Pathfinder Teen Retreat Record Attendance Shows Promise For Next Generation

By Isaac Meythaler,

Upper Columbia Conference Communications Coordinator

 In the middle of a cold and dark winter, teens found rekindled hope and the warmth of friendship at the “Trust His Promise” 2025 Pathfinder Teen Retreat. A group of 70 adults and 111 teens attended the annual retreat at Camp MiVoden January 24-26, the highest attendance in the last five years. 

“For many teens and staff, it marked their first time attending Teen Retreat,” said Ryan Whitehead, associate director, UCC Youth & Young Adult Ministries. “For others, Teen Retreat is a longstanding tradition spanning generations. One staff member remarked on coming to Teen Retreat as a teenager, and now their own children are attending.”

First timers and seasoned veterans of Teen Retreat enjoyed a weekend filled with fun activities, time to connect with peers, and worship that challenged their understanding of God. 

The weekend’s worship thoughts were led by Pastor Jason Calvert, Oregon Conference associate director of youth ministries. Pastor Jason’s vivid sermon illustrations spoke to God’s character and His promises of unconditional love.

Saturday night, 21 pathfinders shared on response cards that they had a desire to study for future baptism. These responses are shared with Pathfinder club leaders and the Pathfinder’s home church to follow-up on.

Teens strengthened their relationships and formed new ones during a rotation of trust and team building activities on Sabbath afternoon. Building on the theme of the weekend, activities included blindfolded tent building, blindfolded obstacle courses, working together to untangle ropes, and several other activity stations.

Pathfinders were able to express their creativity in several ways during the retreat this year. During meals, Pathfinders socialized as they drew on paper table settings with crayons. A talent show was held on Saturday night, featuring numerous vocal and instrumental performances, and even included a puppet show. Pathfinders also contributed their musical talent on praise teams and in special music during worships. 

“We wanted to showcase the gifts our pathfinders have and demonstrate that we want them to be active participants in their church and their community,” said Whitehead. “Our whole mission with Pathfinders is to see our youth in The Kingdom one day by creating a space where young people can make lasting relationships with God and their community.”

The food provided by Camp MiVoden’s kitchen staff was widely celebrated by teens all weekend long. “I look forward to the food at teen retreat every year,” said one Pathfinder. On Saturday night teens also enjoyed swimming, time with friends old and new, and playing games.

Pathfinder membership has grown, rather than shrunk, following the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming. 

“Richie Brower laid a strong foundation for Pathfinders in the UCC before I came here, and we are seeing our pathfinder clubs grow because of it,” said Whitehead. “I’ve been glad to see the overwhelming support this conference has for its young people, at every level.”