Our high school students kicked off the school year with three days of fellowship, worship, adventure, and spiritual growth at Spruce Lake Retreat Center from September 16th to 18th.
With a full schedule of activities, worship sessions, small group discussions, team-building challenges, and plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors, the retreat gave students an opportunity to step away from their normal school routines and spend intentional time growing closer to Christ and to one another. Establishing meaningful connections between students and teachers at the beginning of the school year fosters trust, encourages open communication, and lays the foundation for active, engaged learning throughout the year.
After arriving at Spruce Lake on Wednesday, students settled into their cabins before gathering for orientation and an afternoon of TCS games. They played a game called “The Amazing Race” where they were divided into color teams and needed to head to different sections of the camp to complete mini games. Congratulations to the red team who won by gathering the most chips and balloons!
Later when asked about her experience at the retreat, freshman student Alana said,
“The Amazing Race game was tiring but it was fun because you were able to get to know that group of people better. I liked that the retreat helped the freshman become closer with the rest of the high school.”
The fun continued later that evening with worship, small group breakout sessions, climbing wall and gym activities, and ice cream for a late-night snack.
One of the most meaningful parts of the retreat was the opportunity for students to worship together and hear from the retreat speaker. This year we were blessed to have EJ Frain, and his wife Alexus speak. Throughout the messages and discussions, students were challenged to consider what it means to follow Christ, grow in their faith, and live out what they believe in their everyday lives. Over each of his sessions EJ shared stories of characters from the Bible who the students could emulate. He spoke about David and how he drew near to God after he had sinned. He spoke about Barabas and how God has set us free so we can be the light. He also shared about Gideon and how God showed him his purpose and how we can seek the purpose God has for us and live for him. The students enjoyed the time of worship and time to seek God.
“The worship at the end of the day was refreshing. When we were tired from the day it was nice to come back and have fellowship and worship God together,” said junior, Johanna.
“I liked the sermons and morning devotions. During the second night when Mrs. Frain shared her testimony, that really stood out to me,” said junior Anna.
Thursday brought a full day of activities designed to challenge students physically and encourage them to work together. Students rotated through volleyball, ziplining, high ropes, laser tag, and team-building initiatives. Whether they were encouraging a classmate through a challenging activity or working together to complete a team challenge, students had plenty of opportunities to strengthen friendships and build community.
Now on her second Spruce Lake retreat as a junior, Sylvanie shared,
“My favorite part of the retreat was ziplining and the skywalk! I think the activities that they had allowed us to bond together as a team.”
The day ended with another evening worship session and small group time, followed by a large group clue game, a campfire, and s’mores. One of our seniors, Leya, shared that her favorite part of the retreat was hanging out with her friends at the fire pit.
Throughout the retreat, students also had dedicated time in their discipleship groups. These conversations gave students an opportunity to reflect on the messages they heard, discuss questions together, and encourage one another.
Friday morning brought one final opportunity for fellowship before heading home. After breakfast, students gathered for morning devotions before heading outside for TCS Champion Cheers and time at the gift shop. Following lunch, the group packed up and headed back to school.
While the activities and memories from the retreat will be part of what students remember, the greatest purpose of the trip was to create space for students to focus on their relationship with Christ and encourage one another as they begin another school year together.
From worship and small group conversations to ziplining, team building, campfires, and plenty of laughter, the high school retreat was a meaningful opportunity for students to grow together as a high school, make memories, and be reminded that they are part of a community centered on Christ.
We are thankful for Spruce Lake Retreat Center, their staff, and our own teachers, staff, and administrators who helped make the retreat possible. We are excited to see how the lessons and encouragement from these three days continue to impact our students throughout the school year.