Fall Retreat
All through my middle school and high school years, I attended many retreats, camps, and overnights at a variety of camp locations. There is always something special about getting away for an extended weekend to focus on scripture and to just spend time intentionally soaking in the joys of life God gives. All during high school, I attended Fall Retreat as a student and had some very impactful moments in my own faith-walk through these retreats. I was excited to be able to return again, but this time, as a leader. I volunteer each week with the middle school kids at the church I attend. It was a special time we all got together to grow and encourage these young 6th grade girls in their faith journeys as well. Throughout the week, we learned about the Eternal Kingdom, and what life after death will be like. The speaker shared on many things and addressed the longing for Heaven - the completion and wholeness we desire - so clearly. There is nothing that matches listening to this next-generation talk about God's love and dive in deeper. Those moments of deep discussion broke up the day of laughter, bravery, and learning!
We definitely have an adventurous group of 6th graders as free-time each day was filled at the rope's course, rock climbing wall, bouldering wall, and zip-line! Our test of heights was challenged and conquered in many aspects! This brave youngest group competed in all the activities and games during the week, and excelled. It was fun seeing how these games connected with the theme of the week.
Additionally, a big part of retreat is the focus on Bible Memory. There is a set block of time during each day for intentional scripture memorization. The excitement the kids had in the verses they learned was unmatched. They would then repeat the verses they had memorized alongside the speaker as he shared in evening programs. On the last full day of retreat, I noticed a few 6th grade boys in my memory group who were not memorizing. I had encouraged these boys the first couple days to try some verses, but they were having a difficult time memorizing and decided the last day wasn't worth the effort. Instead, they were bouncing a ball back and forth to kill the time. I went over to them and said, "I'm going to read this verse as you bounce the ball - one word for each bounce. Go."
Then I said, "Now, you say the words after me on each bounce. Go."
"Now, say the words with me on each bounce. Go."
"Say the words by yourselves."
"Great! I'll sign off on your verse."
The boys looked at me with confused faces and asked, "That's it? We did it! We really just memorized that verse?!"
They asked to do another.
After a couple verses, they were combing through their packets to find verses on their own to bounce the ball to and get verse points (as we compete against other teams in verse memorization).
By the end of the hour, both boys were ecstatic with all they had done for their team and were so proud of themselves. In the first two days, they had each received about 20-30 points and on the final day, they proudly counted 120 points or more each! Later that evening, we found out our group had won the Bible Memory challenge, rumor says only by 30 points! I pulled the boys aside telling them that had they not done those verses, our team would not have won. They realized how important their work was in addition to the whole team and celebrated their win alongside others who had over 2,000 points, because they too were so proud of themselves.
Youth Group Volunteering
As shared earlier, the group I led during the Fall Retreat is the same group of girls I get to volunteer with on Wednesday nights. The group of girls is quite large and they keep inviting friends! I love seeing their missional hearts already at this age and hearing their insights on the things we are learning about in our youth group series. We just finished on the book of James and have moved into a theme about identity. This is a great theme for any age, and especially for these impressionable young girls who are just beginning to really understand how the world wants them to fit into a standard when God has called them to be lights and stand out! I am excited to see where this leads. One of the questions that recently was addressed asked, "what is the most impactful moment of your life." I listened as all the girls shared only positive moments - knowing this question lends to moments of either positivity or negativity. One of the girls shared at the very end, "I guess it isn't just one moment I'm thinking of, but every Wednesday here with all of you guys impacts me." I am so blessed and filled with joy by these girls.
Weekly sugar intake is met on Wednesday nights ;) especially because these girls keep winning the challenges and are rewarded with sweets!
Student Link
As the school year is now under way and schedules aligned, Student Link is beginning to pick up speed again! I currently meet with two different Student Link groups each week as we look at the different foundations of faith and encourage one another in accountability on this disciple-making journey. The routine meetings and connections that we make through this program pulls everyone deeper into knowing more about their Savior and sharing that good news with those around them!
Girls from Student Link meeting up for a Women's Event together
Gathering together for Student Link before Youth Group
Joyfully meeting after finding a time again that works with the new school/work/sport schedules!
