As another summer comes to an end, our campus leaders once again gathered at Salyer Lake for the annual Lead Retreat. This year, Lead Retreat took place from August 11th to the 13th. While this experience fosters new connections, it also energizes our student leaders in the best way possible.
The scheduled program featured events that highlighted the enthusiasm of the sixteen participating teams. The first event, “Sweat, Savvy, and Skill,” involved teams using their skills and competitiveness to build a ring-catching structure. Although the competition was close, the Pink Team emerged victorious, all while cheering for other teams as they completed their tasks. One of the most memorable moments during “Sweat, Savvy, and Skill” was when the Pink Team sang the national anthem while cheering on the USA Team.
Next, was the most anticipated event of the retreat: Nazagroove! The sixteen teams were tasked with creating a skit incorporating an iconic song and SNU’s alma mater, along with a story and choreographed dance. The Red Team’s use of the alma mater was refreshing and lively, featuring clever wordplay and humorous performances. Kenna Franks, a sophomore nursing major on the Red Team, shared that the retreat helped her grow in grace. She stated, “Initially, I didn’t have the best mindset going into Lead Retreat, but once I found my rhythm, I was able to bond with my group and see how God moved in every moment.”
Participating in these activities and preparing our leaders for their roles at SNU is a yearly tradition. Jill Pense, a sophomore biology major and Resident Advisor at Bracken Hall, mentioned, “Lead Retreat helped me get into the mindset of people in my same position. Feeling the same pressure helped me realize that I am here to be someone people can look up to and set an example for others.” All of our student leaders experienced growth through the powerful impact of Lead Retreat. Lydia Mitchell, a sophomore pastoral ministry major, added, “It prepared me to meet new people and work well with others, identifying their strengths and using them to our advantage, and fully diving in and embracing everything!”
This year, the Pink Team emerged as the winner. From the start, they demonstrated their ability to work together and adapt to any circumstance. Their skit, which featured a break dance to “Bye Bye Bye” by NSYNC and harmonization of the alma mater, had the audience laughing. They excelled in every activity and consistently showed resilience and stewardship by supporting each team.
As a new year begins, new leaders emerge for the incoming freshman community. As leaders, we serve as role models for all students at SNU. Julia Lopez, a sophomore pastoral ministry major, commented, “You are unique and a leader even if you don’t get a position. Not receiving that title does not make you any less of a leader at SNU,” shedding light on an unspoken topic in leadership. Reflecting on the blissful experience of Lead Retreat, Kiara Yahola, a sophomore business management major, said, “It was spiritually enriching. Response night was the best; the stations provided various ways to connect not only with others but with God.”
In the most perfect way possible, God has placed you here to fulfill a mission. He led you to read this article right now! As your fellow classmate, I wish you the best start to the year in God’s radical love and grace.
Photos by: SNU Creative