Spiritual Retreat

Dear Friends,
I attended the High School Spiritual Retreat on September 16-18 at Ponderosa Camp, part of the Mt. Hermon complex in the redwoods near Santa Cruz. It was fantastic! The core of the retreat was four worship seminars. Each seminar had two essential components, worship in song and worship around the Word. John Yoo, on staff at Berkeley Presbyterian, headed up the worship in song as the lead singer and guitarist of an impressive praise band from his church. Our own Mr. Hatch (teacher, art) was on piano and Alan Kim (senior) played drums. I wish that each parent could be a “fly on the wall” to observe and experience this unique and moving time of praise! I know you would be impressed. Darren Hsuing (pronounced shung), recent graduate from Westminster Seminary, spoke on HOPE. His delivery was complex, witty, and provocative.
Each day was tightly orchestrated with events. Staff and student leaders supervised team building games and activities. Meals were served in the cafeteria. Free time was short but sweet, including swimming, paint ball battles, and a ride on the zip line! Evening activities included a game of “capture the flag” and a bonfire. The bonfire was accompanied by student testimonials. Cabins had a chaperone and up to eight students. I enjoyed my cabin of boys.
The Spiritual Retreat not only serves to get our student body on the same page spiritually, it also serves to bond the students together as “family.” At the bonfire, student after student spoke of how CCCHS has provided acceptance, good friends that last a lifetime, and teachers that care…. WE ARE FAMILY! I learned a few other things at the retreat: Our kids can SING! Our teachers are awesome. Girls aren’t the only ones that talk until 1:30 a.m. And finally, stay on the trail! (Or pay the consequences…)
The Spiritual Retreat is a tradition at CCCS that is unique and special. I am honored to be part of it.

B.J. Huizenga

PS Thanks to Tara Gelston who managed and organized the experience. Thanks to the high school staff for two and a half 24 hour days of intense interaction with students. Thanks to Mr. Prouty and Mr. Finley who volunteered as “staff members” for the entire experience. Thanks to the student leadership that organized team building events. Thank God!