2019 High School Bible Retreat at Camp Kulaqua
The 2019 High School Bible Retreat at Camp Kulaqua taking place from October 11-14 was a great success. We set out with the goal of positively impacting the hearts and minds of the teenagers who attended and aimed to bring them closer to Jesus in a fun and unique environment. The event was able to accomplish just that, with over 250 students in attendance, and over 380 people in attendance total including chaperones, parents, guests and staff. Two Adventist academies and 24 different churches were represented at the event. From guest speakers, solo time with Jesus and joint worship sessions, to exciting physical activities and team challenges, the High School Bible Retreat was a weekend to remember.
A few highlights from the weekend include a baptism, the Amazing Race challenge and uplifting testimonies from students. One baptism was performed and multiple students left the event desiring to be baptized at their home churches. We are thrilled that the event moved students to commit to Jesus and declare their faith in Him. In addition, numerous student testimonies were shared, allowing students to speak about their relationship with Jesus and share the ways in which their faith has changed their lives. The students also had a great time competing in the Amazing Race challenge, with 19 teams participating. The winners were the “Cheetah” team, which was made up of students from the Apopka Seventh-day Adventist Church, Greater Miami Adventist Academy, Orlando Filipino Seventh-day Adventist Church and High Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church.
As said by Juan Rodriguez, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, “We empowered millennials and Gen Z members to help with the creation and production of this year’s high school retreat. From 2000 to 2010 I organized these retreats. I returned in 2019 to do it again. For me, this was the most spiritual and powerful retreat I have ever witnessed. I praise God for all the young people that invested so much time into making this year’s retreat an amazing encounter with Jesus Christ.” We are planning another High School Bible Retreat weekend in 2021. We are so proud of each student who attended the 2019 Retreat, and look forward to growing in faith together at the next one as well. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a hit.
For more information about the Youth and Young Adult Department, contact Juan Rodriguez at 407-644-5000 ext. 2422 or at juan.rodriguez@floridaconference.com.
