Here are 3 final testimonials from some of my former youth group members on what they thought of the summer retreats we used to put on...
"As far as the details of activities or specific things we did, im a little hazy, memory not being one of my strong suits, but the thing i do remember at summer and winter camps was that it was a safe haven...I dont want to say it was an escape from whatever we did in our other time, but it was definitely a vacation that gave us kids good clean fun away from home. More importantly though, it was an opportunity for us as brothers and sisters to feel a sense of closeness to each other. That we were not only going through similar troubles in our lives but that we were united in combating them and that something bigger than us was the power that led us and fueled us. This truth was something that gave us strength for years to come."
-Anthony Neely
"Youth retreats were always the highlight of my summers. Going outside the 'church' environment relaxed most of the youth and the youth pastors were really able to spend more than just an hour or two with us. Learning how to pray and do devotionals alone prepared us for daily devotions when we went home. Small groups prepared us how to express our feelings and thoughts about certain views with our friends. But the funnest part was just hanging out, dancing to Christian music and crackin jokes. Those memories are forever in my heart. I would definitely recommend for youth pastors to take their youth on summer retreats to get to know the real them!"
-Ashley Withers
"Having gone to mega summer retreats with multiple youth groups by different organizations (both as a student and leader), I appreciate the summer camps Scott used to put on solely for our youth group during our 'early years'. During these times, we had more of an opportunity to really grow deeper together as a community, and really laid the foundation for several years of a vibrant ministry....It was also kinda fun being a part of the food-making process. It felt like we were in a little commune...And the 'Big Night Games' were always the draw, highlight, and best memories of the week."
-Josh Herndon
Want To Learn How To Do A Retreat Like This?
If you want to be one of the 15 to get live online training on how to put on a similar retreat, then email me ASAP at lastingministry (at) gmail.com.
You can see more details on this training I'm calling "Instant Summer Retreat" at the end of my last post. The training is designed to give you everything you need to pull off the retreat - the daily schedule, games, suggested menus and even sermons, etc.
0 comments:
Post a Comment