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| HS Retreat |
I love working at ICSB for many reasons, but one huge reason is the emphasis the school puts on the students' spiritual growth. Of course, not all our students are believers; however, this does not stop the leadership from providing an environment where spiritual growth is possible and strongly encouraged.
One way ICSB fosters a spiritual environment is through the annual High School Retreat. A speaker is invited to challenge the students- this year the theme was Micah 6:8. The back of our shirts say "Walk On." The goal was to encourage the students to evaluate their relationships with others (do justice), with themselves (love kindness), and with God (walk humbly with your God).
The 3 day retreat was an excellent time for me to relax with the students. I didn't have any responsibilities beyond counting heads at meetings and praying for the students as they debriefed in small groups. While I found it difficult to balance my own spiritual introspection with my desire to pray for and challenge the students, it was the first time I really understood what it meant to be a teacher and a spiritual leader for my students. I've been bombarded with Biblical integration at school, but I haven't been able to step back from the classroom to see my students simply as spiritual beings. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to watch them worship and spur one another on toward more meaningful relationships.
Even though the focus of the retreat was God and his glory, opportunities for fun were all around. The cold lake beckoned about a third of the student population after a 'boat' race. Soccer and volleyball filled free time. Freshman initiation woke 22 kids up at 1 am for face painting and boot camp. A bonfire allowed students to recognize meaningful relationships. One afternoon a head shaving rampage occurred as about 10 students and teachers decided to buzz their heads. About half of them look better for it.
God is working in students' lives at ICSB whether or not they are aware of it. My prayer is that I would be following his hand, pursuing his glory and keeping myself open to be used as a vessel however he wills.
