Chicago Health Corps Retreat

post by CHC member, Ayla K.

January 5^th, 2012 marked nearly 4 months of our Chicago Health Corps term of service, making it an appropriate point in time for the day-long CHC member retreat. Through a combination of regular weekly meetings and continuous Gmail-powered communication, the team-building committee successfully planned an 8-hour day designed for extended member reflection, as well as mental and physical stress relief and relaxation. The distinct, alliterated theme of the retreat, “Revitalize and Refresh,” intentionally fell in step with the start of the New Year, just as many members returned from their holiday breaks, well-rested and (almost) ready to resume service at their respective host sites.



James and Lisa-Sun looking especially revitalized and refreshed.

                  The first half of the meticulously planned day was hosted by the staff of Catalyst Ranch, who kindly granted CHC a spacious room completely free of charge. The distinguished “Jitterbug Room” of the ranch was painted in bright colors, decorated with whacky art, and packed to the brim with all of the successful retreat essentials (i.e. free snacks/beverages, couches, white-boards, stress-balls, and much more!) Many thanks to member Sydney Weydemeyer and her supervisor at Seven Generations Ahead, Lindsey Arenberg, for reserving this unbeatable location to start off our day!

Chef Lindsey, our sushi coach.



The retreat kicked off at 10:00 a.m. with an extended group check-in, utilizing a collectively constructed diagram activity that allowed each member to share one outstanding challenge and success with the group.

Immediately after check-in, members split into smaller groups of 4-5 to engage in several self-reflection activities, led by members Nina Litton and Matthew Dudley. The first activity involved reading a handout with service-related quotes, followed by a group discussion about which quotes resonated and why. The second activity required members to submit a “best” and “worst” question (i.e. “where was your best vacation?” or “what is your worst roommate story?”) into a hat before going around the circle and responding to each question with a story. The first activity aimed to encourage critical thinking and provoke conversation, while the second was geared primarily toward member bonding.

             Following a short break, members sat in cozy circle on the floor to partake in a mysteriously titled “Astrology Activity,” facilitated by member Ayla Karamustafa. Everyone then received a copy of their individual Natal Birth Chart, along with multiple disclaimers that this extensive astrological break-down of their personalities was not a true indicator of their character. Shortly thereafter, two short poems by 14^th century mystic Rumi were circulated to the group, and a brief discussion on the formation and conceptualization of self ensued.



Matt, Lily, James, and Sana doing sushi prep work





Carly and Danielle making sushi art.











           


       Immediately after the discussion, Lindsey Arenberg of Seven Generations Ahead  and her co-worker and former CHC member Shari Brown arrived to lead the group in a sushi-making lesson. Members split into groups of two, and were instructed in the art of properly dicing vegetables, arranging rice, and rolling seaweed to produce a delectable lunch of sweet and savory sushi. The heaping trays of sushi were then set out for CHC members to gorge on during their lunch break!

Alina, Ayla, and Sydney making sushi magic happen.



Heaping trays of sushi. We made these!





 

If there is one thing we know how to do, it's utilize public transportation. Waiting for our bus to take us to Eckhart Park.

             Lunch concluded around 2:00 pm, signaling a location change from the Ranch to the Eckhart Park multi-purpose room in Noble Square. Shifting gears a bit, members divided into teams- Team “Evil Death” versus Team “Jitterbug”- for a friendly game of kickball, headed by member Sana Syal. After several innings of neck-to-neck competition, the victory went to Team “Evil Death” with a final score of 6-5. Special thanks to West Side Health Authority for donating the kickball.

 


"Jitterbug," huddling up for the start of a vicious game of kickball.





Pitcher, Nina, looking confident.



"Evil Death", creating a game strategy



Wanting to steal a base.





Outfielders. We're just a bunch of kids.




We had forgotten how GREAT this game is! Someone may have just gotten out. Oops! 

                 Having exerted some physical energy, the group moved from the gym to a quiet room upstairs for member show and tell. The team-building committee had asked members ahead of time to select an object- or a favorite t-shirt- to share with the group. Shared items ranged from photographs and books to a notable Michael Jackson figurine. Members were able to share an element of their past with the group at whatever level they felt comfortable disclosing.


Cupcakes to celebrate the December birthdays.



Nina shares a book about her family.



 


Matt and Devin during sharing time.

 

            Show and tell was followed by an art therapy session facilitated by Amy Smethurt of the Illinois Art Therapy Association at Methodist Hospital in Andersonville, who graciously volunteered to lead a session for CHC at no cost; special thanks to member Jessica Torres for coordinating this activity! The session began with a 5-10 minute breathing exercise, followed by about half an hour of free-art expression; this meant members could draw, sketch, paint, or build a pipe-cleaner tower, depending on what tickled their fancy. Afterward, each member of the group- on the condition that she or he felt comfortable- shared their creation with the group along with a brief explanation.




Neerja with artwork.



Alina with artwork.









            For the last hour of the retreat, Program Director Karen Berg ordered pizza and led the group in a debriefing session about the day. Members shared their “highs” and “lows,” as well as any criticisms or suggestions for the next member retreat coming up in April. The team-building committee’s hope is that everyone left that evening with a full belly and plenty of food for thought, revitalized for the upcoming 7 months of service in 2012.