Our grade 12 students normally have their retreat every last week of February and it happens before their graduation. Our coordinator invited intern priest as their facilitators and of course they get paid in return.
During this 3 days of activities, they learn how to reconcile from each other, release forgiveness and appreciate what they have. Each one must join a class session and share his/her experience to others. Students learn proper values and right manners during this session. Our school made counterpart like snacks and free meals. Student governing council has assigned lower year students and some parents in preparing for their foods and cleaning their quarters.
Retreat is important for the students so that they can realized and value the efforts and sacrifices of their parents before they graduate. It is a way for them to forgive for their wrongdoings and learn to love each other.
I believe retreats also have fees to join in, so not every student will be able to join. For a retreat to be able to help students realize the values and effort of their parents must depend on what kind of retreat that is being held, I think. Sharing is good but it is not that easy to express feelings to other people especially someone that we do not have a trust yet.