7UP Retreat: A Spiritual Journey for 7th and 8th Graders

By Autumn Dunzweiler

UCC communications coordinator

What happens when you bring together more than 140 enthusiastic 7th and 8th graders, around 30 dedicated sponsors, uplifting music, and thought-provoking worship experiences in a unique setting? You get “7UP,” — a spiritual retreat weekend designed for 7th and 8th graders, hosted by the Upper Columbia Conference (UCC) office of education.

The creation of the 7UP retreat stemmed from UCC’s strategic plan, “Serve One More.” Brian Harris, UCC vice president for education, shared “When we evaluated the available programs for this age group, we realized that we had a gap to fill. While our 5th and 6th graders have their annual outdoor school experience at camp, there was nothing in place for our 7th and 8th graders.” He continued, “Bringing these kids out to worship at camp aligns perfectly with our overarching goal: to guide students towards an encounter with Jesus, acceptance of His gift of salvation, and the decision to follow Him.”

From September 29th to October 1st, the inaugural 7UP Retreat unfolded at Camp MiVoden, welcoming 7th and 8th graders from across the Upper Columbia Conference eager to participate in the inspiring event. 

“This retreat offers students the opportunity to worship together, establish new friendships, and immerse themselves in the wonders of God’s creation found at Camp MiVoden,” explained Harris.

The central theme of the weekend was “The Love of Jesus,” with inspiring messages delivered by Lindsey Haffner, associate pastor from Redlands Adventist Church in Redlands, California. Haffner has Pacific Northwest roots and is an alumna of Rogers Adventist School and Walla Walla University. Leading the praise and worship was a musical team that featured WWU students and alumni, led by Luke Irvine.

Among many of the standout moments during the retreat was the Sabbath afternoon activities, where students ventured outdoors to connect with the natural world. The options were abundant, with hiking, canoeing, and boat rides topping the experiences the retreat participants enjoyed. 

“During this time, Caleb Foss, program director at Camp MiVoden, orchestrated team-building activities that were not only fun, but also held valuable spiritual lessons for the attendees,” shared Harris.

The success of the 7UP retreat has set the stage for it to become an annual event, with the date for the 2024 session already marked on the calendar. 

“This retreat not only strengthens the spiritual bonds of these students but also serves as a testament to the commitment of UCC office of education to provide meaningful spiritual experiences for the students in our schools,” said Harris. “The 7UP Retreat represents a promising initiative that reinforces the mission of nurturing young hearts and souls in their faith journey.”