At Grace Covenant we have found retreats and trips to be some of the most meaningful opportunities for growth in faith. Not only are our retreats and trips fun chances to get away and have new experiences with Christian friends but they offer extended time to grow closer to God and to each other away from the normal distractions of daily life. Following are several trips that have become yearly traditions for us.

Mission & Music Trip

In the summer of 2011 our M&M (Mission & Music) trip took us to the Rosebud Reservation in Mission South Dakota to work in one of the poorest counties in the U.S.  In 2010 we headed down to San Antonio, Texas and served mostly with children.  In 2012 we will head to the Chicago area and are anxious to find what God has in store for us there.

 M&M trips are an opportunity for our high school youth to serve others through both labor and music.  Many of our high school students are involved in our choir or bell choir, both of which perform several times during the course of a trip.  Others become more involved in serving with our hands.   

This mission experience is the capstone of each senior high youth experience. During the work week the students have a variety of mission experiences.  The work is deeply meaningful and creates an unequaled sense of belonging and unity as a group.  One of the most memorable moments in the week is Senior Vespers on our last night during which graduating seniors often share their journeys of faith. 

Ski Trip

Each year over Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend we offer a ski trip for youth and their friends in the 6th through 12th grades and adult sponsors. Generally we travel to Winter Park, Colorado for 3 days of skiing, evening games, and worship. The best part? Long rides in the bus with a fun-loving group of Christian friends.

Church, Synod, and Presbytery Retreats 

Several opportunities are available throughout the year for youth to get away from their daily routines to gather with others in our church group, the presbytery, or the entire synod.  There retreats vary in purpose and nature but are always positive experiences for our students.

Confirmation Retreats

Early in the fall our Confirmation groups will take their first retreat with a focus on growing together as a group and preparing for the year to come. Our final Confirmation retreat is a mandatory requirement for Confirmation. Generally held in March at Heartland Camp, it is often considered the most fun part of the Confirmation experience.

Massanetta Middle School Conference

The Massanetta Middle School Conference is held at Massanetta Camp & Conference Center outside of Hendersonville, Virginia. The event is open to all rising 7th-9th grade youth. Registration materials are available in the spring. For more information, look up the conference at www.massanettasprings.org.

Montreat High School Conference

Similar to the Middle School Massanetta Conference, Montreat offers an incredible opportunity for 9th-12th grade youth to grow in their faith and relationship with others.

Canoe Trip

Usually taking place near the end of July every summer, rising 9th graders through graduating seniors spend a weekend camping, building fires, swapping stories, and of course CANOEING! It is a wonderful opportunity for bonding and just having fun.  Friends, as always, are welcome.

International Mission Trip

Nearly every year our church participates in an international mission trip. In 2010 we traveled to Belieze to share in the efforts of the Cornerstone Foundation to help the poorest people in the city of San Ignacio.  We made some incredible connections with the people in that area.  Our plans for 2012 are just beginning to come together but we do know that the trip will take place the first week of August.  Youth in 11th and 12th grades are invited to participate with adults in this inspiring and laborious week.   

Youth Sunday

Don't miss this incredible
worship opportunity led by
our GCPC youth.

February 26

_________________