Bring Out Your Best

Two-Day Student Development & Leadership Retreat

Saybrook Point Resort & Marina | Old Saybrook, CT
August 3–4, 2026

This immersive two-day retreat helps motivated rising 7th–12th grade students bring out their best by developing the skills rarely taught in school—but essential for confidence, leadership, and long-term success.

Parents often see the stakes rise during moments like school admissions interviews, internship opportunities, and social transitions. This retreat helps students develop next level confidence and communication skills to show up with poise under pressure—and make a strong impression when it matters most.

Every student leaves with a customized Personal Development Strategic Plan, stronger speaking and interview skills, and a deeper understanding of their character strengths and leadership potential. Most importantly, they gain clarity about who they are, how to communicate with confidence, and how to show up authentically in new situations.

Your child will walk away with one of the most powerful tools for a life of impact: a clear sense of purpose—often called “finding your why.”

Whether preparing for school admissions, summer jobs, internships, or future leadership opportunities, this retreat provides the confidence, clarity, and practical skills students need to succeed now and into the future.

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A transformative experience that will prepare your student for the future with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

What Your Student will gain:

Every student leaves with:

A customized Personal Development Strategic Plan (PDSP) they can put into action immediately
Stronger speaking, interviewing, and self-expression skills
Greater confidence, self-awareness, and clarity about their character strengths
A deeper understanding of their leadership potential and personal “why”
An AQ® Mock Interview + personalized feedback
scorecard to guide continued improvement
A signed copy of Ray Diffley’s book, Speak Up! to
support continued growth at home.

This is more than interview prep—it’s preparation for life.

Key Retreat Takeaways

Each student leaves with stronger interview skills, a clearer sense of self, heightened confidence, and a personalized development strategic plan (PDSP) they can begin applying immediately.

Interview Preparation & Advanced Speaking Skills
Students learn to communicate clearly and confidently in interviews and conversations. Through guided practice, they strengthen their AQ® (Articulation Quotient)—the ability to express ideas and personal values effectively, even under pressure.

Character Strengths Identification & Leadership Development
Participants identify and develop their unique character strengths, learning how to consistently put their best foot forward in school, leadership opportunities, and daily life.

Finding Your "Why"
Students are guided through a personalized process to uncover their motivations, strengths, and purpose—helping them connect who they are with how they want to contribute to the communities they join.

Is This Retreat Right for Your Student?

This retreat is designed for motivated rising 7th–12th grade students who want to grow in confidence, communication, and leadership.

It is an especially strong fit for students who:

Are preparing for private school, boarding school, or college interviews
Want to feel more confident speaking in interviews, presentations, or new social environments
Are exploring summer jobs, internships, or leadership opportunities
Want to better understand their strengths, character, and personal direction
Are motivated to bring out their best and step into their potential

Students do NOT need to be outgoing or experienced speakers to benefit. Many participants simply want a supportive environment to build confidence and learn how to express themselves clearly and authentically.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW

What Parent's Are Saying About This Experience

“As a father of an 8th grader who attended the inaugural retreat, I was astonished by the transformative impact that two days could have. Led with a passionate and authentic sense of service by Ray and his team, this masterclass guides its lucky attendees to uncover the hidden gem within themselves. Not only did our son build key skills like interviewing and public speaking, he gained a stronger sense of self, discovered his "why," and left with a Personal Development Plan—a GPS for life, not just a GPA. I highly recommend this seaside treasure to any parent seeking to empower their teen."

— David

"I had three kids between the ages of 13-18 participate in this 2-day workshop and each of them walked out of their with a clear understanding of how to show up with intention and authenticity. They learned the fundamentals of how to understand who they are and who they want to be and then reflect that in how they bring themselves to situations, conversations and experiences. It gave them opportunities for self-reflection as well as group learning. And they had fun. Ray did a fantastic job making sure that the two days included opportunities for play and engagement while also staying connected to the purpose of the workshop - how to lead yourself.."

— Karin

"While our boys weren't applying to schools this past year, we know last summer's RD3 retreat was pivotal, as it jump-started them on their journeys with a plan.”

— Durlov & Anna

"Over the 2 days, with Ray's hands-on guidance, she developed the ability to respond to difficult questions under pressure, with poise and confidence. A number of her admissions interviewers commented on how well she did in her interview. She was accepted to her top choice school, and we are confident that the skills she gained will serve her well in the future."

— Gioia

Sign Up Today

Join Ray Diffley of RD3 Education for this 2-Day Event.

When: August 3rd & 4th, 2026 (plan for full days 9:30am-4pm)

Where: Saybrook Point Resort & Marina (The Saybrook Point Inn)

Address: 2 Bridge St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

Limited Seats Available

To ensure meaningful participation and individualized attention, retreat seating is intentionally limited. Students are grouped by age in small cohorts of 3–4 participants, allowing for personalized guidance and active engagement. A typical retreat includes about 16 students, with a maximum capacity of 20.

Early Bird Pricing

$675 per student — Early Bird (first 10 seats)
Price increases to $750 on June 1, 2026

Note: The event fee includes the full retreat program, lunch and refreshments provided by the resort on both days, and all program materials. Accommodations are not included and must be booked separately.

Rooms can be reserved at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina. Call by July 4th for a discounted rate for Monday night (limited availability): (860) 395-2000

You can also book rooms at other nearby lodging providers. Contact us for a full list.

While there are no formal prerequisites for this program, it is best suited for individuals who are motivated and committed to bringing out their best.