Do you remember when the movie, Forrest Gump came out? I was in the fifth grade. I remember seeing the movie, and not understanding most of the historical references. But for reasons I’m still not sure of, I remember that pseudo-sage saying that weaves its way throughout the movie:
“Life is like a box of cho-co-lates. You never know what you’re gunna get.”
Last week, our youth group went on a retreat. We traveled about two hours into the mountains, and spent 36 hours at a camp in West Virginia. And I have found that when you combine teens + camp + crazy activities and an aim to preach the gospel, you should expect the unexpected. Here are a few reasons why.
- Being out of your comfort zone unearths your character. Sometimes it’s good. Sometimes it’s bad. But there’s definitely something about being outside your comfort zone that draws out what is really in your heart. Some of our teens had to face insecurities that they might not have realized existed just because they were out of their normal, suburban environment. And sometimes, being away from home just tempts you to do the stupid things you only imagine doing at home.
- Being on a “retreat” can create an environment where you can be more open. Again, a change in an environment can be just what a teen (or adult for that matter) has been holding out for. They may resist the Holy Spirit just a little less.
- Emotions run high. Between the excitement, the lack of sleep, and the impending doom of “real life” upon return, emotions are at a “Harrison Ford-Angry Face” high level. I think this has a lot to do with item #2. This will lead some to remember the camp as an impacting moment where they connected with others and with God in a way they had never before. I don’t mean to say that emotionalism or emotion for emotion’s sake is good. However, when high emotions are experienced as with equally weighty truth is proclaimed, lives are changed.
Youth retreats are predictably unpredictable. But in the middle of all the activities and antics, my hope is that Christ is exalted, lives are changed, and Christian community grows.
dude
I love youth retreats. Perhaps b/c I got saved at one (in 7th grade), but they’re pretty awesome. You should try to stretch it out the 4 day 3 nights thing. Korean churches in the area (a few anyway) run youth retreats little bit like mini-conferences and it works really well. It gives leaders time to relax, learn, and lead. It gives students time to relax, learn, play, and sleep. Just a few random thoughts. I love youth retreats
Yeah, I really enjoyed them growing up as well. They have so much potential for great things, and at the same time, there are special challenges/dangers inherent to them (over-tiredness, health, safety). But it’s worth it.