Youth camp has always felt like the bread and butter of what we do here at CPM. We love having youth campers up for summer camp and retreats as we encourage them to take their next step in Christian faith. In recent years, we noticed that some of our programmed retreats were decreasing in attendance. With guest groups eager to rent space at camp, we ended up putting some of those youth retreats on the back burner for now, but that doesn’t mean youth ministry hasn’t still been happening. Over the past few years, we’ve noticed an exciting trend in some of our church youth retreats at both Covenant Pines and Adventurous Christians – youth groups, especially ones from smaller churches, collaborating on retreats to experience together.
We love offering program retreats, but have learned that we don’t always need to be the ones running the show. We have talented youth pastors and volunteers in churches who can plan and execute a retreat beautifully, while we offer the space, activities and staff to assist. We’ve been able to shift our relationship with youth retreats and it has felt like a win-win.
Emmanuel Covenant in Shoreview makes their way up to Covenant Pines multiple times a year. Their Junior High Retreat in the fall was joined by Salem Covenant, Roseville Covenant and Plymouth Covenant. Arctic Blast is a winter retreat for middle school and high school students that started in 2023 by Faith Covenant and this year had 81 students and six different churches. Up at AC – Linwood Covenant, Karmel Covenant and Community Covenant in Upsala join together over President’s Day to retreat together.
We chatted with Chris Kelly from Linwood Covenant and Paula Herko from Restoration along with Davey Neubauer from Faith Covenant about their experiences with collaborating with other churches to on youth retreats – see what they had to say below:
What made you want to do a retreat with other youth groups?
Paula + Davey: In 2022, we saw an opportunity to create something meaningful for smaller youth groups. It started when Davey Neubauer from Faith Covenant wanted to take his new youth group on a fall retreat, but at the time, there wasn’t a middle school camp available. After learning that Covenant Pines could be rented, the gears started turning—what if we invited other churches with smaller youth ministries to join? A few phone calls later, the vision was born: to create a retreat specifically designed for smaller youth groups, giving them an experience they might not be able to provide on their own.
From the very beginning, this retreat has been about more than just coming together for a weekend—it’s about reminding students that they’re part of something bigger. Worshiping, learning, and growing alongside students from other churches creates a unique atmosphere of energy and encouragement that deepens their faith and helps them see the broader body of Christ in action.
Chris: Honestly, a big part of it is that we youth pastors like each other and enjoy doing ministry together. When you find people who share your heart for students and discipleship, it just makes sense to team up. Beyond that, we wanted to give our students a retreat experience that helps them see they’re part of something bigger than just their own youth group. It’s powerful for them to worship, learn, and grow alongside other students who are also following Jesus.
What is the advantage of collaborating with other churches to provide a youth retreat experience?
Paula + Davey: Collaboration allows us to create a more dynamic and impactful retreat experience. With multiple churches involved, we can pool our strengths—whether that’s speakers, worship teams, or leaders—offering students a well-rounded weekend. It also gives students a chance to build connections with other believers that are their age, helping them see that faith isn’t just something they walk alone.
Chris: There are so many benefits. First, it builds relationships—not just between youth pastors, but between students who might not have crossed paths otherwise. It also creates a richer retreat environment because we can bring different strengths to the table. Some of us are stronger in teaching, others in worship, others in organizing logistics, and when we combine those gifts, the experience is even better. Plus, it’s just more fun!
What is a highlight of one of your youth retreats?
Paula + Davey: One of the biggest highlights was seeing students open up about their faith. Whether it was during worship, small group discussions, or even late-night conversations in the cabins, you could see God moving in their hearts. A powerful moment was when students took time to reflect and pray on Saturday night during worship, really leaning into what God was revealing to them and asking their leaders to listen and pray with them. Plus, the “Where’s Waldo?” theme made for some hilarious and memorable moments throughout the weekend!
Chris: One moment that really stands out from last year was a late-night worship time in the lodge. After the planned session wrapped up, no one wanted to leave. Students kept singing, praying for each other, and sharing what God was doing in their hearts. It was completely unprompted but ended up being one of the most meaningful moments of the weekend. Seeing students take ownership of their faith in that way—that’s what it’s all about.
Can other churches join your youth retreat in the future?
Paula + Davey: Absolutely! We love partnering with other churches to create opportunities for students to grow in their faith. If a church with a youth ministry of 25 students or less is interested in joining us in the future, we’d love to connect and explore how we can make that happen!
Chris: Potentially! Right now, the size works well for what we do at Adventurous Christians, but we’re always open to talking with others who share a similar vision for this kind of retreat.
Anything else you want to share about your retreat?
Paula + Davey: Arctic Blast wasn’t just a weekend away—it was a time for students to reset, refocus, and take steps forward in their faith. The mix of high-energy games, powerful messages, and intentional small group time created an environment where students felt both challenged and encouraged. We’re incredibly grateful for Covenant Pines and all they do to create a space where students can encounter Jesus in a meaningful way!
Chris: Even though this is just our second year doing this retreat at AC, we already see it becoming a tradition we hope to continue for many years to come. What makes it so special is its simplicity. There’s something about being in the northwoods—away from distractions, under the stars, in deep conversations with God and each other—that sticks with students long after they leave. They come back refreshed, challenged, and more connected to their faith, and that’s what keeps us coming back.
If you are a church that is interested in joining one of these retreats – don’t hesitate! You can reach out to the following people to get the conversation started.
Middle School Fall Retreat: Dan Schwarz, Emmanuel Covenant
Arctic Blast Winter Retreat: Davey Neubauer, Faith Covenant
Chris Kelly, Linwood Covenant
