Fallsburg Hope Squad participates in team building retreat at Frost Valley YMCA

Fallsburg Hope Squad recently participated in a team-building retreat at Frost Valley YMCA on May 26, 2026, as part of their Sullivan 180 2025-27 Healthier Generation Competition Grant.  The trip provided students with an opportunity to strengthen peer connections, build leadership skills, and reinforce the importance of teamwork and mental wellness in a supportive outdoor environment.

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The Fallsburg Hope Squad is part of the Sullivan 180 Youth Mental Health Program three-year pilot initiative with the New York State Office of Mental Health.  Fallsburg Middle & High School is expanding its Hope Squad as part of the 2025-27 Healthier Generation Competition Grant.  Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that empowers students to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors among their peers.

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During the retreat, students participated in a variety of group activities focused on communication, trust-building, collaboration, and leadership development.  The experience allowed students to connect outside of the school setting while building stronger relationships with fellow Hope Squad members and advisors.

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“Having the opportunity to bring our Hope Squad students to Frost Valley for team building was incredibly meaningful to me,” said Hope Squad advisor Kristen Meyer.  “Watching students step outside their comfort zones, challenge themselves, and support one another throughout the day was truly rewarding.  I saw friendships strengthen, trust grow, and students connect with peers in ways that aren’t always possible within the school setting.  Seeing students encourage one another and grow together reminds me why this work is so important and why creating opportunities like this can have a lasting impact on our school community.”

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“The opportunity to go to Frost Valley gave me the chance to speak to and work with some people that I was previously intimidated by” said Abby a Hope Squad member.  “When I had questions that I wasn’t comfortable going to an adult to ask, I now had people in Hope Squad that I could go to.  That’s what Hope Squad is about, giving people the space to reach out comfortably when they need help.”

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Originally published at https://midhudsonnews.com/2026/06/09/fallsburg-hope-squad-participates-in-team-building-retreat-at-frost-valley-ymca/