
Established in 1988, Broyhill Youth Retreat for Girls is a personal development retreat for girls aged 13-19 in DSS, foster care, or residential children’s homes in North or South Carolina. The retreat focuses on personal growth, goal setting, and leadership skills.
COST
DEADLINE
Check back in 2026
for updates!

WHERE
Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC
WHEN
Check back in 2026
for updates!

BENEFITS OF BYR
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Goal-Setting & Personal Growth – Learn how to set goals, create action plans, and build confidence.
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Leadership & Ethical Decision-Making – Develop strong decision-making and leadership skills.
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Building a Support Network – Connect with peers who share similar experiences.
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Life Skills Development – Gain practical skills for education, careers, and personal success.
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Healthy Relationships & Communication – Improve communication, conflict resolution, and social skills.
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Confidence & Social Engagement – Step outside your comfort zone and grow in self-esteem.
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Teamwork & Cooperation – Strengthen collaboration and teamwork through interactive activities.
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College & Career Readiness – Experience campus life and prepare for future opportunities.
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Anger & Emotion Management – Learn strategies for handling emotions and stress.
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Gratitude & Giving Back – Foster appreciation and self-reflection.
THE BYR EXPERIENCE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“For the past several years, we have sent many of our teens to this conference and have been amazed at the difference in our youth when they return. Exposure to such a program just reinforces the importance of their learning the skills necessary to live self-sufficiently. There are no other programs in the area that provide our youth with this type of experience.”
Program Director, Nazareth Children’s Home
“I usually don’t like to go to summer camps. This one I will cherish forever. I loved it so much. I want to come back. I really don’t want to leave this place. I love it. It is life-changing.”
BYR Delegate
“I came to this camp and I was shy, and I didn’t want to talk to anyone. But I realized how nice the counselors were and I became more outgoing and stepped out my comfort zone. I really had fun during this camp.”
BYR Delegate
“All of the youth that have attended BYR have asked to attend in the future. All have spoken of the skill and knowledge gained while attending BYR. Most importantly, all youth have spoken to me about the respect they were treated with and the self-esteem gained through this experience. They have made many new friends as well.
Staff members treated the youth with a firm yet loving and caring demeanor. That quality is of extreme importance for youth in foster care. Thank you.”
Social Worker, Rutherford County Department of Social Services
Example Schedule
7:00 am - 8:30 am
Wake Up & Get Ready
enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria
8:45 am - 9:30 am
General Assembly
announcements, goofy songs, get moving for the day
9:40 am - 11:00 am
Council Meeting
read and discuss the handbook; team building activities
11:15 am - 12:00 noon
Presentation by Speaker
learn how to build better relationships
12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Lunch
enjoy lunch in the cafeteria
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Group Instruction
participate in hands-on leadership activities
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm
Break
hang out with friends, grab a quick snack
2:20 pm - 3:45 pm
Council Meeting
do some mountain climbing – a goal setting activity
3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Assembly
a short video that is entertaining or challenging with a message you won't forget
4:15 pm - 5:00 pm
Free Time
audition for talent show, talk with friends
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Dinner
get to know new friends or reconnect with old ones
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Interaction/Activity
movie night | talent show (voluntary) | banquet
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Mixers
get to know others or have some friendly competition between councils
9:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Closing
wind down the day with a thought-provoking story by a staff member
9:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Snack Time
free time in the common area with staff and new friends
10:00 pm - 10:45 pm
Dorm Time
say goodnight and get ready for bed
10:45 pm
Lights Out
rest up for another big day tomorrow!

