the    sides

Weather was awesome.

Volunteer staff was incredible. They really engaged with the students.

Students really became a team and started trusting each other.

It was the first retreat Pinecrest ever had. Matt said it was awesome.

Here are some of my favorite pics. I’ll post our video on Wednesday.

NINJA GRANT
I was climbing on this element to show the students how to do it and Sarah clicked the pic right as I was stepping up. It really does look like I’m walking in the air…like a ninja.

The Log Exercise…it’s a love-hate relationship with our youth ministry. They love the idea, it’s the execution that is frustrating.

Just a great pic…Chris looks like Neo…

During the “Log” Exercise, Darren decides to commune with God.

Next two pics are special. The biggest reason for doing ziplines and challenge courses is to put students in situations where they have to trust each other OR overcome fear.

Brock, Matt, and Lian are deathly afraid of heights. Just getting the harness on and walking up to the tower was an achievement. All three went off the tower and did the zipline. It was a great example of how a group can encourage without shaming, push without humiliating. I’m very proud of the whole crew.