Thanks for applying to mentor at the first ever Freshman Retreat program for first-year college students attending Midwest colleges. Since many sophomores did not have an opportunity to be on campus last year, we have opened this year's program to sophomores as well. The program will take place at Camp Butternut Springs in Valparaiso, Indiana where participants will be rooming in cabins and have access to a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities. To see the facilities, visit the Camp Butternut Springs website at https://www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/en/camp/our-camps.html. Camp Butternut Springs is in Valparaiso, Indiana and is about 75 minutes from Glenview Jamatkhana, just outside of Chicago. The purpose of the retreat is to enable Ismaili college students to build a wide network of other Ismaili college students, so much of the weekend is designed to allow participants to get to know each other. Based on input from college students we will also be incorporating some components that allow incoming students to meet upperclassmen at their colleges who can provide tips on how to navigate campus and learn about mental health and career and internship resources on campus and in the Jamat. Upperclassmen and young professionals based in the Midwest region are invited to apply as mentors to the program. Mentors are expected to commit to two virtual trainings (90 minutes each) in the week leading into the program, likely on weeknights. In addition, mentors are expected to arrive at the site by noon on Friday, April 7, 2023 for a site walkthrough and a brief training. Mentor applications are due no later than 11:59 PM CT on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Mentors will hear back about their application in early February following the deadline. The mentor program fee is also $125 and financial aid is available. COVID safety protocols will be in place, and everyone on site will need to be vaccinated prior to the program start date. For questions about the program or registration, please contact the Freshman Retreat team at [email protected]. More information about the program and timeline are available on our website at ysbfreshmanretreat.org.