Building Connections: How Our Annual Junior High Retreat Helps Students Bond and Thrive

We had another wonderful time together at East Lake this year!  One huge difference was that we had the 6th graders joining in, and they did a fantastic job of integrating into the junior high. The junior high retreat has always been a great way for students to start the year off, getting acquainted or reacquainted with one another and getting excited for another year together. Once we arrived and completed our bus evacuation drill, we gathered inside to hear a devotional from Loren Kurtz to start our day.  He did a great job challenging the students to be aware of what they pay attention to, because what they pay attention to shapes them. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and be transformed by Him!  We then spent the rest of the day taking part in a variety of team-building games and activities, free time to play and talk with one another, and, of course, pizza and pop for lunch. It was fun to see everyone getting along so well and enjoying all the activities; they did a great job!  A huge “thank you” to many staff members who helped put

the details together and invested in the kids all day.