Almont Winter Retreat

Winter retreat at Almont was incredible. Despite many of us being sick (including me) with persistent lingering colds (some have renamed the retreat Snotfest 2009, yuck!). The retreat was lively, full of life and energy. Coma couch got a workout, as usual. Did you know that this was the first Almont winter retreat for thirteen teens? Ten teens who attended had never even visited Almont before. It was wonderful to see the "longtime" SCYL teens greet the new teens and help to welcome them into our community. It is hard for someone to break into a new group and I really appreciate all that everyone did to make the new teens feel comfortable and accepted. It is my hope and prayer that teens new to Almont will find it to be a positive environment where the soul is nourished, the spirit is lifted - a place where lifelong caring friends can be found. And I hope new Almonters come back year after year, to SCYL retreats, summer camps and other events. This is my experience, and it has made all the difference in my life. And it is the SCYL spirit of acceptance and your care for one another that perhaps I value most.

What memories did I take home from this retreat? Bowling and pizza, bringing that nasty Satan into the light, frozen Ultimate, watching the joy that is Coma Couch, talking about Old Testament laws and how they apply today, Catch Phrase, discussing marriage and same sex relationships, Foreigner in the van, and singing grace at interstate service plazas. What did you take home from this retreat? Please add your comments to those of Nina and Rachel here and let everyone know!

My mind is flooding with memories of all the fun things we did— getting all dressed for everything (especially bowling), sharing stories while washing dishes, freezing during Ultimate Frisbee, devouring popsicles and garlic bread, bonding with the girls at 3 a.m., and having a raving dance party in Pfister lounge with glow sticks! ~ Nina

The four days I spent there were so filled with love and laughter and happiness and excitement and back-breaking, rib-cracking hugs. ~ Nina

Upon arriving we were quickly acquainted with the beloved tap water, we had all managed to forget about. From this point on, everything is one giant blur; once other people started showing up we were on retreat time, which means that an hour feels like it's three. ~ Rachel

The sessions were really intriguing. I especially enjoyed Sage’s topic of same sex marriage and of course the closing worship service that ended with all the teens singing along to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” I found that moment to be truly touching. ~ Nina

...i'd say the amount of fun and everlasting experiences can be measured by the number of people who keep coming back and the new ones who have been convinced into coming. ~ Rachel

Almont was incredible, and I thank all the teens and staff for making it such a beautiful place. ~ Nina