At the beginning of each school year, the WCA high school goes on an overnight retreat. Our purpose for the retreat is three-fold 1) to allow students to renew old friendships and make new ones, 2) to allow students and faculty the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships, and 3) to be spiritually challenged. This overnight retreat is always one of the highlights of the year for our students. The retreat is an intentional component of our school ministry and each high school student is expected to attend. We ask that you pray with us that this event will fulfill its purposes.
DEPART: Wednesday, 8/28 at 8:00 a.m. Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to load the vehicles.
RETURN: Friday, 8/30 about 3:30
PERMISSION: Sign and return the EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM by Monday, August 26. This form (purple) was distributed at back to school night last week. To receive an extra copy, your child may pick one up in the office or email [email protected].
COST: The cost of the retreat is included in tuition for full-time students. Six meals, transportation, regular activities and two-nights lodging are all included. There are three optional activities available for an extra cost (see reverse). Students are to bring money for a fast-food lunch on the way home.
WHAT TO BRING: SPACE IS LIMITED!
One small suitcase or duffle bag & bed roll per person is permitted.
1. Sleeping bag or twin bed linens & blanket
2. Pillow
3. Clothing suitable for outdoor activities and the weather – watch the weather forecast
- WCA standards for modesty always apply.
- Shorts must be mid-thigh or longer (no short shorts).
- Tank tops and off-the-shoulder tops are not acceptable.
- Undergarments are not to be visible (e.g. boxer shorts, bra straps, underwear)
4. Beach towel and swimsuit (modest, one-piece swimwear, or a t-shirt as cover-up)
5. Toiletries
6. Towel & washcloth
7. Bible, notebook or paper, pen or pencil 8. Money for fast-food lunch on the way home
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- Items prohibited during a regular school day.
- It is expected that students will not need to use their cell phones during the retreat. In the event of an emergency, students will have access to the camp phone (see above).
Retreat Theme: Take the Towel
Have you ever asked, “Why did he/she/they do that? Why did he take the last donut? Why did she pay me that compliment? Why are my parents always on my case?” It’s a simple question—Why?—and we ask because we are looking for MOTIVE. Did he take the last donut because he didn’t KNOW I hadn’t had one or because he didn’t CARE? Why did she pay me that compliment—does it mean something more? Does it feel like my parents are always on my case because they don’t think I’m good enough OR because they really want me to be my best?
In John 13 Jesus got up from the meal, takes a basin of water and a towel, and gets down on His knees and washes His disciples’ feet. Each one. One at a time. Even Judas who He knew was about to betray Him. Why? Jesus said, “I am your Teacher. The teacher is the one who knows and understands the world better and helps the students to know and understand. So it is lesson time. Pay attention. I am teaching you something here and now.”
He also said, “I am your Lord. Lord means master. I am your boss. I am the One from whom you take your orders. So listen up. I am about to give you a command.” He says (verse 15), “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” I have done an object lesson to teach you how My Kingdom works. It is those with power and position serve those without. It is everyone serves everyone. I have given you a command to be obeyed: Go and wash people’s feet. Go and serve others in whatever way you can. There is no act of service that you should be above or too good for. Maybe that question has crossed your mind, “Why would I do this? Why would I take up a towel and serve others?”
For me, Jesus answered that on the Cross and a thousand other ways, and I hope the same is true for you.
Jesus didn’t take the towel to the Cross with Him. Presumably He left it there in the upper room. What will you do? Will you take the towel?
Retreat Speaker: Arman Sheffey
Pastor Arman Sheffey and his wife Lariza are the proud parents of two children. He has been in pastoral ministry with Torch Church and Torch of Faith for over 6 years and is currently the Executive Director and Lead Pastor of the Unshackled Network. The network was recently launched as he followed the Lord’s leading to develop small expressions of church throughout Lake County that are intentionally seeking to reach out to different marginalized people groups in the area. He also leads Unshackled Records, which has released two Hip-Hop albums since 2018, with a clear focus on pointing people to Jesus. His passions are family, preaching, music production, and fishing. He is excited to serve the youth of Westlake at the upcoming retreat!
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Camp Fairwood offers the following optional activities. Students who plan to participate must submit all money to the office by Friday, August 23rd.
Horseback Riding - $24 (HS Retreat - Camp Fairwood activity waivers)
Paintball - $20
Giant Swing - $6 (waiver required)
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