at Amazon.com or at CafePress.com

<>Calling Out A Rising Sun: Stories for Teenage Guys Click Here!

<>She Said, He Said: Teens Speak Out on Life and Faith at Amazon.com.

<>So My Brothers and Sisters Can Eat: The Stations for Social Justice at Amazon.com.

We’ll keep your kids active, we’ll keep their attention. In the midst of all of that, they will learn a few things and grow closer to their God and their community.

Are you ready to get started?

Let’s talk specifics and honor your time. Here is what you need to know:

1. As of May 2004, our charge for a retreat day is $205 (per school) plus travel expenses, if any. If your circumstances require other arrangements, call us at (602) 743-7542 or Email Sean at sean@creativeministry.com. Better yet, work with another school or parish to book us for several days in a row and share the travel expenses.
You can afford this. *Please note- this is a specific rate plan for this program only and applies only to individual schools. Rates are different for regional events or other type of programs.

2. You will need to provide basic supplies such as markers, tape, paper and so forth. These items you already have in your school or church. You will also need to have a CD Player and VCR and TV setup. Again, standard equipment for most schools and churches.

3. You need to be sure that there is at least one staff or volunteer leader who knows your teens and is with your group throughout the day. This can be several different people who take shifts if that helps.

4. You are responsible for all the registrations, fees, locations, transportation and meals for your students when and if needed.

The next step is up to you! We would like to hear from you, answer your questions and set up a day with your young teens.