Senior Retreat Recap
Written by Frank Clampitt, Student Ministries Director
Last week, our Class of 2024 had the opportunity to step away from the everyday schedules and pressures of the typical high school senior as they traveled to Victory Ranch in Bolivar, TN for their Senior Retreat. As a veteran “Senior Retreat Leader” with many years of camp experience, I can honestly say that this may have been one of the best groups we have taken on such a trip.
Stepping away for a retreat plays a powerful role in the life of a Christian. Retreats provide us with the opportunity to try something different, new, and exhilarating in a safe environment, provide us with a chance to remove ourselves from the daily pressures of life, provide us experiential learning opportunities to understand ourselves, our peers, and God on a deeper level, and provide us with situations that help us to recognize unique, God-given giftings in ourselves and each other.
It is such a blessing to be a part of a student trip that can literally change the trajectory of a life. During our time at Victory Ranch, we witnessed students genuinely loving each other in the way that they interacted with one another during activities and times of rest. We witnessed triumphant celebrations as fears were overcome on the Ropes Course and zip lines. We witnessed whole-hearted fellowship as our students banded together to make this year’s karaoke night one of the most memorable. We even witnessed actual teamwork as our students led each other to success in teambuilding activities. Our seniors went out of their way to make sure that each student felt like an integral and loved part of every activity, no matter the importance.
Our Class of 2024 returned to TCA hot and tired, but filled with a sense of belonging and accomplishment after our retreat. Ultimately, relationships were strengthened, victories and gifts were celebrated, and God was glorified during our time away. As someone that truly loves our students, I can’t wait to see how God will use this trip in the lives of our seniors! Lead well, Class of 2024!
