On August 24th, the SJEC RESET Youth Group came together for a one-day retreat that proved to be more than just an afternoon of fun—it was a day of connection, service, and heartfelt sharing. With a small but enthusiastic group of high schoolers from Santa Margarita High School and middle schoolers from St. John's School, the event was filled with music, games, and meaningful activities that left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
A Warm Welcome and A Day of Fun
The retreat kicked off with a warm welcome from our dedicated Youth Leader, Liz Mizejewski, who is also an alumna of the Youth Group. Liz’s passion for youth ministry shone through as she shared her own journey and testimony, setting a tone of openness and reflection for the day. Her story was not just an introduction but an invitation for the young participants to engage deeply with the day's activities and with each other.
After the welcome, it was time for some fun! The youth group enjoyed a variety of games that brought plenty of laughter and lighthearted competition. From team-building activities that required cooperation and strategy to spontaneous dance-offs, the room was filled with joy. It was wonderful to see the high school and middle school students mix together, bridging the gap between grades and creating a sense of unity and community.
A Heart for Service: Giving Back to the Community
Beyond the fun and games, the retreat was also a time for giving back. The participants rolled up their sleeves and got to work on a classroom inventory project, assisting with organizing and preparing spaces for the upcoming school year. This task, though simple, taught the youth valuable lessons about teamwork and service, emphasizing the importance of contributing to their local community.
But the spirit of service didn’t stop there. The youth also took time to write encouraging notes to the residents of the memory care facility at Park Terrace. With thoughtful words and heartfelt messages, these notes were more than just pieces of paper—they were small acts of kindness that carried immense emotional weight. It was touching to see our youth engage in this activity with such sincerity, understanding the power of their words to bring joy to others.
Fellowship and Reflection
As the day progressed, there were moments set aside for fellowship and reflection. Liz facilitated a group discussion that encouraged everyone to share their thoughts and experiences from the day. It was a time for the youth to connect on a deeper level, not just with their peers but also with their own personal journeys. They discussed what it means to serve, to be part of a community, and to live out their faith in everyday actions.
The fellowship was further enriched by the snacks provided, which were a hit among the participants. A special thank you goes out to those who contributed these delicious treats, ensuring everyone stayed energized throughout the day.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Events like these are never possible without the support and contributions of many. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated snacks, supplies, and their time to make this retreat a success. A special thank you goes to Loreen Guilford, Elizabeth Adams, Laura Davidson, and Liz Mizejewski for their unwavering support and dedication to our youth group. Your generosity and love are what make these moments possible, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Moving Forward
The SJEC RESET Youth Retreat was more than just a day of activities; it was a day that reminded us of the importance of community, service, and faith. As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons we learned and the connections we made into our everyday lives. Let’s continue to serve, to support each other, and to live out the values that we shared during the retreat.
To all our youth participants: thank you for showing up with open hearts and a willingness to engage. You are the heart of our community, and we are excited to see how you will continue to grow and make a difference in the world.
Until next time, let’s keep the spirit of RESET alive in all that we do. See you at the next event!
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