by Captain Matt DeGonia, Midland Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary
Spiritual life flourishes in environments where faith is actively experienced, not just discussed.
While church and youth groups provide ongoing discipleship for our young people, some of the most transformative moments happen in temporary communities—places like camps, retreats, and Youth Councils. These short-term, immersive experiences create a unique setting where young people can step away from everyday pressures, focus on their faith, and build deep, lasting spiritual connections.
A temporary community provides an intensified experience of Christian fellowship. For a few days, our young people live, worship and grow alongside peers who share their desire to know God. Stripped of daily distractions—school stress, social media, and peer pressure—they are free to engage in meaningful conversations about faith, ask difficult questions, and explore their relationship with Christ in a safe, encouraging space.
For many of our youth and young adults, these spaces provide opportunities to build friendships within the Christian community they may not find in their day-to-day lives.
Youth Councils plays a key role in this process, offering an annual opportunity for young people to reconnect with the broader faith community in the Midland Division. These gatherings reinforce the lessons learned at our corps, reminding youth that they are part of something bigger than themselves. The shared experience of worship, teaching and fellowship builds a sense of spiritual unity that encourages continued faith development long after the event.
At the heart of these experiences is the opportunity for intentional discipleship. Whether through cabin devotions, small-group discussions, or altar calls, these moments provide young people with space to wrestle with faith, encounter the presence of God, and make personal commitments to spiritual growth both for our campers and our camp staff.
Many of us, including myself, can trace their calling back to a campfire prayer, a retreat worship session, or a Youth Councils weekend.
What makes temporary community so powerful is that, despite its short duration, its impact is long-lasting. The friendships, lessons and encounters with God become foundational experiences that shape a young person’s faith journey. These moments remind our young people that faith is not just something they practice alone, but something they share with a community of believers.
Camps, retreats and Youth Councils are not just events; they are catalysts for spiritual renewal. They provide a space where young people can experience the presence of God in a fresh way, build lasting relationships, and return home with a renewed passion for living out their faith.