The High School Girls weekend retreat was a time when a bunch of girls from different schools, most who’d never met each other, grew together with the Lord, and came out of it bonded as true sisters in Christ. God was very active, moving through the incredible worship, messages, and small group discussion times. The discussion groups were especially powerful because they allowed the girls to be vulnerable. The different ages, from freshman to seniors to the adult volunteers, giving them the unique opportunity to mentor each other and share from their different levels of life experience. One of the most incredible things from the weekend was one of the girls giving her life to Christ on the first morning of the retreat. It was so moving, because it didn’t happen in an emotion driven worship session, but because of a 10 AM small group discussion. All the girls gathered together and prayed over her, and lots of tears were shed. The beautiful, Christ-like love that these girls had for each other was so evident.

There were so many fun activities, like yoga with scripture, prayer walks, and karaoke. Many of the girls also opted to wake up at 6 AM, two hours before breakfast, to spend time in the Word and in prayer. It was such a unique environment, and allowed for God to work incredible change in the girls’ hearts. The weekend wrapped up with a bonfire, and hours of chaotic group games, where the girls got to have fun with their newly built friendships.

The messages given by the group leaders were impactful, focusing on purpose, identity, serving, and faithfulness, and how those related to the everyday life of a high school girls’ life. The messages and worship culminated in the last night of the retreat, which was an opportunity for foot washing. It served as an illustration of Jesus‘s sacrificial and humble love when he washed the disciples feet. The group leaders prayed over each girl before washing her feet. Everywhere you looked, you could see the Spirit of God moving. There was not one girl that walked away from that weekend without her faith impacted.

Written by one of the Girl’s Retreat attendees. This retreat was organized by Reece “Daktyl” Trudell who is a summer staff here at Camp Victory.