Over the course of a full day retreat, Guelph Youth Singers created a meaningful and engaging experience that brought together 31 children and youth from across Guelph and surrounding areas! Youths, ages 6 to 18, were actively involved in rehearsals, team building activities, and creative sessions that strengthened their musical skills while fostering a strong sense of belonging. Choristers built confidence and bonded throughout the retreat from small moments of interaction to large group activities. These bonds grew throughout the day and into supportive friendships over the next few weeks of singing practice.
With support from a Musagetes 2025 Fund, a full-day outdoor retreat was held at Camp Bellaleo, where choristers joined together to rehearse shared repertoire, participate in games and workshops, and engage in creative exploration. With a goal to nurture both musical development and empathy, the retreat created space for youth to build peer relationships and experience the joy of making music together.
Success was reflected in consistent participation, enthusiastic engagement, and positive feedback from both participants and families. Parents and caregivers were also part of the experience, connecting informally with one another and building relationships that strengthened the broader community around the organization. The retreat highlighted the importance of focused, in person experiences that allow youth to connect, grow, and feel part of a supportive group.
Guelph Youth Singers is a community based organization dedicated to helping young people grow through music while building confidence, empathy, and connection. The organization creates programs that go beyond musical training, offering opportunities for youth to develop socially and emotionally while engaging with their community.
This retreat experience showed how powerful it can be when young people are given space to connect, play, and learn from one another in a supportive environment. Feedback from the participating familes and youth were all very positive with interest to repeate the program. The retreat created an inclusive environment where the impact of shared, in person musical experiences was demonstrated. By continuing to invest in programming that brings people together through music, Guelph Youth Singers is helping to build an inclusive support structure in the lives of our local youth, one where creativity, confidence, and meaningful relationships continue to grow.