Programs

2023 FAACT Teen Retreat Sponsors

Thank you to our generous and gracious partners for supporting FAACT's Teen Retreat. We could not offer this program for our families without your continued support.

Sponsorship Opportunities

There are sponsorship opportunities for FAACT's Teen Retreat. If your company or organization is interested in being a sponsor, please contact Eleanor.Garrow@FoodAllergyAwareness.org for more information.

FAACT's Teen Retreat 2024

JULY 18-21, 2024
The Hyatt Lodge & Hyatt Lodge Conference Center, Oak Brook, Illinois

FAACT's Ninth Annual Teen Retreat will be held Thursday, July 18, through Sunday, July 21, 2024 at The Hyatt Lodge & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

FAACT's Teen Retreat weekend is all about tweens, teens, and college students, their siblings, and their parents/caregivers - managing food allergies, asthma, eosinophilic disorders, FPIES, mast cell diseases, and Celiac disease. The weekend offers an informative program full of fun activities. Teens will learn about managing their food allergies and, more importantly, spend time with peers who have food allergies (and siblings who do not). Siblings are also affected when a family member has food allergies. Our Teen Retreat is a safe place for them to discuss their concerns with a group who not only understands but can share their own experiences, advice, and solutions.

Teens, college students, and siblings must be between the ages of 11 and 23 to attend the Teen Retreat. It is important for college-aged teens and young adults to be included as well – they act as mentors to the younger teens and also have the opportunity to connect with their peers and discuss managing food allergies in college. All teens will be together for some sessions for mentoring aspects, and then there will be breakout sessions by grades.

Parents/Caregivers are in session on Saturday learning from healthcare professionals, parent/caregiver advocates, teen advocates, and they have time to bond and share stories during both evenings, as well, while the teens are participating in their social events.

There will be an Expo set up all weekend and additional sessions for parents/caregivers while the teens are in session on Sunday. The Expo features FAACT's sponsors who distribute literature, materials, and samples.

To close the weekend, there will be a special parent/caregiver and teen session together, which is very moving and a wonderful way to end the weekend. It is an inspirational and empowering weekend for the entire family that you will not want to miss!

Check out our slideshow to see what a great weekend we had in 2023.

For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please contact Eleanor Garrow-Holding.

Hospitals Nearby

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital
155 E. Brush Hill Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(331) 221-1000
4.2 miles from Hyatt Lodge

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital
3815 Highland Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 275-5900
4.7 miles from Hyatt Lodge

FAACT's Teen Retreat Highlights from 2022

FAACT’s Teen Retreat is uniquely designed to create an authentic environment to share, support, and engage.

The three-day event in Oak Brook, Illinois started at a teen hangout—the local mall—for shopping and a group lunch at Maggiano's Little Italy. With meals prepared by chefs ready and able to cook for people with food allergies, the FAACT Teen Retreat started on the right bite.

Friday evening featured Comedian Dewayne Hill, who dazzled attendees with magic and mind-bending tricks. Then teens parted ways with parents/caregivers to enjoy social time, while adults caught up with old friends and welcomed new people into the community.

The following two days were educational and fun as teens and adults enjoyed their own event tracks. Teens had a blast during an Escape the Room excursion plus sessions with an allergist and discussions focused on high school, college, travel, mental wellness, and finding their voice. Adult topics included caregiver burnout, food allergy research related to teens, and inclusion and equity.

Living with food allergies can leave us feeling isolated. The FAACT Teen Retreat created a safe, non-judgmental place for teens and their families to connect, learn, and leave empowered to take on whatever challenges await!

Click here to see what a great weekend we had! We cannot wait to see everyone again in 2023!

FAACT Teen Retreat Testimonials

"Forever grateful for the friendships, support, and confidence that FAACT's Teen Retreat has provided our family. Thank you, Eleanor, and the amazing FAACT team for providing families with a time of inspiration, fun, and information - it's a great balance! Teen Retreat is such a carefree time for us. I love that young adults are mentors and that teens have time to spread their wings in a safe space. After we left the last retreat, I said I came mainly for my teen, but I left with 'warm fuzzies', too!"
- Lori, North Carolina

"FAACT's Teen Retreat was an amazing experience. Just when I thought I had this allergy parent thing under control, I realized my child had become a teen and would have to navigate things on her own soon. The personal experience of the young adult leaders helped the teens learn real life skills for handling allergies in various situations. The parent lectures helped us learn to let go with the knowledge we have given our kids the skills they need.

As we arrived at the airport to fly home from the retreat, my teen daughter asked me if she, rather than myself, could talk to the airline staff about pre-boarding, wiping down her own seat, and asking if they would request those surrounding usto not eat her allergen. I realized the profound impact the retreat had made. FAACT's Teen Retreat empowers our teens to become their own advocates and helps parents have the courage the to let them!"
- Megan, New Jersey

"FAACT's Teen Retreat has been life-changing for both my daughter (19) and me. We have attended for years. It is the one place that my daughter feels totally connected to a community who understands all of the unique challenges she goes through. She looks forward to seeing the same friends year after year, and I too look forward to seeing all the parents I have met and come to rely on for all these years. We all stay connected throughout the year via social media. There are so many bonding experiences that you almost forget how much important information is imparted to all of us while we are there."
- Jill, New York

"FAACT's Teen Retreat was an incredible experience not only for my 16-year-old daughter, but me as well. I'm beyond grateful we had the opportunity to attend and be encouraged by those dealing with the same challenges we do. It was wonderful for her to learn from those older than her that had navigated their way successfully into college and young adult life with such joy! I wasn't sure what to expect, but like Camp TAG that we had the chance to be a part of, it was a beautiful and empowering experience."
- Charity, Virginia

"Not only did we have excellent learning sessions, the camraderie and relationships that were fostered were unbeatable. FAACT's Teen Retreat provided a wonderful shared experience for both my son and me. Thank you to Eleanor and the FAACT team for such a fun experience."
- Heather, Ohio

"We had an amazing experience attending FAACT's Teen Retreat! From the presenters, to the evening activities, the outings...we met life-long friends! It's an amazing and wonderful feeling where others just 'get it', and the sense of belonging is something we will never forget."
- Shannon, California

"FAACT's Teen Retreat gave me both a sense of security and normalcy in my experiences with food allergies, but also the best community of lifelong friends from across the country! I wouldn't trade those weekends for the world!"
- Emma, Massachusetts (18)

"FAACT's Teen Retreat helped me realize that my parents have my safety and best interest as a priority. Meeting other teens my age who understand the daily challenges of living with food allergies was amazing."
- Jonathan, Kentucky (18)

2019 Teen Retreat Highlights

Inspired, empowered, life-changing, and FAMILY were just a few words used by parents evaluating the 2019 FAACT Teen Retreat. Almost one hundred parents and teens descended upon Oak Brook, Illinois for three days of learning, sharing and connecting as a community. Formerly the site of the McDonald’s Hamburger University, the Hyatt Lodge & Conference Center provided a soothing, woodsy backdrop for FAACT's Teen Retreat. But, the highlight of the weekend was stolen by the heartwarming conclusion of the retreat: the teen and parent anonymous question and answer session. There were tears, laughs, and heartfelt moments as FAACT provided a safe and comfortable environment for the hard questions to be asked, and solutions explored.

Acclaimed inspirational speaker, juggler and entertainer, Curtis Zimmerman, greeted parents and teens with a lively, interactive Welcome session Friday evening. Zimmerman, who understands allergies and lives with Celiac disease, entertained families, while challenging the group to step out of their comfort zone, open their minds, and to be ready to have their lives changed.

The next two days were packed full of presentations from renown board-certified allergists, researchers and experts. Topics included new food allergy treatments, deep dives into anaphylaxis and anxiety, plus sessions addressing prepping for high school and/or college. The retreat was divided into two tracts, one for parents and one for teens, setting the stage for open and honest conversations. Considering age appropriate discussions, a few teen sessions were divided by school grade levels - middle school and high school.

Learning how to prepare to head out to school functions, dating (yes, kissing was discussed with high schoolers), how to communicate and express emotions, Q&A with board-certified allergists, and more were addressed with eager-to-learn teens.

The goal was to empower parents and teens with knowledge and information to live healthy and successful lives while managing food allergies. The magic was not Zimmerman’s fire-eating or knife-juggling, but those wonderous moments when as a parent, you realize you are human, imperfect and perfect all at the same time. Sitting in a room full of peers who know the road you walk, understand your frustrations, and cheer on your success is a gift. The weekend was a gift enjoyed by many families like ours, as we all work hard to raise our children to thrive with food allergies and prepare them for the next stage of their lives. We love being a part of the FAACT Family!

If you have a pre-teen and/or teen, FAACT's Teen Retreat is a MUST!

Check out our 2019 YouTube slide show!

2018 Teen Retreat Highlights

Check out our YouTube 2018 slide show!

Hotel Reservations for 2024

The Hyatt Lodge & Hyatt Lodge Conference Center
2815 Jorie Blvd.
Oak Brook, IL 60523
TEL: 630-568-1234
Hotel Nightly Rate: $174.00/night plus 9% tax --> Total: $189.66/night
Rooms: 2 Queen Beds, Mini Refrigerator, Patio/Balcony, Free Wi-Fi
Check-in: 3:00pm | Check-out: 12:00pm

Reservation Link

Reservation cut-off date: June 21, 2024

Hyatt E-concierge

Made your reservation? Now, personalize your stay - from scheduling transportation to requesting extra pillows - with Hyatt E-concierge.

From the Airport

O'Hare International Airport
DIRECTIONS:
Get on I-190 E. Take I-294 S and I-88 W to 31st St/Oak Brook Rd. in Oak Brook. Take the Oak Brook Road/31st Street exit from IL-83 S. Continue on 31st St/Oak Brook Rd. to The Hyatt Lodge.

Distance from Hotel: 15 miles

Drive Time: 20-25 min.

Chicago Midway Airport
DIRECTIONS/Transportation Options
Distance from Hotel: 19 miles
Drive Time: 30-35 minutes

Airport Shuttle/Transportation

Chicago Airport Shuttle

Fly Chicago: Offers shuttles, public transportation, taxis/limos/rideshares, rental cars, and more.

Suburban Rides: Offers taxis/limos/rideshares.

Parking at The Hyatt Lodge

Complimentary guest parking can be found adjacent to the hotel in the self-parking lot. For your convenience, we recommend pulling up to the front drive of the hotel before self-parking so staff can easily assist you with unloading luggage before you park.

Valet Parking: $10/daily or $15/overnight.

Hyatt Lodge Shuttle Service

If the shuttle is needed for extended periods of time, or exclusive use for your group, it can be arranged until midnight for a fee of $150 roundtrip.

Hours: The shuttle availability is based on appointment. Please contact the Front Office for scheduling times.

Local Shuttle Service is complimentary.

More About The Hyatt Lodge

Our Rooms

Overlooking our 88 acres of lush forestry and lakes, each well-appointed Guest Room offers a balcony or patio, double sinks, coffee makers, iron/ironing boards, safes, un-stocked refrigerators, cordless phones as well as comfortable workstations and 42" LCD flat-screen TV’s.

All rooms feature the Hyatt Grand Bedä, designed with comfort in mind to give your guests a great night’s rest! Featuring plush/pillow top mattresses, down blankets, triple sheeting and luxurious pillows for added comfort. The bed you wish you never had to leave!

Our hotel also features a select number of Respire guest rooms, hypoallergenic rooms, which are 98% allergen-free! This crisp environment helps guests breathe easier, sleep deeper and wake up more refreshed and able to enjoy their visit! Respire rooms are available for a nominal up-charge.

Guest Perks

Guests enjoy our resort-style amenities including on-site restaurants, full-service gym, day spa, large indoor pool, and campus running/biking trails.

National Platinum Sponsor

Curtis Zimmerman Returns for FAACT’s Teen Retreat

As a keynote speaker, best-selling author, and host of the top-rated podcast, The Next 24 Hours, Curtis Zimmerman has impacted over one million people around the globe with his life-changing message. People connect with Curtis through his high energy as he incorporates the skills he gained from over twenty-five years in the entertainment industry as a nationally-recognized mime, juggler, and fire-eater into his powerful programs.

But don’t be fooled by the fun: With the perfect interactive keynote to open or close a conference, Curtis mobilizes audiences to manage rapid change, invigorate their company culture, lead with integrity, and engage customers.

Curtis is a highly sought after speaker among Fortune 100 companies including Kroger, Proctor and Gamble, Johnson & Johson, Pepsico, Coca Cola, Duke Energy and Walt Disney Resorts, along with Universal Orlando Resorts and the United States Air Force.

He is also the author of three books, including his #1 nationally best-selling book Life at Performance Level. Curtis is a member of the Global Speakers Federation (GFS) and the National Speakers Association (NSA), from which he has achieved the highest-earned recognition reserved for the top ten percent of professional speakers across the nation, the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation.

Curtis Zimmerman, “Living the Dream,” returns for FAACT’s Teen Retreat. Curtis has always been a huge hit with parents/caregivers and teens. Having celiac disease himself, Zimmerman relates to the challenges faced by food-allergic groups and is very engaging. “We are thrilled to have Curtis join us again this year for FAACT’s Teen Retreat in Oak Brook,” says FAACT CEO Eleanor Garrow-Holding. “Not only will Curtis be delivering the keynote at the Opening Ceremony, he will also be conducting interactive sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings – with the teens and the parents/caregivers. It is definitely going to be an inspirational, empowering weekend for all.”

National Peanut Board

Grocery Stores

Whole Foods Market
500 E. Ogden Avenue
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Hours: 8:00am-10:00pm
(630) 986-8500
3.2 miles from Hyatt Lodge

Jewel-Osco
944 S York St
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Hours: 6:00am-12:00am
Pharmacy Hours: 8:00am-10:00pm
(630) 721-7285
3.8 miles from Hyatt Lodge

Trader Joe's
122 Ogden Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Hours: 8:00am-9:00pm
(630) 241-1662
4 miles from Hyatt Lodge

Dining at The Hyatt Lodge

Situated in the heart of Oak Brook, our lakefront hotel offers a wide array of Oak Brook dining experiences. Ranging from casual all-day dining at Water’s Edge to sipping cocktails near the roaring fireplace at Hearth Lounge, your taste buds will be satisfied with the menu variety.

Click here to view The Hyatt's restaurants and menus.

Dining at Oak Brook Center

Oak Brook Center is 1.5 miles from The Hyatt and offers many full-service and quick-service restaurants. The Hyatt Lodge offers complimentary shuttle service to/from the hotel and Oak Brook Center.

Click here to view a full list of dining options at Oak Brook Center.

2014 FAACT’s Inaugural Teen Retreat in Chicago was an Absolute Priceless Weekend!

“Living the Dream”, Curtis Zimmerman, was a huge hit at the Welcome Ceremony, once again - and the teens enjoyed the “Murder at the Masquerade” with the Chicago Murder Mystery Company, while the parents attended a social gathering to get to know one another.

Teen sessions were led by food allergy musician Kyle Dine with help from two FAACT spokespersons, actor Kenton Duty and figure skater Kendall Hollinger, and advocate Zac Chelini. They were great mentors! They also led the Teen Panel with parents along with Reed Pake & Kat Schug, also on FAACT's Teen Advisory Council!

Parent sessions were led by Eleanor Garrow-Holding, FAACT President and CEO. A special thank you to our wonderful speakers who presented for both the teens and the parents: Curtis Zimmerman, Dr's. Matt Greenhawt & Ruchi Gupta, Kim Mudd RN, Kyle Dine, Chef Keith Norman, & Amelia Smith Murphree, JD!

Thank you to Kyle Dine for leading the teen sessions along with FAACT Spokespersons, Kenton Duty & Kendall Hollinger, and Zac Chelini! They were awesome and great mentors! They also led the Teen Panel with parents along with Reed Pake & Kat Schug, also on FAACT's Teen Advisory Council!

The Saturday night teen social, "Halloween Monster Mash Dance Party," was full of dance, music, karaoke, games, and a COSTUME PARTY! Zach K. and Olivia D. were the best costume winners with Cameron A. coming in third place. The teens were very creative with their costumes, and everyone had a blast!

The weekend was EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, and INSPIRING! Experiences were shared, teens learned that they need to continue to be responseABLE, everyone learned that WE need to write OUR own script in life, and we all left with new friendships and bonds! PRICELESS! Everyone learned that WE need to write OUR own script in life, and we all left with new friendships and bonds.

Thank you to our sponsors for making this weekend possible:

National Platinum Sponsor: Sanofi US
National Silver Sponsor: Enjoy Life Foods

Gold Sponsor: National Peanut Board
Silver Sponsor: Sunbutter

Friends of FAACT: Vermont Nut Free Chocolates, PASCHA Chocolates, Glanbia, The Croner Family, and Allergic Traveler

In-Kind Sponsors: Amanda's Own Confections, Divvies, Fruitful Yield, Romeoville Police Department, and Chicago Wolves.

Thank you to all of the families who traveled to join us this weekend. We had 12 states represented! You all made the weekend so special and FAACTabulous! We cannot wait for next year!

Want to see what a great time we all had? Check out our YouTube slide show from the weekend!

National Gold Sponsor

DBV Technologies

Nearby Attractions - Things To Do

Oak Brook Center offers a fantastic outdoor shopping experience, with six major department stores and more than 160 shops and restaurants - all in a tranquil setting of lush gardens and flowing fountains. FREE shuttle service to/from The Hyatt.

Visit The Hyatt's Website for many more attractions in the Chicagoland area here.