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Over the past thirty-three years the Ron Burton Training Village (RBTV) has served over 9,000 young men and women in their spiritual, physical and educational growth.
Villagers enrolled in The Journey are trained twelve months a year, over a seven-year period. They are guided, supported and mentored in some of life’s most essential areas including: education, social skills, morals, values, leadership and fitness.
The Retreat is designed to expose youth to our core values of Love, Peace, Patience and Humility to inspire one’s discovery of self-awareness and compassion.
The Village stresses diversity with a balanced roster of minority and non-minority villagers. Though the kids come from very diverse backgrounds, many youth are from under resourced neighborhoods and situations. These youngsters may have excessive stress in their homes, neighborhoods and social lives and are looking for direction and support.
Though the kids come from different backgrounds, most of the Villagers benefit from the support of a scholarship. No child is turned away due to their financial situation. Each Villager is given all their clothes, meals and accommodations during the summer session. Everyone is dressed the same so that no one feels any different (better or worse) than anyone else. They are given full Reebok sweat suits, running sneakers, shorts, t-shirts, socks; the only articles kids come to the Village with are a sleeping bag, a few personal items, and the clothes on their backs.
Located in a rural setting and isolated in their own peaceful world, we surround the kids with nature, trees, streams and lakes. There are seven large gardens that the Villagers can use for quiet time and reflection.
There are four core values of RBTV: Love, Peace, Patience and Humility. The Village’s philosophy is to inspire the consideration of others before self and motivate an understanding that faith and morals need to be the foundation of the mentality through which they approach life.
All programs are based on love and understanding. The staff, counselors and Villagers alike are asked to only speak positive and uplifting words. Teasing, putting down or any words that might hurt or otherwise demean someone’s spirit are not allowed. The kids are taught never to swear or use harsh language. Through athletics, we inspire the Villagers to choose never to drink, smoke or take any kind of drugs. We stress the importance of respecting their colleagues, their elders and a special emphasis is placed on loving and respecting their parents.
You begin a new journey. Focus your mind to see beautiful things so you may think beautiful thoughts.
Training continues as you take the next step in your journey realizing that growth and success come from hard work and commitment.
Leadership begins with service. Find your voice as you help others find their self-worth.
God first, others second, me third. You will utilize this philosophy to lead your team year-round.
A special distinction for those who truly emulate love, peace, patience, and humility. Many pursue... few are chosen.
You will lead those who lead others. As a college student and RBTV alumnus, you will be prepared for this immense challenge.
During this college internship, you will excel as you innovate, strategize, execute programs and drive operations. This is your final step, preparing you for your career.
The cost for each Villager in the year-round program is $15,000. However, the tuition charged to each participant is based solely on what the family can afford. In fact, more than 90% receive some form of scholarship, and many attend for free.
Once you arrive at RBTV, you are greeted with a smile and all the equipment you need for the summer. All meals are provided. Support, certainly is not just limited to financial.
In addition to The Journey, Ron Burton Training Village also facilitates Retreats.
There are many ways to support the Ron Burton Training Village. Most of our students come on full or partial scholarships. Please take a look at the different sponsorship opportunities and help make a difference in a young person’s life.
