Reset our Hearts, our Minds, and our Purpose was the theme for our annual 7th Grade Spruce Lake Retreat. Our students had an amazing time fellowshipping and worshipping with one another as we had three fun filled days that included games and engaging classes that the staff at the Spruce Lake Retreat Center held for our students. Many of the classes focused on challenging team building exercises, hiking, rock climbing, and a pond ecology class.
All of the classes ended with a brief devotional from the counselors that allowed us the opportunity to focus and be amazed at God’s creation and how much He cares for us.
In the mornings and the evenings, the teachers shared devotionals with the students. Mrs. Janho shared a devotional explaining how when we receive Jesus, He will remove the sin from our hearts and make us brand new. Ms. Edwards shared the importance of renewing our minds in Christ so that we think on the truths of God and not the lies from the world. Mr. Covington shared how it is important to surrender our purpose to the Lord and choose to follow His will for our lives and not ourselves. Ms. McKay closed our retreat by sharing the story of Peter and how even through his flaws, Jesus forgave him and used him for His glory. God has a plan for all of our lives, and He desires to use us.
7th graders Lauren, Isabella, and Rachel shared some of their favorite parts of the trip. “I liked ziplining”, Lauren said, while Isabella and Rachel agreed that their favorite activity was the bonfire and making s’mores. They shared that it was fun hearing from their teachers and seeing them outside of a school context. Rachel explained, “When we were rock climbing they told us how our harness was like God and even though it’s hard to climb up, there’s always the harness holding on to you like God does for us!”
Our 7th Grade students had a wonderful time and there are many more fun filled stories that they can share. We look forward to doing this trip again next year!