Frequently Asked Questions

How many groups are there in the weekend program, and how many teens are in each group?

We have four groups (Equinox, Ripple, Tides, Twilight), each with 10-12 teens, as well as two adult guides. Teens typically join in 10th or 11th grade and stay in the same group through high school.  

 

When and where do retreats take place?

Retreats are over the weekend. Participants in our program are invited to go on four retreats each school year, so about one every other month. Typically, we meet at 4PM on the Friday afternoon, either at our office in Yarmouth or at the retreat location (within an hour of our office), and finish up around noon on Sunday. The retreats take place in houses we rent within about an hour of our office.

 

How do you sign up?

First, reach out (programs@valomaine.org) so we can meet you! We’ll arrange a time convenient for you (and a parent or guardian, if you wish) to answer your questions and share a bit more about our program. Or come to an open house we’ve planned around when you’re looking.  Then we ask that all teens complete an application; click here to see it. We also ask that each teen ask a reference to complete a brief questionnaire.

 

What is the cost of Valo?

We are committed to making our programs accessible to all families. If you’re accepted into a Valo program, we pledge to eliminate financial barriers for participation in the program. Valo has a sliding scale and appreciates families paying an enrollment fee that fits their budget, which may be nothing.

 

How does transportation to and from retreat work?

We try to carpool as much as possible! Some parents volunteer to drive, and some teens in our group are able to drive themselves and sometimes take others with their parents’ permission.. Our guides also drive up. We will make sure everyone has a ride!

 

Will I be with other teens from my same high school?

There is a possibility that you will be in the same group as someone from your high school; however, we make it a priority to make sure there are not a large number of teens from the same school in the same group.

 

What if I have a conflict during one of the retreats?

Conflicts happen, and we totally understand. We would love to have everyone in the group on each retreat, but we know that may not be realistic. We share the schedule for the year in August, and we hope teens can prioritize the four retreat weekends. If teens have competing priorities, they often will come for part of the retreat, which is certainly better than missing it.

 

Why are our programs unplugged?

There is something special that we have noticed when teens are unplugged “together.” The need for social media or technology seems to dwindle when we fill ourselves with curiosity and connection with others. At the beginning of each retreat, we have a conversation about what role phones will play during our time together and, as a group, decide how we want to “be.”

 

What do you do on a retreat?

Each retreat will be filled with a variety of different activities. At Valo, we make sure we get time to: be outside, have meaningful conversations, create together, cook as a group, play games, and enjoy solo time. The weekends are spacious - with plenty of room for spontaneity and fun.