On May 2, 9th graders and sophomores will participate in a one-day on-campus retreat where they will learn more about personal wellness and laws that protect students. The goal of the retreats is to educate students more about the topics of sexual health and chemical health.

9th and 11th grade counselor Claire Roney said, “I do think knowledge is power, and so when we have knowledge around topics around chemical health, sexual health, I think we feel more informed to make decisions that feel healthy and safe and in alignment with our own personal values.” Roney said.

The 9th grade retreat will focus on four components of sexual health: mental health, healthy relationships, sexually explicit media and personal boundaries/consent, followed by an Amazing Wellness Race which will consist of wellness and mental health activities.

The 10th grade retreat’s goal is to educate students about chemical health, with five speakers coming from around the Twin Cities, including a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, a researcher of how alcohol affects brain development, a marijuana expert and someone who will provide information on vaping and tobacco usage. All with the intent to answer students’ questions about these topics Jake Turnbloom describes.

These retreats allow for students to gain more knowledge about the protection of their safety furthering their ability to make educated decisions. The World Health Organization urges sexual health be taught because it helps improve overall health. Education of topics like these are linked to a better attitude to learning about health, leading to youth making well informed decisions and feeling more secure about their sexuality, sexual health and health in general.

Students should take into consideration the information gathered on retreat day to help them make informed decisions. When making decisions about sexual and chemical health, knowledge about chemical and sexual health helps students make more informed decisions and know what they are getting themselves into when making decisions.

The knowledge students are given at retreats, like this upcoming one, are a great way to learn more and expand their knowledge on personal choices they will or have made.