VIBE Summer Retreat

In June, the VIBE Youth Group attended our annual summer retreat at Mount Cross in Ben Lomond.
It was a blessing that we had the entire camp to ourselves, stayed in the cabins, and had meals provided for us in the dining hall. We worshiped freely as the VIBE youth worship team led the services in the mornings and evenings in the chapel.

Our retreat theme was "Jesus and Your Image,” taught by Pastor Jonathan and youth mentors Derek, William and Evelyn. The lessons revolved around "Image is Everything," and helped our youth understand how our culture is obsessed with creating an image, or brand, that we project to the world. The problem is, of course, that our image-controlling tendencies get in the way of using our lives to reflect Christ in the world. We looked at how damaging it is when we hang onto a me-focused image, instead of projecting a Christ-centered image.

In addition to our time with God, there were many activities that kept everyone engaged. Archery, swimming, basketball, playing board games, and hanging out each night at the campfire were enjoyable and helped us to get to know each other better. The low and high ropes challenge courses focused on teamwork. It was very rewarding to see our youth build trust and friendships while being challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. All the youth succeeded in the rope courses and were happy that they reached their personal goals.

One of the most inspiring highlights of our retreat was when Nathan Robbins made a decision to accept Jesus as his Lord and Savior. We were excited and we celebrated making s'mores at the campfire on Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning, we ended our summer retreat with inspiring worship and communion before we departed for Santa Clara First Baptist Church to participate in Graduation Sunday.