Life on the Outside
Posted 11/12/13
Fall Retreat 2013 Recap
One hundred forty teenagers, hanging out together on a 195 acre playground, for 16 ½ hours straight is a formula for…don’t go there…the DCS Fall Retreat! Two days of music, food, raucous laughter, food, practical jokes, minimal sleep, food, competition, friendship, “sessions”, talent show, food, and RAIN is a good start in describing the 2013, 7-12 grade DCS retreat.
So, why two days away from the classrooms, textbooks, assignments, tests, etc.? For decades the Fall Retreat has provided a meaningful escape from the demands and pressures of academia, and replaced them with strong messages for the Christian experience, augmented by praise and worship, and in-house wrap up sessions. The planning committee, made up of Paul McCullough, Chandra Ruminsky, Jackie Boggs, Scott Tiede and Steve Hovda, and student council, led by President, Katie Morgan, shoehorned a wide range of activities from volleyball, soccer, and basketball tournaments, to a talent show, to a life-size game of Clue, into the event.
Dr. Buzz Inboden, Bible Teacher and Principal at Worthington Christian High School, “preached” on the topic , “Life On The Outside”, addressing questions such as, “Why is it important to be smart?”; “Why is it important to be tolerant?”; “Why is it important to manage your body?”; and “Why is it important to be listening to God?” Students were treated to messages that included boisterous humor and soul-searching challenges. Alumnus Jon Koloff, music minister at Discover Christian Church in Dublin assembled a praise band consisting of current and former students, and enticed the students and staff to join in worship. Thursday concluded with chaperones and students discussing observations from the Buzz’s messages, sometime close to midnight. On Friday the seniors attempted to assist their breakout groups in translating the messages into life as a teenager.
Rain played a role in the activities but didn’t douse the enthusiasm for the 2013 version of the retreat. Plans are already underway for 2014.