Stepping Outside to Strengthen What Matters: SAM’s Out-of-School Time Partners Retreat
Members of the OST Collaborative enjoyed time at Camp Croft last week for a summer retreat.
Summer is one of the busiest seasons for Out-of-School Time (OST) providers. While many organizations pause meetings during these months, our partners are doing the opposite. They lead camps, coordinate activities, mentor young people, and create meaningful experiences for children and teens across Spartanburg County.
That's exactly why this year's Out-of-School Time Collaborative chose something different.
Instead of a traditional monthly meeting, 26 participants representing 17 organizations gathered at Camp Croft for an Outdoor Partners Retreat — a day intentionally designed to recharge, reconnect, and strengthen the relationships that help create better opportunities for Spartanburg's youth.
Earlier this spring, members of the collaborative were asked what type of engagement would best support them during the busy summer season. Rather than another meeting or training, the overwhelming response was simple: spend time together outdoors.
Thanks to our partner, Justin Williams and Scouting America Palmetto Council, that vision became reality. Camp Croft provided the perfect setting, with a lakeside shelter surrounded by hiking trails and access to kayaks and canoes, creating space for both relaxation and relationship-building.
The retreat wasn't about adding another item to everyone's to-do list. It was about recognizing that the people serving young people every day also deserve opportunities to connect, reflect, and recharge.
The day began with introductions followed by an interactive team-building activity using a lesson from the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) curriculum.
Participants stepped into the role of students, experiencing a real TOP lesson focused on how emotions influence actions. This was a reminder that social and emotional learning isn't just valuable for young people. It also helps adults better understand how to build positive relationships, navigate challenges, and create supportive environments for youth.
The activity also offered partners a preview of the free Teen Outreach Program (TOP) training that SAM will host at the end of August. Organizations interested in strengthening youth development programming will have the opportunity to learn how this evidence-based curriculum helps young people build social-emotional skills, make healthy decisions, and develop positive relationships.
Following the activity, partners gathered for a picnic lunch before spending the afternoon however they chose.
Some paddled across the lake in kayaks and canoes. Others explored Camp Croft's hiking trails. Several stayed beneath the shelter, playing cards, coloring, planning upcoming programs with teammates, or simply enjoying conversations with fellow youth-serving organizations.
Every activity reflected the same goal: building stronger connections among the people working every day to support Spartanburg's children and families.
No single organization can meet every need facing young people. That's why collaboration matters.
When organizations know one another, understand each other's services, and build trust outside of formal meetings, they are better equipped to make referrals, share resources, coordinate programming, and create seamless experiences for youth and families.
The retreat served as another reminder that investing in relationships is just as important as investing in programs.
Thank You to Our Partners
We are grateful to the organizations that joined us for this year's retreat:
Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM)
Spartanburg Housing
Spartanburg County Public Libraries Headquarters Teen Department
Tashma Talks
Girls on the Run
Big Brothers Big Sisters
My Brother's Keeper (MBK)
HALTER
Bethlehem Center
Bloom Upstate
Girl Scouts
Scouting America Palmetto Council
City of Spartanburg
Sustaining Way
Timeless Vacation Travels Youth Organization
United TEAMS Initiatives
Bridge Builders
Together, these organizations represent the collaborative spirit that makes Spartanburg's out-of-school time network stronger.
As summer continues, we're grateful for partners who continue showing up for young people every day. Sometimes, the most impactful work begins by taking a moment to step outside, reconnect, and remember that caring for those who serve our youth ultimately benefits every child in our community.
Interested in bringing the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) to your organization? Stay tuned for registration information on SAM's free TOP training taking place later this August. We invite youth-serving organizations to join us in learning how this nationally recognized, evidence-based program can strengthen social-emotional learning and positive youth development throughout Spartanburg County.