Is My Manditory School Retreat Trying to Brainwash

[Susan (66.42.244.145)]

In order to graduate from my catholic high school everyone must go on a 4 day retreat called 'Kairos'. The entire retreat is almost all student led- that is, kids my age whom have already been on the retreat. The 'leaders' (as they are refered to as) are all selected on their application and 'public speaking ability'. The entire retreat is clouded in mystery. No one is supposed to discuss the retreat and there is segrigation between those who are 'leaders', those who have already attended Kairos and those who have not. Through a secret source I have found out what exactly happens on this retreat. At the convent (where the retreat is held) all clocks are taken down or shut off. The first day of retreat, you are subjected to hours and hours of the leaders and their 'public speaking abilities'. Sleep and food are deprived, especially on the first day. You are not allowed to bring cell phones, money, cigarettes, clocks or watches, drugs (even over-the-counter medications, CD players, radios, or anything else that would give someone contact to the outside world. Your belongings are searched for these items. Then, unknown to the people on the retreat, letters written by your parents are read out-loud to the entire group by the 'leaders'. Then you are sent back to your room, alone, where you will find a stack of letters all written by fellow class-mates, siblings, friends, etc. The next 3 days are followed with more sleep deprivation (my source says you get about 4-6 hours every night), and a diet of high sugar, high caffine, high fat foods. Then you are split into 'small groups' with a 'leader' to lead each group. These groups are designed to share your most personal of stories or experiences. Everyone is supposed to cry, as if it is planned. The same inspirational songs are played every day and at least an hour a day is left to 'meditation'. You are not allowed to call your parents or friends. All phones within your access are disconnected and the retreat is held in another state. Does this sound like brainwashing????? Please help me, I am leaving soon.

[Anonymous (64.12.117.20)]

Don't go!

[Anonymous (66.215.59.130)]

The Catholic Church itself is a cult and this "retreat" Susan speaks of just makes it worse. Where in the Bible is any of this instructed by God for us to do? Your relationship should be with God alone, through His Son Jesus Christ and you don't need to go through a priest or any other Catholic chants, rituals, or shenanigans to communicate with God.

[EGK (68.23.212.54)]

Actually it sounds like a Cursillo, a retreat which tens of thousand of persons have gone on. I strongly doubt that there will be brain washing there. The isolation/no watches/no raidos is to simply help you focus on the retreat by removing distractions.

I would go and relax.

EGK

[EGK (68.23.212.54)]

Hi,

What you are discribing in a run of the mill retreat. There is no brainwashing in it! The isolation, no radios, etc is to prevent you from being distracted and to help you remain focused.

Tens of thousands have gone on similar retreats and have not been adversely effected.

Relax, enjoy, and pray.

EGK

[Angela (Bdchild) (172.163.0.77)]

<FONT COLOR="blue"><FONT FACE="comic sans ms"><FONT SIZE="+1">It's for a set period of time, and there doesn't seem to be any actual abuse involved. Since your graduation depends on it, I'd probably just go ahead and go and try to relax... The issue of no phones or clocks, and even the lack of sleep, sounds about standard for retreats. Clocks &amp; phones are distractions, and since they're trying to cram a lot into a few days' time there isn't going to be much time left for sleeping. It's a little unnerving... but probably harmless.

BUT there are some things that disturb me. One is the reading of letters that the author thought were private to the group. If these letters are sent through the postal system, that is not only morally wrong but ILLEGAL. Second is the level of secrecy surrounding the retreat. If there is nothing to hide, they should not be afraid to discuss it. And any parent who sends their child to any type of religious retreat should have access to full and truthful information about what will take place there.</FONT></FONT></FONT>

[EGK (68.23.215.57)]

Hi,
1. The writers of the lettes are told ahead of time that they will be shared with the entire group. They are probably addressed to both the group and the particular person, hence it is not illegal.
2. The secrecy is there to help the participant not to anticipance what will happen next.

EGK

[Yaakov (12.8.126.145)]

<FONT COLOR="0000ff"> The isolation, no radios, etc is to prevent you from being distracted and to help you remain focused.</FONT>

Ok, I can see that. However, the part that alarmed me was the no medications rule. What possible reason could they have for forbidding medications that have been prescribed to them? Withholding medications could end up in someone being ill or dead.

[Anonymous (64.255.96.72)]

Susan only mentioned: " drugs (even over-the-counter medications"

It doesn't look like they are forbidding Rx drugs, only over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs. Where I live, the schools all have zero tolerance drug policies - you can't even have aspirin without the parent having to fill out a bunch of paperwork and leaving the aspirin with the school nurse.

[EGK (147.72.101.2)]

My only guess is that the original poster was misinformed about this. The retreats like this that I'm familar with, allow all necessary medication - even over the counter ones.

It could be that the school or the retreat center, in order to prevent illegal drugs from being brought in, has a very strict policy on drugs. So unless you had a note from your guardian/doctor/etc you are not allowed to bring in anything. This is just my speculation.

EGK

[Jesus (66.66.78.78)]

You'll be fine, people know your there and it has a end date,so stop being a wimp. I think you embellished some parts too.

[Angela (Bdchild) (172.164.96.123)]

<FONT COLOR="blue"><FONT FACE="comic sans ms"><FONT SIZE="+1">I have a feeling the person Susan got her information from is the one who embellished some parts of the story, if indeed that is what has happened. But I would encourage her to share the story she was told and her concerns about it with her parents before leaving for the retreat. Also if she is on any type of prescribed medication that issue needs to be addressed between her parents and the school administration and whoever is responsible for the retreat, in writing, before she leaves for the retreat.</FONT></FONT></FONT>

[Anonymous (69.208.208.96)]

The retreat is not going to hurt you! In fact you just might get something out of it. Thousands have gone on these retreats with no problem. It is going to be up to you if you get anything out of it though. The question of brainwashing is moot it is not going to happen over a weekend. Enjoy the retreat.

[Anonymous (64.12.117.12)]

I went on a Kairos retreat about 2 months ago. Like Susan, I was extremely nervous ahead of time. Mostly, it was because of the fear of the uknown. Let me just tell everyone, though, that it was the most amazing experience of my life. I feel bad that Susan knows so much already--Her retreat will most likely be significantly less special to her. Mine surely would have been if I would have known what she already does. I am telling everyone though, that if you get the experience to go on a Kairos retreat, by all means, GO! It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you will never forget. And for those of you who were wondering, yes, much of what Susan was speaking of (no prescription drugs, no food, etc.) is false. =D Live the 4th!

[franklin (franklin)]

The above statement reminds me of the movie "The Stepford Wives".

[brianyoungsucks (brianyoungsucks)]

Brian Young is a LOSER

[living_magisterium (living_magisterium)]

The Protestant version is called De Colores, which I have been on. It was good actually. The only thing that bummed me out was my roommate snoring. I personally didn't get that much out of it, but others did. It was good fellowship. The fear of the unknown is the biggest thing. Not that big of deal though, once you get started.

[brianyoungsucks (brianyoungsucks)]

Brian Young is STILL a LOSER