BY CALLIE NORDAHL
For three years now, walls have been broken and relationships have been built at the annual Men’s Retreat. The Men’s Retreat will take place this weekend from Friday through Sunday at Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp.
In past years, a few faculty and staff members have organized the retreat. However, this year they were not able to do so, so a group of students who are passionate about the retreat and want to see it continue, took on the responsibility of planning the event.
Michael Simmelink is a heading up the planning group. He is in charge of all the behind-the-scenes action and is trying to help everything fall into the correct place. While planning the event as been a lot of work, Simmelink and the rest of the planning group have enjoyed the challenge.
“It gives a sense of empowerment to unofficial leaders and something to invest their time in for the betterment of the Northwestern community,” Simmelink said.
The weekend is “a weekend of dudes getting to be dudes,” Simmelink said. The invitation is extended to those living in the men’s dorms, as well as to a few faculty and staff members who want to invest in relationships.
Last year, late-night activities included hard conversations, worship, eating and games such as broomball and Settlers of Catan.
“The late nights hanging out with the guys and getting to know other people I wouldn’t normally cross paths with is a great part of the weekend,” Tyson Wiggers, a last year attendee and student planner for the upcoming event, said.
Along with Simmelink and Wiggers, Micah Czirr, Caleb Hawks, Ben Guhl, Ben Boice, Josh Kester and Tim Henriksen all helped plan and organize the various activities for the weekend.
The retreat will also feature a special guest speaker, Johnny Craig. Craig is the associate pastor at Dover Church.
The retreat is a chance for underclassmen from different dorms to connect and interact with each other and with upperclassmen. They can connect and support each other to make conversations deeper, build a stronger support system and make long-lasting friendships. The environment will be one of fellowship, worship, challenge and growth.
Faculty and staff members who will be in attendance include Ray Gibler, Jay Wielenga and Tyler Zeutenhorst.
“It costs $20 to register, but it is definitely worth the money,” Wiggers said. Simmelink said everyone involved in planning hopes that this retreat can be a highlight of the semester for the men attending and something they can take a lot away from.
The group will meet in the parking lot across from VPH at 4:45 p.m today.
“We will eat together at 5 and leave for Okoboji at 6,” Simmelink said. Last minute participation is welcomed.