I had never really felt all that close to my Youth Pastor, Brandon. I was a senior, and he had just taken over the high school ministry at the end of the fall semester. My little brother had him as his middle school pastor, so I knew of him, but I hadn’t felt very connected with him at all. However, everything shifted when he took me and the rest of the high school leadership team out on a weekend retreat.
Nestled in the woods not too far from our church, this small retreat hosted one of the most impactful weekends of my time at Youth Group. A decade later, I still remember almost every activity from that retreat: ultimate frisbee, blindfolded treks in the woods, firepit worship and prayer, team-building games, powerful teaching, and a late-night game of murder in the dark (IYKYK).
Looking back, I realize how different that weekend felt compared to our Wednesday night rhythm. What were usually rows of chairs and a stage were trees, trails, and campfires. That shift of environment gave room for a change in my heart. My Youth Pastor knew that in Youth Ministry, utilizing outdoor adventure and retreats is one of the best tools that we have to deepen our students’ faith.
A Space Away
There is something powerful about creating a space away from all the busyness of life. Jesus modeled this practice in Luke 5:16. Jesus recognized the need to get away from the noise and connect with God in the wilderness. Maybe the breakthrough you have been praying for will come through a conversation around a fire pit, a morning hike, or maybe after a weekend without their phone.
These spaces are a great way to spend quality time with the students in your Youth Group. Instead of rushing through a two-hour time of connection, you have the opportunity to spend unhurried time together: eating meals, playing games, road tripping, and worshipping under the stars.
Unique Experiences
Students will not remember all of your outstanding sermons, but they will never forget the powerful moments you create for them during an outdoor retreat. Overcoming their fears on a ropes course, belly-laughing for hours late at night, or going on a blindfolded hike in the woods provides sticky memories that are tied to their faith. When they reflect on their time in Youth Group, it will be those experiences that they remember, and when each of those experiences is connected to an encounter with God, they will have anchor points to help them stay rooted in every season.
Kyle Williamson
Director of Student Leadership Development
Photo by Maciej Chwirot on Unsplash