2025 Ya-A-Te
Ya-A-Te welcomes incoming and returning students to TJC, giving them an opportunity to meet fellow students, have fun and learn about life at TJC.
Ya-A-Te means “Welcome” in Apache and is a three-day retreat held off-campus for freshmen and sophomore students. It teaches leadership skills and teamwork, all while demonstrating the resources students will need for a successful future at TJC. Attendees experience the outdoors while canoeing and zip-lining, enjoy nightly activities, and compete in tribal games for the bragging rights of the ultimate tribe.
Quotes from past Ya-A-Te attendees
- “I really enjoyed myself. I loved my table that I sat at everyday. Hopefully next year I will be part of an organization when I come.”
- “Had an amazing time at Ya-A-Te! I enjoyed making new friends and making new memories.”
- “I’m so glad I was able to come to Ya-A-Te. My cabinmates are now my best friends. I hope we stay in contact after this.”
- “The retreat was out of my comfort zone, but I had fun and made new friends after all!”
Frequently Asked Questions
You will be introduced to the resources needed to be a successful student leader at Tyler Junior College. You will meet new friends, learn TJC traditions, and discover how to get involved on campus. In addition, you will play tribal games, enjoy nightly activities, and have free time to explore the facility.
Here’s a tentative schedule from last year’s retreat for you to get an idea of events and activities that will be taking place during the 3-day retreat.
|
Monday, August 18 |
Tuesday, August 19 |
Wednesday, August 20 |
| 12:00 PM: Check In, Opening Ceremony & Resource Fair
2:00 PM: Travel to Allaso Ranch 3:00 PM: Arrive & Cabin Move-in 3: 30 PM: Small Group #1 4:30 PM: Free Time 6:00 PM: Leadership Workshop & Dinner Ranch Commons 7:00 PM: Tribal Ceremony 7:30 PM: Tribe Time 8:00 PM: Tribal Games Apache Pong: Mescalero vs. Chiricahua Apache Pass: Lipan vs. Kiowa 9:30 PM: Pool Party 12:00 AM: Lights Out |
8:30 AM: Breakfast
Ranch Commons 9:00 AM: Apache Pong: Lipan vs. Kiowa Apache Pass: Mescalero vs. Chiricahua 10:00 AM: Small Group #2 11:30 AM: Namesake Cheer Competition Ranch Commons 12:00 PM: Tribal Game: Trivia Bowl Ranch Commons 1:30 PM: Lunch Ranch Commons 2:00 PM: Free Time 5:00 PM: Leadership Workshop & Dinner Ranch Commons 6:30 PM: Tribal Games Kickball: Mescalero vs. Kiowa Blind Volleyball: Lipan vs. Chiricahua 7:30 PM: Diversity Wall 9:00 PM: Small Groups #3 10:00 PM: Dance – Theme: Favorite Holiday 12:30 AM: Lights Out |
8:30 AM: Breakfast Ranch Commons 9:00 AM: Tribal Games Kickball: Lipan vs. Chiricahua Blind Volleyball: Mescalero vs. Kiowa 10:00 AM: Small Group #4 11:00 AM: Depart from Allaso Ranch 12:00 PM: Lunch & Closing Ceremony |
* This year’s retreat will look slightly different and times and activities may change.
The registration fee is only $60 to attend. After July 1, the fee is $75 and registration ends one week prior to the retreat.
RegisterNo. The Ya-A-Te is held off-campus at Allaso Ranch in Hawkins, TX. Students attending the retreat will check in at TJC’s main campus and all attendees will ride the charter buses from TJC to Allaso Ranch. According to our student travel policy, all students must be transported from Tyler Junior College by way of TJC transportation. Additionally, TJC personnel will coordinate transportation for attendees during the retreat for emergencies, as parents or guardians are not allowed to personally drop off/retrieve students from the retreat location.
We prefer students connect with fellow Apaches while at Ya-A-Te. Tyler Junior College is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones. Signal strength can be poor, but Wi-Fi is available in the main, indoor facility. We ask that attendees restrict cell phone usage to free time and in cabins.
Yes. Two meals on Day 1, Three meals on Day 2 and Two meals on Day 3 are included in the registration fee, as well as refreshments will be served during night activities. Please note on your registration form if you have any special dietary needs and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.
No. All students must register and submit payment for Ya-A-Te to complete their registration. Walk-ins will not be accepted as space is limited.
Ya-A-Te is designed to meet the needs of both freshmen and sophomore students. Students must be registered for fall classes at TJC prior to attending the retreat.
- Bedding (Pillow, blanket/sleeping bag, fitted twin-size sheet)
- Personal items ( Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Shampoo, Soap, Brush, etc.)
- Shorts/Casual Clothing
- Swimsuit
- Sneakers/Socks
- Shower Shoes
- Bug Spray
- Sun Screen
- Sleep Wear
- Towels (beach and shower)
- Theme event attire – Pool Party & Dress as your favorite Holiday
Please bring pages C, F, G, and H of the Student Travel Guidelines (PDF).