Around 200 ninth-grade students from Austin and Southland high schools gathered at St. Olaf Church in Austin to attend a Youth Frontier Respect Retreat on Wednesday.

The gathering, held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. brought students together to encourage camaraderie and to help them communicate and respect one another.

The respect retreat, which was first brought to Austin last year, is part two of a two-retreat series available to eighth- and ninth-graders. Eighth graders attended a similar courage retreat in mid December.

“It bridges the gap between middle school and high school,” said one of the program’s local coordinators and Southland Middle School Councilor, Lea Oelfke. “Traditionally, we’ve struggled with our ninth grade class with ‘at risk behavior.’”

Presenters from the non-profit group Youth Frontiers led the gathering in many games and activities.

“It’s a lot of getting them up and getting them out of their comfort zone,” Oelfke said.

The activities had students moving around the room, interacting with one another and building a report. The presenters kept the group engaged with activities that had students talking, dancing, cheering and in some cases screaming.

“They really make the day fun,” Oelfke said. “They are very energetic.”

Along with the 200 ninth-graders were 35 11th and 12th grade volunteers. These volunteers would help facilitate group discussions throughout the program. The smaller groups would focus their efforts talking about respect and how it applies to their lives and one another. In the past, these discussion groups have been very emotionally charged.

“There’s a lot of unique things you learn about your classmates,” said Ashley Felten, a student volunteer from Southland.

The program coordinators have been pleased with the responses they have received, and the progress they see in the students.

“They make a commitment publicly for the betterment of the school,” said Thor Bergland, the student support liaison for Austin High School.

Last year, the surveys filled out by students online showed overwhelming approval for the program.

“The response is phenomenal,” Oelfke said. “They are thankful to have the opportunity.”

The coordinators said that, if possible, they would like to have these programs again next year in Austin, and possibly invite Hayfield students. The program will be repeated on Thursday for students who did not attend on Wednesday.

Youth Frontiers is a non-partisan, non-profit group based out of Minneapolis. It specializes in facilitating retreats and presentations for students, teachers or parents nationwide.

These programs reinforce positive themes and are designed to create open dialogues between peers.