2016 Ski Retreat: So much more than a ski trip!
Leader Reflections
The highlight of Sheridan’s Spring Break ski retreat for me was the community that was built. Youth with wide age differences partnering up on the ski slopes to encourage each other and enjoy each other’s company. Sheridan families who didn’t know each other very well mixed up at the dinner tables and developed new friendships. Evening devotions allowed everyone to be together, sharing God moments from the day, singing together, praying for each other, and reading scripture. Our time together felt like a family reunion because the youth played with each other like cousins and age didn’t matter. The adults were like brothers and sisters who were catching up with each other after many years of not being together. Community is a powerful gift and blessing from the Holy Spirit and I am very thankful for the Christian community that grew during this Spring Break ski retreat. It’s a reminder to us all that people and faith are more important than the things that make the rest of our lives so hectic. – Pastor Eric Bostrom
The Intergenerational Ski Retreat was just plain good for the soul! I am not a skiier, and I have as much fun as someone on the slopes. Our group of non-skiers spent time repairing costumes and sewing pillows for the camp. We told stories, listened to music, and took an occasional nap. We also had Bible study time in the morning. We studied the parables of Jesus through a video series. It was interesting and made us each think about faith in a new way. It was a perfect recharge over spring break! – Pastor Rhonda Bostrom
This was the third year that we have held this intergenerational Spring Break Ski Trip. While it is a part of my role at Sheridan to lead this trip I get much more out of it then I typically expect to. One would think that after three years I would have a better understanding of how impactful this week can be. But it seems to get better each year. I remember the first year that we took this trip. I was nervous about mixing youth and families. I was afraid that the two different worlds might clash or they would not have enough in common to find common ground. I was so wrong. The youth on the trip took in the younger kids, made them part of the group. The parents took in the youth, made them a part of their families. The most common theme that has run through all three of these trips has been community.
This year we traveled with two families that have been on all three trips, two families that the trip was a new experience, one of which was not a Sheridan family. We also brought along eight youth some who knew each other some who did not. It was evident at the first meal that we shared together that this group was going to mesh just fine. From that meal to closing worship the group grew closer and closer. The youth felt comfortable enough to share stories during worship, the adults joined in on games in the evenings with the youth. The group grew into a tight knit community.
This trip is so much more than a ski trip. It is evident to me that it a very powerful experience for our youth. I feel very blessed to get to be a part of this trip and look forward to being a part of it from year to year. – Cam McDaniel, Youth Ministry Coordinator
Participant Reflections
Here are a few paragraphs from some of the youth that attended sharing what the trip means to them. Thank you to all who support this ministry and have prayed for us while we traveled.
This trip is not just a time to sustain shin injuries and spend $100 in cash. Nor is it just a ski trip with a service project and a hot springs visit in between. During this trip, I am given a chance to put my everyday life on hold, and partake in what we’ve called “active rest.” This time is so important to me, its significance is indescribable. This time is able to take ordinary activities, like car rides and eating dinner, and turn them into treasured memories. For the past two spring breaks, I’ve grown close to people I wouldn’t normally talk to, and formed stronger relationships with people I used to call “casual friends.” These bonds I’ve made with my fellow campers are unique, and are engulfed in trust and love. I also have grown closer to God during our time at Rainbow Trail. His beauty is present in every instant while at camp and on the mountain. I find myself thanking Him for every laugh, every gust of wind, every song, every beam of sunlight, every smile, every wipe out, every card game, every jelly bean, and each and every person I’ve spent this week with. My fellow campers are all hilarious, creative, occasionally annoying, loving, beautiful followers of God, and I can’t wait to spend next spring break with them at Rainbow Trail. My only hope is that I don’t need stitches next time.
Going to Colorado was a great time to explore my faith while spending time with new people and having a fun time with them. Being in the mountains was a perfect time to grow closer to God while we spent our nights in a circle talking about our day. Then for the rest of the night we would be huddled around the campfire playing cards and sharing a laugh. When we were at camp Rainbow Trail and we spent a day doing a service project at camp. We had 3 different groups, I was in the wood cutting group. We spent two hours cutting up firewood for the camp.
This trip to me was a get away from the real world. Being able to set everything down and go away and be renewed in my relationship with God. Being able to meet new people and make new relationships. Also seeing people you might not see everyday again. And making those relationships stronger. My first year on this trip I went solely to ski, and for no other reason. I didn’t see this trip as a way to strengthen my relationship with God, but just as a way to go on a vacation and ski. Now after three years I’m seeing the real meaning behind this trip. I’ve not only fallen in love with Colorado but I’ve also strengthened my relationship with my friends, and God all at the same time.
Interested in joining us in 2017?
Email Cameron McDaniel to get on the list for Spring Break 2017.