Autumn Advances with Student Ministries Fall Retreat

From Oct. 18 to 20, coinciding with Warsaw Community Schools’ Fall Break, Student Ministries’ Fall Retreat this year welcomed 67 students from grades seven to 12, along with 14 dedicated adult leaders, including three full-time staff members.

The retreat provided a break from everyday routines and an opportunity for students to focus on their spiritual growth in a supportive environment at Camp Crosley. Over four dedicated lesson sessions, both middle and high school students explored themes that strengthen their personal faith and understanding of God’s Word. One of the retreat highlights was a powerful worship and testimony session, where more than 10 students shared personal stories and encouragement with their peers.

High schoolers focused on the theme of being “Fishers of Men,” emphasizing the importance of sharing their faith. An impactful moment came when 35 high school students committed to sharing their faith with at least one other person. These commitments, along with students’ ongoing questions and conversations, show how seriously they took the message to heart.

Fall Retreat 2024 was a unique retreat in many ways, marking the largest high school group in attendance with a notable senior presence. Seniors like Aarin Hawblitzel, Claire Carson, and Taya Perry shared heartfelt testimonies with younger students about how Fall Retreat had shaped their faith over the years. The retreat was also marked by a higher attendance of male students than female, which added a unique dynamic to the weekend.

“Fall Retreat has been one of the best experiences I have ever had,” said Claire Corson. I have gone for the past 6 years, and each year I continue to love it more and more. The activities and games we do are such a huge part to making Fall Retreat the way it is, but the biggest reason for this is all the people who have found Christ and started their relationship with Him through it. Fall Retreat has been such an important part in my life over the years, and I will forever cherish the memories, experiences, and friends I have made through it.”

Other students shared positive feedback, such as Gavin Ott expressing how the retreat allowed him to grow closer in his faith and encouraging others to attend in the future. Overall, the Fall Retreat achieved its goal of creating intentional time for spiritual growth outside of regular programming, equipping students with practices for a vibrant, lasting faith. Since the event, high school pastor Nick Gordon reports several students have been following up with him on sharing their faith with their peers.