Overview: Friends Forever
Our program connects our communities in the United States with teens from regions of conflict, primarily Northern Ireland and Israel. We select the best and brightest from these historically conflict-prone geographies and start them on a year-long comprehensive training program that begins with a two-week team-building course in New England. The key to our success is the involvement of communities in these programs. You can make a profound difference in the future of these teens and their communities.
The two-week start to this year-long program for each teen leader begins here, in New England. Ropes courses, hiking, public speaking, technology sessions, local high school visits, community service and family nights; we teach what you can't learn in a classroom -- that everyone is the same on the inside. Respect, understanding and compassion are the cornerstones of what these teens take back with them.
Original and powerful small group programs are conducted in two distinct phases: first, the unique "Life Raft Retreat" in the US, followed by a year-long "perpetuation" phase back in the homeland, to create lasting change.
Our Life Raft retreat quickly erodes the learned fear and mistrust of past generations with shared memories of laughter and friendship that can never be taken away. All Friends Forever programs employ core team-building components that promote mutual respect, positive self-expression, and peaceful conflict resolution. These include High & Low Ropes Courses, group hiking challenges, speaking at Rotary clubs and local high schools, volunteering fro community service projects, sharing in Out-With-Family-Nights (local hosts), and just having fun!
