Rooted: Why Youth Retreats Matter More Than Ever
by Heather Pennington
There is something powerful that happens when students step away from their normal routines and into an environment designed for growth. That’s exactly what takes place at Rooted, our youth retreat at Circle Square Ranch, which is happening this weekend with a group of almost 30 from our Sequoia Youth.
In a world where students are constantly connected to screens, school pressures, sports schedules, and social expectations, retreat creates space — space to breathe, to reflect, and most importantly, to encounter God.
Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray, and He invited his disciples to do the same. “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31
Although, the weekend at the Rooted Youth Retreat is filled with laughter, games, late nights, and loads of shenanigans. It is the saying “yes” to time with Jesus, giving up the normal comforts. A break in the normal routine of screens, homework, and activities. When students step away from their normal distractions, they begin to hear God more clearly.
At Circle Square Ranch, the setting itself helps slow things down. The natural beauty, the campfires, the worship sessions, and the absence of everyday noise all create an atmosphere where hearts become open. Retreat gives students permission to pause. And sometimes, that pause changes everything.
Many of our students grow up hearing Bible stories and attending church regularly. But retreat allows truth to sink deeper. During worship, small groups, chapel sessions, and late-night conversations in cabins, faith becomes personal. Retreat isn’t just about information — it’s about transformation. It’s a place where faith becomes their own. Where they build a personal relationship with our living Savior.
This weekend away also creates lasting connections for the youth. There’s something about shared experiences that bonds people together. Whether it’s cheering each other on during activities, laughing during team competitions, or praying together in small groups, relationships deepen quickly at retreat. Students often return home not just with memories, but with stronger friendships and a stronger connection to their church family. That sense of belonging matters deeply in the teenage years. In our Tuesday youth nights, conversations are often brief and busy. Retreat changes that. Leaders have extended time to listen, encourage, pray, and speak truth into their lives. Some of the most significant discipleship moments happen during walks between activities, over meals, or in cabin discussions.
The theme “Rooted” reminds us of a powerful truth found in Colossians 2:6–7, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith…” Roots grow deep when planted intentionally, and when the storms of life come, as we are promised they will, roots matter. This year’s theme is “Radiate.” So not only will they learn how to root themselves in a personal relationship with Christ, they will discover how to intentionally live lives that radiate God’s love to others. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:4-5
As we send our youth and leaders off on Friday to experience all this, please join me in praising the Lord for the parents who trust us, for the youth who said yes to putting normal life aside for time with Jesus, for the youth leaders who serve faithfully, and for the Circle Square Ranch team who prepared it all. Please also join me in praying for hearts to be opened, ready to receive all that the Lord has in store, and for our mighty God to move in huge ways in everyone’s hearts.
One weekend, one moment given to God - can change an eternity.
With joy, your sister Heather
There is something powerful that happens when students step away from their normal routines and into an environment designed for growth. That’s exactly what takes place at Rooted, our youth retreat at Circle Square Ranch, which is happening this weekend with a group of almost 30 from our Sequoia Youth.
In a world where students are constantly connected to screens, school pressures, sports schedules, and social expectations, retreat creates space — space to breathe, to reflect, and most importantly, to encounter God.
Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray, and He invited his disciples to do the same. “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31
Although, the weekend at the Rooted Youth Retreat is filled with laughter, games, late nights, and loads of shenanigans. It is the saying “yes” to time with Jesus, giving up the normal comforts. A break in the normal routine of screens, homework, and activities. When students step away from their normal distractions, they begin to hear God more clearly.
At Circle Square Ranch, the setting itself helps slow things down. The natural beauty, the campfires, the worship sessions, and the absence of everyday noise all create an atmosphere where hearts become open. Retreat gives students permission to pause. And sometimes, that pause changes everything.
Many of our students grow up hearing Bible stories and attending church regularly. But retreat allows truth to sink deeper. During worship, small groups, chapel sessions, and late-night conversations in cabins, faith becomes personal. Retreat isn’t just about information — it’s about transformation. It’s a place where faith becomes their own. Where they build a personal relationship with our living Savior.
This weekend away also creates lasting connections for the youth. There’s something about shared experiences that bonds people together. Whether it’s cheering each other on during activities, laughing during team competitions, or praying together in small groups, relationships deepen quickly at retreat. Students often return home not just with memories, but with stronger friendships and a stronger connection to their church family. That sense of belonging matters deeply in the teenage years. In our Tuesday youth nights, conversations are often brief and busy. Retreat changes that. Leaders have extended time to listen, encourage, pray, and speak truth into their lives. Some of the most significant discipleship moments happen during walks between activities, over meals, or in cabin discussions.
The theme “Rooted” reminds us of a powerful truth found in Colossians 2:6–7, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith…” Roots grow deep when planted intentionally, and when the storms of life come, as we are promised they will, roots matter. This year’s theme is “Radiate.” So not only will they learn how to root themselves in a personal relationship with Christ, they will discover how to intentionally live lives that radiate God’s love to others. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:4-5
As we send our youth and leaders off on Friday to experience all this, please join me in praising the Lord for the parents who trust us, for the youth who said yes to putting normal life aside for time with Jesus, for the youth leaders who serve faithfully, and for the Circle Square Ranch team who prepared it all. Please also join me in praying for hearts to be opened, ready to receive all that the Lord has in store, and for our mighty God to move in huge ways in everyone’s hearts.
One weekend, one moment given to God - can change an eternity.
With joy, your sister Heather