“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Youth from five NIC churches gather for the 2026 Fall Youth Retreat. Photos provided by the NIC Council on Young People's Ministry.

The world today does not make a weekend away with your youth group an easy decision. Society pulls youth in every direction, and church or youth group can land particularly low on the list of family priorities. Providing opportunities for youth across the Northern Illinois Conference to meet, have fun, build relationships and nurture their faith is a goal of the Council of Young People’s Ministry.

In September 2026, youth from five churches across the conference came together for the Fall Youth Retreat, themed “Love Does!” Youth chose this weekend over athletics, work and even their first homecoming events. The retreat was made possible by a passionate planning team of volunteer youth pastors and laypeople who provided campfire games, snacks, worship, music and plenty of free time for youth to grow closer to one another and deepen their faith.

Building Friendships Around the Campfire at the NIC Youth Retreat.

Through worship, participants explored John Wesley’s three simple rules: Do No Harm, Do Good and Stay in Love With God. Leaders Ben Hallet, Laura Hollinger-Antonelli and Rev. Sharon Rice delivered messages on these themes. Small-group discussions gave youth opportunities to consider whether kindness always means being nice, recognize their own strengths and explore what doing good looks like in their lives. Experienced youth also led icebreakers, and everyone interested in singing during worship was encouraged to participate.

Youth experienced the wonders of God’s creation through personal reflection and enjoyed activities such as zip lining, instructed ax throwing and visiting a science center. Many appreciated the extended free time to meet new people and reconnect with friends from previous retreats.

Jiwon Y., a seventh grader, shared that his favorite part was “Catching fish in a group of friends with a meat stick.”

Wyatt S., a junior, said the retreat “Expands the possibility of allowing yourself to better see others in different ways and increases our connection with people.”

Save the date
2027 Fall Youth Retreat
Oct. 1-3
East Bay Camp in Hudson, Ill.