By Addie Gerlach
Retreat:
1: an act of changing one's decisions, plans, or attitude, especially as a result of criticism from others
2: a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax.
Even the best and strongest military troops need to retreat, sometimes to admit defeat or just rest. Constant battle isn’t sustainable for anyone. One must turn, regroup, learn, and hope that the next step after a retreat is made with a clear mind. One must trust.
The recent Vine Youth retreat was one of much prayer, dedication, and hope. After two years of youth group on zoom, outside, and with masks, the thought of a long weekend in a house together seemed unattainable. But in August 2021, God put in Jake Sandusky’s heart the desire to hold The Vine’s first retreat for youth, and God said, “yes.” Through prayerfully-planned messages, activities, meals, and guidelines for a fun and safe weekend for everyone, the hope was that students would experience what it means to trust God. He is trustworthy despite our circumstances, and the ways in which He has provided in the past inform trusting Him in the future.
The youth are a tricky group in our congregation. No longer “kiddos” and not quite adults, they often fall in the “I’m here because my parents made me” category. The retreat was a chance to grab their hearts for God, setting aside battles present in their day-to-day lives. Youth retreat is a yearly opportunity to show teens that following God is a worthwhile aspiration for their lives. For these students, before a new year of school and all that comes with it, this was a chance to retreat, regroup, and gather hope for the year ahead.
“The fact that we were all together to make this happen was a blessing,” reflects Jake. Indeed it was incredible that the details came together. A free lodging space in Entiat courtesy of Don and Laurie, willing and able volunteers amid a busy summer schedule, and enough teens interested made it worth all the work that went into planning. Not to mention no covid concerns after attendees were asked to test upon arrival—there is a way to make “normal” return even post-pandemic. And the weather was pushing 100 degrees but the space provided relief with air conditioning and Lake Entiat right outside the door. Jake included a lot of structured unstructured time in which students chose from many activities—yard games like Kuub and badminton, a community swimming pool, kayaking in the lake, inflatables to lounge in, or just hanging out around the house together. Students got to try everything at least once. Laurie, our host, even generously allowed students to inner tube behind a speedboat on the lake! A highlight for many!
Many youth groups suffer from cliques and concerns about boys and girls spending time together, but this weekend seemed to take those issues in stride. Keeping the circle open, inviting others, and working together allows everyone to experience the freedom we have in Christ. “The inclusivity of the students—younger and older—was really special.” Additionally Jake reflects, “The momentum from the youth retreat sets us up to do some awesome things for these students in the coming school year.” Soon the youth group will hold their fall kickoff—welcoming new 6th graders into the fold, and this event helped cement relationships between students and trusted adult leaders. It certainly is a different experience than a few hours on Wednesday night—sharing a space and all meals with adults that aren’t one’s parents gives a level of humanity students may not realize is part of everyone’s lives. Learning how to love someone when you get to see all sides of them—even the challenging sides—that’s a lesson students will rely upon again and again in adulthood.
The military troops don’t stay in retreat. Advancing again with fresh eyes, they move forward into the unknown, trusting their leader.
May students and the rest of us do the same.