The Youth Speak News team of writers gathered at the Newman Centre at the University of Toronto May 18-20 for the annual Youth Speak News retreat. The weekend combined faith, journalism workshops and fun. As well as the activities showcased below, the weekend also included a talk by Office of Catholic Youth director Fr. Frank Portelli and a layout workshop.

To view a full gallery of images from the weekend click , and to read YSN writer Kevin Hurren's reflection on the weekend click here.

While many joyfully anticipate the long weekend that comes with Victoria Day, I cross the days off the May calendar with a different kind of countdown in mind — one that leads to my birthday. Others lit fireworks while my family and I lit candles as we celebrated my 19th birthday.

Though there are many things to be excited about as I enter adulthood, on the days leading up to the long weekend I couldn’t help but lament over the loss of a child-like carelessness. A few years ago my adolescent mind would have been preoccupied with video games, pool parties and book reports, while I now find myself thinking about tuition fees, job opportunities and career paths. Suffice to say there were some anxious feelings mixed in with the celebratory ones when May approached. Luckily in the days leading up to my birthday there was something else to focus on: the Youth Speak News weekend retreat.