High school retreat is a time that all students anticipate with excitement. This year was no different. We loaded two busses and two vans and headed to Camp Joy El in Greencastle, PA.  Once we arrived, students began their time with finding cabins and a fun team building activity. Students also enjoyed activities such as go karts, giant swing, archery, and gym time. In the snow and cold, we braved the activities and students had a blast getting to know new people and hanging out with friends. This year’s guest speaker was Jason George (our speaker from last year). Students love Jason’s real and down to earth talks about Jesus. The theme this year was Know Hope. In a hopeless generation, students need to know that Jesus is the only hope. Romans 15:13 says, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Students were challenged to search God’s word to see the hope. The hope that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us and that he is returning. Jason also reminded us, that as Christians, this time on earth is our hell. Heaven is a place he has prepared for those who have accepted him as Lord and Savior. Some students invited Christ into their lives, and others, rededicated their lives to serving Christ. Our retreat would not be complete without a bonfire in the gym (too cold outside) and s’mores. Our final day of the trip our speaker was very sick. We heard some great final challenges from Coach Jerry Nelson, Mr. Remelgado, and sophomore Rylee Gragg completed with prayer over our speaker and our school.  The Lord truly blessed our time there. As Christians, we know hope and need to share hope with the world.

-Candace Crawford