2023-02-09 Youth Retreat

The Return of the Diocesan Youth Retreat

[Chronicle, February 9, 2023] Stormy weather didn't stop nearly 30 youth from enjoying a weekend of fun activities and fellowship at Camp Mokulē'ia this past weekend. When thunder made its presence known all morning on Saturday, they shifted from kayaking and ziplining to "Camp in the Damp!" They enjoyed a "Just Dance" dance party, board game marathon, and worked on indoor vision board creations. When the lightning and thunder finally ceased, the continuing rain didn't deter them from a "Minute to Win It" relay challenge, oceanography nature hike, and pool swimming, yes, all in the rain! When asked what their favorite thing at camp was, camp fire was number one and "Just Dance" number two!

"With a theme like Doing a New Thing With God, the weekend was destined to be great," said Lynea Mitchell, the Camp's Assistant Director. "The youth came, they laughed, they cried, they smiled, they laughed some more! Special guest Easton Davis led them through discussions about the past, present and future," continued Mitchell. "We made vision boards to represent our hopes and dreams to come and, built bonds with one another and with God."

Blue skies greeted the participants early Sunday morning as they gathered for worship with Bishop Bob and his wife Bea. The sun that had eluded on them on Saturday shone brightly as campers gathered their belongings and packed up. Despite the less than perfect weather during the main portion of the weekend, the youth didn't seem to mind, focusing more on the newfound friendships they made and the overall experience.

"This weekend to me meant everything," said Isaiah Harimoto, a high school senior and Counselor-in-Training. "What I mean by that is meeting new friends and growing my relationship with God. I enjoyed and soaked up everything. Thank you to the camp staff and to everyone that made this past weekend possible."

Hannah Kostka, a freshman from All Saints' Church on Kaua'i agrees. "The weekend retreat was such a fun experience and a great chance to meet new people. Camp is a place where I always have a chance to make lifelong friends."

Hannah's youth leader, Rachel Secretario, served as a chaperone and shared the sentiment. "As a first time [chaperone] and past participant at Camp Mokulē'ia more than 30 years ago, this was a very exciting time! The campers were so kind to one another and really built each other up. Strong friendships were made and so much fun was to be had."

For others, it meant stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new things. Lehua Edwards, a senior and Counselor-in-Training, shared, "This past weekend for me represented trying new things and meeting new and extremely kind people!"

Talk about a leap of faith! Jumped on a plane, jumped on a shuttle with friendly smiles and landed at the edge of the water with more new smiling faces. Jumped in a fun filled activity marathon. Oh my, was I glad I brought the tennis shoes and an open attitude. Some people go on retreats to disconnect. This was a connecting jolt ! We were infused with positive energy, dance moves I didn't know my body knew, songs filled with "bananas and papayas" stuck in my head as I woke up on this Monday morning ready for work, glitters in my laundry and new friends, new plans, news goals. I didn't know you could be exhausted and recharged at the same time! Feeling grateful! Thank you! Mahalos! Merci! --
Segolene Wilson, Chaperone

The inaugural youth retreat was originally scheduled for March of 2020, but was cancelled just a few days before due to the pandemic. Since then youth programs in the Diocese (and everywhere) have seen a sharp decline as churches were forced to close their doors to in-person gatherings. Active high school youth at the time graduated and interest as a whole waned with the lack of activity. Churches have only recently begun to pick up the pieces and restart their youth and family programs, but unlike other ministries, there are added challenges when working with its youngest members, mainly the age factor. Children and youth are always aging up and out, and with a nearly 3-year absence, a whole generation of high school youth has been lost with little to no nurturing of the up and coming. The Camp was particularly hit hard, and the staff worked tirelessly to develop and implement innovative offerings to keep the Camp going during a time when stay-at-home mandates were put into effect.

Although the first Diocesan Prayer Hike event was held in March of 2022, followed by a hugely successful summer camp program, this high school youth retreat represents a return to pre-pandemic days when the Youth Design Team at the time was looking forward to the inaugural event. Now, three years later and a new Youth Task Force in place, the future of youth ministry in the Diocese is once again hopeful!

Introducing Leaders in Training (LIT)

Camp Mokulē'ia's staff has developed a new Leaders in Training (LIT) program, a paid opportunity for youth in grades 9-12, to develop leadership and professional skills for future jobs and college, all while having fun at the Camp on O'ahu's beautiful north shore. The goal is for LITs "to engage with our local community through service projects, learn from local guest speakers, and employ leadership, team building, and conflict resolution skills." Youth acccepted in the program will be paid $500, and will be required to attend two weekend retreats in March and April. For more information, download the following description and application:

Sybil Nishioka, Editor
Mahalo to Lynea Mitchell and participants for their reflections.
Mahalo to Erika Untalan for the photos.