The purpose of the Parent / Youth Retreat is a few things. First of all, as with any retreat, its about bonding and growing closer together with God and as a group. It also gives insight to the Parents who may have never been involved or attended a retreat as a chaperone to just see what the BUMS are all about. It's also a great time because there is usually at least one game that embarrass the parents, which of course the students always love.
So we headed up to Asbury Hills on a Friday afternoon. It was my first time actually at the camp, and it was absolutely beautiful. We got up there Friday Night, and we just played some group games together. We played one of my favorites, Animal Name Game, which is where someone stands in the middle of the group with a pool noodle, and everyone else has an animal name (for example, I was and always am Tiger Todd). Then you must call another name before you get hit by the pool noodle. We also did the Soda/Cracker/Candle Face-off Challenge! A game where two people race to drink a soda as fast as they can, but they must keep there candle lit as well as eat their saltines any time the bell rings! Here are some pictures!
On Saturday, we spent the morning in two different sessions. There was a Parent Only session in which we talked about the dangers of social media that these students are constantly surrounded by. We also had a student only session in which we talked about respecting and understanding your parents.
Then in the afternoon, we spent time doing the activities around the camp. Students had the opportunity to do the Alpine Tower, which is a giant climbing tower with tons of different obstacles on the way up. They also had the opportunity to do a regular climbing wall, as well as a giant swing. The kids had a blast. Then, we spent some time playing a game of Rio Linda Kickball, which is always fun. Luckily the weather co-operated with us on Saturday. It rained a lot on Friday and Sunday, but the weather on Saturday was absolutely B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. It was a gorgeous day.
On Saturday Night, we played some more group games and had a devotion in which we talked about being the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is one of my favorite uses of imagery in the Bible. Especially in this world that we live in today, there is so much that tears us apart. Even among Christians, it's amazing how many people that are different denominations will argue over what is right and what is wrong or more frequently WHO is right and WHO is wrong! It's sad that we live in a world like this. God has called us all to be Disciples of Christ and we all believe in One God, One Jesus, and the same Faith. And that's what we talked about. It's so important as Christians to work together as the body of Christ, because one person can't do it alone. It must be done as a group.
We then got up and headed home on Sunday morning after playing a few games. Overall, it was a great trip. I love always getting to spend time with the BUMS. They are a wonderful group.
Then in the afternoon, we spent time doing the activities around the camp. Students had the opportunity to do the Alpine Tower, which is a giant climbing tower with tons of different obstacles on the way up. They also had the opportunity to do a regular climbing wall, as well as a giant swing. The kids had a blast. Then, we spent some time playing a game of Rio Linda Kickball, which is always fun. Luckily the weather co-operated with us on Saturday. It rained a lot on Friday and Sunday, but the weather on Saturday was absolutely B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. It was a gorgeous day.
On Saturday Night, we played some more group games and had a devotion in which we talked about being the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ is one of my favorite uses of imagery in the Bible. Especially in this world that we live in today, there is so much that tears us apart. Even among Christians, it's amazing how many people that are different denominations will argue over what is right and what is wrong or more frequently WHO is right and WHO is wrong! It's sad that we live in a world like this. God has called us all to be Disciples of Christ and we all believe in One God, One Jesus, and the same Faith. And that's what we talked about. It's so important as Christians to work together as the body of Christ, because one person can't do it alone. It must be done as a group.
We then got up and headed home on Sunday morning after playing a few games. Overall, it was a great trip. I love always getting to spend time with the BUMS. They are a wonderful group.
The entire group that went!
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and
these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in
Christ we, though many, form one body, and each
member belongs to all the others. 6 We have
different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is
prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with yourfaith; 7 if it is
serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is
to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is
giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it
diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:4-8
You can check out all our pictures here in this video!
Until Next Time!
-Todd Handell
