A Look Back At Our 2026 Youth Retreat
We had an incredible time on our annual Youth Retreat at Camp Findley! Even though the forecast warned of a severe snowstorm and freezing temperatures for the weekend ahead, it didn’t stop us. After lots of prayers, tracking the weather, and careful planning, we decided to move forward with the retreat. We had a plan to continue watching the weather and return early Sunday morning before the main part of the storm was expected to hit.
The retreat gave us the chance to step away from the busyness of life, slow down, and spend intentional time with God. Throughout our sessions and small group discussions, we grew deeper in our faith and relationships with one another. We also enjoyed plenty of fellowship through games, challenges, and snow tubing.
On Sunday morning, we woke up to snow falling. After breakfast, we packed up and headed home. Thankfully, the roads weren’t too bad, and we made it back safely. We wrapped up our retreat back at the church with our final session and lunch, finishing the weekend together just as we started it - in community, prayer, and gratitude for all God had done.
Despite the cold and the snow, God met us in every moment, and we are thankful for the memories, growth, laughter, and joy we shared.
Our theme was Bible Bootcamp, where we explored principles of faith that equip us as soldiers in God’s army. Throughout the weekend, we learned what it means to stand firm in our faith during the battles of everyday life and how to train our hearts, minds, and souls to become more like Jesus. Each session challenged us to grow spiritually and reminded us that God gives us everything we need to live boldly for Him.
Why This Theme?
We felt led to choose the Bible Bootcamp theme after spending the past year paying close attention to what our youth need most spiritually. While recent retreats focused on personal testimonies and connecting Scripture to our stories, this year we sensed a need for clear, practical biblical tools our youth could truly hold onto. We wanted to equip them with foundational truths like the Fruit of the Spirit, the Armor of God, and The Greatest Command that they could understand, remember, and apply in daily life, giving them something to hold onto long after the retreat ends.
The Goal:
Our goal was for both youth and leaders to grow in a deeper understanding of practical, foundational biblical principles they can carry into everyday life. We wanted to help them strengthen their faith, build Godly habits, and confidently live out what they believe. More than just feeling inspired for a weekend, we hoped every teen and leader would leave the retreat trained, prepared, and spiritually grounded for the challenges they face during the week.
Our Five Teaching Sessions:
1. The Armor of God
We explored each piece of the Armor of God and what it represents: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. This session helped us understand how God equips us to stand strong in spiritual battles and face challenges with confidence.
2. Armor of God Q&A Panel
Our youth had the opportunity to ask honest, real-life questions about faith, spiritual warfare, and living for Christ while our leaders responded with biblical wisdom and personal experience. This open conversation created a safe space for deeper understanding and meaningful discussion.
3. The Fruit of the Spirit: Introduction & Biblical Background
We introduced the Fruit of the Spirit and explored its biblical roots, learning why these qualities matter and how they reflect the character of Christ. This session laid the foundation for understanding how the Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out.
4. Living Out the Fruit of the Spirit
We discussed what it looks like to actively display love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in everyday life. We were encouraged to recognize these “fruits” in our behavior and intentionally cultivate them in our relationships and daily choices.
5. The Greatest Command
We closed with Jesus’ teaching on the Greatest Commandment: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This final session reminded us that every spiritual discipline, piece of armor, and fruit of the Spirit ultimately points back to love as the foundation of our faith.
Prayer Vigil:
On Saturday night, we spent quiet time with God in prayer as we rotated through interactive prayer stations. Seeing so many take time to be still, humble themselves before God, and rest in His presence is inspirational. The atmosphere was filled with peace, reflection, and reverence.
When I first took over planning our retreats, I knew I wanted to create a space where we could pause, listen, and reflect on what God was saying to our hearts—a place where we could surrender our worries, lay down our burdens, bring our pain and struggles before Him, and lift up prayers of praise and thanksgiving. I wanted an atmosphere that was quiet, safe, non-judgmental, and peaceful. Out of that desire, the Prayer Station Experience was created. Over the years, it has quickly become something many of us look forward to and remains a favorite part of the retreat. For me personally, it is one of the most moving moments of the weekend. There is nothing quite like walking into a room full of people praying, listening, and being led by the Holy Spirit. It’s powerful in a way words can hardly capture. Witnessing everyone engage so deeply in their spiritual journeys was a blessing to all of us and a reminder of how beautifully God meets us when we make space for Him.
A Shout-Out to Everyone Who Made This Weekend Incredible
To Our Youth:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my job so rewarding. You are incredible, wonderful, and truly amazing young people. Watching you grow in your relationship with God and step into who He created you to be is one of the greatest blessings of my life. You made this weekend unforgettable by the way you engaged and immersed yourselves in every part of the retreat. You worked hard, served joyfully, and showed such maturity. From unloading the trailer to cleaning up after every activity and meal, to tackling each challenge with enthusiasm, you impressed me every step of the way. My heart was especially full on Sunday morning when every building was cleaned, the trailer packed, and all of you were ready to go before breakfast. Watching you work together as a team, without being asked, was a proud moment as your leader. You truly rocked this entire weekend.
To Our Young Adults:
WOW… what a weekend. Thank you for everything you poured into this retreat. From helping plan the details to stepping up and leading sessions with confidence and passion, you absolutely crushed it. You made this retreat so special and meaningful. Thank you for handling things behind the scenes, for showing up with willing hearts, and for always having my back. You are some of my greatest blessings, and I am so grateful for each of you.
To Our Adults:
Thank you for showing up, caring deeply, and investing in our youth with love and purpose. Your presence, perspective, encouragement, and support mean more than you know. You add so much to this weekend, and your willingness to serve helps create an environment where our youth can thrive. I am grateful for each of you, and I can’t wait to do it all again in 2027.
Below, you will find the Thankful Moments shared by some who attended this year’s retreat. I encourage you to read their reflections and see how God is moving in the hearts of our youth and leaders. Their stories are a reminder of how powerfully God is working through this ministry.
Adrienne Demmin
The youth retreat will always hold a special place in my heart. I have attended every retreat since I was old enough to be part of the youth program, and through those experiences I have grown tremendously in my faith and become the Christian I am today. Over the years, these retreats have played a major role in shaping my faith journey and helping me grow into an adult within the church. Because of the impact the program had on me, I am always eager to help the youth have the same opportunities that I once had. Being able to help the youth of our church experience the glory of our Almighty God through events like the youth retreat truly feels like a blessing from heaven. The retreat not only strengthens our relationship with God, but also brings us closer to one another, creating friendships and bonds that can last a lifetime. I was honored to be able to teach the Word of God this year and to serve as the kind of role model that this program helped shape me to become. I am grateful to God for the guidance and blessings He provided throughout this year’s retreat. I am excited to see what He has in store for this amazing group of youth, and I believe they will truly become a light to the world.
Joe
This was my first year on the youth retreat and it was amazing. I meet many new friends and adults that helped me with a lot. I had a lot of fun worshipping our lord and savior with my friends and people with the same feelings as I do. I loved the prayer stations and the scavenger hunt and games with our teams and having time in the basement to play games with my friends. It was so much fun. The prayer stations helped me so much with my relationship with god. I would say my god moment was when we had to walk in and choose a station and the first one I choose was the one I needed the most. I was at that first station for about 25mins. The lessons were really great as well. The lessons that really stuck with me was the fruit of the spirit, this really opened my eyes, it helped me to see that I need to be producing more good fruits and thats what I’ve been doing everyday since the retreat. Praying and working to earn those fruits. It was a really great experience and an amazing time to get someone on one time with Jesus.
Jace
This was my first year at the youth retreat, and I was excited to see what God had in store for me. I enjoyed meeting new people and doing something fun and new every day. During worship and the prayer stations, I really felt like God was speaking to me and helping me connect with Him on a deeper level. I can’t wait to go again!
Giavanna
I was really grateful for the time we spent at the youth retreat and had a lot of fun. My favorite part was the prayer stations because they helped me feel closer to God. I also liked spending time with my friends and meeting new people!
Brielle
This was my first time going on the youth retreat and at first I had no idea what to expect. Im so glad that I went because I had so much fun and it’s the closest to God I’ve ever felt. The whole weekend I could really feel Gods presence. Especially during the prayer stations. I felt so at peace and connected with God and it was an amazing experience. I really enjoyed listening to other leaders talk and spending time learning about God. I had such a fun time and I made so many great memories with my friends and I cant wait to come back next year!
Gianna
The youth retreat has always been an amazing experience for me. I always feel so much closer and more connected with God throughout the weekend and even after. This was my first year leading a session which was even better for getting closer with God! My favorite parts about the retreat are definitely cabin talks and prayer stations. Prayer stations are always an amazing experience for me. It is just amazing to be in an environment where God is so present. I think God talked to me in many ways during the weekend. Overall it was an amazing experience as it always is every year!
Rachel
This year’s Youth Retreat was very special for me. It was one of the biggest I’ve been too and the Bible Bootcamp theme had a very good message that talked about things like the Armor of God and the Fruit of the Spirit. I made a lot of new friends and grew closer to my old ones, but most importantly I grew closer to God. My favorite part of the retreat was the prayer stations where I received a very special message. I am blessed to be able to go on this retreat every year and I am looking forward to next year’s Youth Retreat.
Julian
I had a nice time doing the Prayer Stations. It was relaxing and i got to spend time with God. I went around doing the different activities, but there was one I was ignoring. "Letter From God". I think the paper said. l ignored it. It sounded so strange and it wasn't something I had ever done. I definitely felt a tug to do it, but it was ignored. Eventually I started to get tired, and a little bored. I finally caved and slid into the chair facing the "Letter From God" table.
I picked out a pretty blue piece of paper and a red pen. I was still skeptical. I read the instructions on the sign. I closed my eyes and started talking to God. Then I started writing. The words I was seeing weren't mine, but they were written for me. They flowed into my mind and i wrote them down with a shaky hand.
I eventually broke down. I re-read the letter a whole bunch of times. I put my head in my hands and cried. Then a shard of darkness struck me. "This is ridiculous. No one can hear you. God? He's not real." They were all thoughts I had before, but dismissed. This time they weren't mine. "Get. Out." I said harshly. And I prayed harder than I ever had before.
It came and went quick. By the end I was exhausted and tear-stained, but I truly felt closer to God. After reading my letter again I slipped it into a white envelope and took a look around. The candles, fairy lights, and other kids talking with the Lord warmed my heart. I took my letter and left.
The church retreat was an amazing experience that brought everyone closer together. During the retreat, we participated in fun activities, meaningful discussions, and moments of reflection that helped strengthen both our faith and our friendships. One of the most important things we learned about was the Armor of God and how it helps guide us to stay strong in our faith and make good choices in our daily lives. My favorite part of the retreat was the prayer stations because they gave me a quiet chance to grow closer to God and spend time thinking without feeling like people were watching me or that I had to talk out loud. I also really enjoyed playing Taskmaster because it was a fun activity that helped me meet new people while working together on scavenger hunts and different challenges. The sessions were sometimes emotional but very meaningful, especially when the leader shared real-life examples that helped us understand the lessons better. I also enjoyed talking in our small groups because I knew many of the people there, which made it easy to connect and have thoughtful conversations with the group and our leader. Overall, the retreat was a really special experience, and I’m very grateful for the memories we made and everything we learned.
Portia
I had an amazing time on the youth retreat. This was my second year going the youth retreat and I had an amazing time. I loved getting to hang out with all my friends and getting to make new friends. I also loved getting to grow closer to God. I loved getting to play with everyone during all the fun games!
Riley
I have been on 11 youth retreats and each one is memorable for their own reasons. My first one was in 2015 and it was during my confirmation year. It was special because it was the first time I had spent time with the youth that were older than me and it was my first real retreat away from my parents. I remembered how special being able to be in cabin talks with the youth who was older than me and getting to know them. Each year has had something special that has made it memorable. This year was especially memorable. Getting to spend the weekend with my best friends and getting to grow your relationships with God together is so unbelievably special. I had so many God moments throughout the entire weekend. One God moment I had was seeing the amount of people who sat down and wrote notes to all of the youth. Seeing God’s love being spread through each and every person there was so special. I have been a leader to most of these youth since they were in kindergarten. If not in kindergarten, a few years later. I have watched these youth grow up and become the leaders that they are today, but this weekend is the first time I have gotten to hang out with them as friends rather than as leader and youth. The most important God moment was the prayer stations. We have done prayer stations the last few years and it is always a special moment. Prayer stations are always a special moment where you can feel God and it feels like he is sitting right next to you. They really allow you to open up and just focus on what he is trying to tell you. It felt like God was right there speaking to me during the stations and helping me through the tough times that I was talking to him about. The retreat weekend made me realize how important the relationships he gives you are and how special the retreat is.
Sara
This was my first year going on the youth retreat. I wasn’t sure what to expect but was super excited to go. I am so thankful I decided to attend the weekend trip because I learned so many valuable ways to bring me closer to God. I bonded with all my friends and leaders and made unforgettable memories that will stay with me forever. The leaders had many fun activities for us to do and build our faith in God. We were busy from morning to night and I loved every minute of it! I can’t wait to attend more in the future.
Kendall
This year at the youth retreat was such a eye opening time, I had a lot going on at the time and it helped to reset and reconnect with God and my friends! When I’m at the youth retreat I can really feel God everywhere I go and in everything I do! During prayer, worship, lessons and even free time we learn and seek Him fully!
My favorite time of the retreat is prayer stations! This year I sat doing the same station for over a half hour and I didn’t even realize because I was so invested in talking to God. Over all I’m so truly blessed for all the leaders, friends, and other teens there! I learned so much and it really made a difference in my life, even now I still remember things we talked and prayed about and apply them to my life!
Grace
I really enjoyed the youth retreat this year. It is a great time to be with god and also to be with kind people and friends you trust and love like family. I always feel people connect there not just to each other but to god. It is a wonderful place and I always look forward to it every year. A big god moment for me was during prayer stations. It is so quiet and peaceful I can truly hear god. I love the youth retreat and can’t wait for it again next year.
Abby
This year was my second year on the youth retreat and both years it was such a great experience. It brings me closer to everyone who goes and the memories will always be my favorite part. I feel at peace when I am at Camp Findley and with all of my friends. My main goal is growing closer on my personal relationship with God and the youth retreat helped with that so much. The prayer stations are my favorite part of the retreat because it gives me time to wind down and just spend those silent times talking to God. My cabin talks this year were really special and my God moment was during them. I saw God through my whole group and I felt like everything we talked about was so special and not a single moment during our sessions was taken for granted. Our conversations were amazing and the Cabin Talks were another one of my favorite parts about the trip. Overall, I am definitely looking forward to the youth retreat next year to grow closer to my friends, learn more about God, and make many more memories.
Katie
This retreat was the best weekend ever. I had so much fun with my friends, but the prayer stations on Saturday night were the best part. The whole room was quiet and had such a relaxing vibe, and it didn't feel awkward at all to just sit there and pray. One station let us write down stuff and I wrote pages about everything I was stressed about, and it made me feel way less overwhelmed . It was easily the most meaningful part of the whole trip and I’m so glad I went. It changed my perspective on life.
Sydney
It had been by desire to go on this youth retreat for many years but had never been able to make it work. It was truly a blessing to be able to make it work this year with my Daughter Kaitlyn making the trip from Syracuse. I have truly been watching a God moment for years with what Adrienne and Adrian provide in all they do by just making everything they do so thoughtful and God focused. I felt God’s presence throughout the event, with the testimony shared by youth and adults, the interactions between all the participants, and most personally with writing the letter from God during the prayer station time. I have always tried to have open communication and listen but this moment really made me feel something different and a connection that was special. Lastly the moments I got to share with all God’s children in addition to the special moments I was able to share with my own Daughter have left a lasting memory that will never fade and I will also be grateful for.
Steve
This was my first year going on the Youth Retreat and it was one of the most rewarding and fun experiences ever. I got to spend time learning about God and connecting with him while also spending time and playing games with my friends. The retreat brought me closer to both God and my friends and i’m so glad I have the opportunity to go and do that. I got to learn about other peoples experiences and how they overcame their difficulties with God by their side and that really inspired me. One of my favorite parts of the retreat were the stations. In these stations I really got time to spend time with just myself and God. During these stations I felt the closest to God I have ever felt and I cherish that time. I felt safe and loved and I cannot wait to go back again in the winter!
Allie
This year was the second youth retreat I went to. Last year adults gave the talks. This year it was very humbling to see what a wonderful job the older youths did giving the talks to guide the younger people. Oddly I would say the most memorable God moment for me this year came a week after the retreat during a conversation I had with two people that I had largely forged a relationship with through the youth retreat. Steve Sosnowski, Miss Adrienne and I had an enlightening conversation about church family relationships versus our own family relationships. And it was through this conversation that I received exactly the guidance and support I needed to grapple with a challenging issue I was facing in my own family at that time.
Jim
This year’s youth retreat was a really meaningful experience. For me it was an opportunity to step away from everyday life, and it really helped me slow down and focus on my relationship with God. During the retreat I felt closer to God than I have in a while and
I really needed that reminder that he would always be there for me. One of the most encouraging parts of the weekend was watching the younger teenagers take their faith so seriously. Seeing their willingness to learn, reflect, ask questions, and grow in their relationship with God was really inspiring to me. I also really valued the fellowship with the other youth and adults from our church. Spending time together in worship, conversations, and activities strengthened my sense of community and reminded me how important it is to grow in faith alongside one another. I’m very thankful I had the opportunity to be part of it.
Kaitlyn
This year’s theme was centered around the Armor of God, a piece of scripture I’ve always wanted to learn more about. And through all of our sermons and our cabin talks where we analyzed each sermon with each other, I truly learned so much more. Not only about God, but about myself, and about the wonderful people around me. What stuck with me the most was Mr. Louie’s sermon (you rock Mr. Louie). There was a moment when he looked at each of us, and asked when was the last time we really spoke to God, and just told Him we loved Him. It’s something that resonated with me very deeply, and I think it will for a long time, along with everything else I learned about my faith through our prayer stations on the last night of the retreat. The prayer stations are an amazing opportunity to just be with God, and I’ve felt moved by it every year so far. Overall, the church retreats have always been a beautiful experience for me, and I’d absolutely recommend it for anyone wanting to learn more about God and grow with our Church Family!
Alexi
On this youth retreat during the prayer stations, God really touched my heart to let me see the sin that I have been committing and showed me that I should focus more on the things In my life that I need to be doing and it was great to be able to spend time with people around me that had the same mindset.
Lucas
Every year I have a great time on the youth retreat. This year was my fourth time going. Each year seems to get better. I get to spend time with my friends, adults from the church community, and God. Through the youth retreat, we get to learn about God and get closer to him through the support of each other, while having a good time doing it. This year, we had to leave a little early because of a large snow storm. Instead of finishing the program at the camp, we did it at the church. I think that this was even better than usual because it helped us to tie the rest of the weekend back to the actual church. It showed us that the location didn’t matter, because God was with us either way. I am very thankful for everyone who went, and I would encourage anyone to go next year as well. It’s a great chance for people to connect with God, and I’ve never heard anyone say they didn’t want to go back.
Carter
