Students are encouraged by Campus Ministries to enjoy nature and discussions during this year’s all-campus retreat in Okoboji.
The all-campus retreat has never before taken place in Okoboji.
“In the past we had gone to the Black Hills for the retreat, but this year we were unable to because we no longer have funding from the Lilly Grant,” said junior Shannon Gier, who is helping to organize the retreat.
Those who planned the retreat considered several possible locations before they finally settled on Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible camp.
“We chose it because the nature is beautiful and it was a good area because it is not five hours away,” said senior Tanya Woodward who is also organizing the retreat.
Its location is not the only thing that will make this year’s retreat different from years past.
“The structure will be different,” said Hannah McBride, resident director of Steggy. “When the retreat went to the Black Hills there was so much to do and it was more fragmented. Going to Okoboji will have more to do with introspection.”
The students attending the retreat will have plenty to do while they are off campus. Options include hiking, coffee runs and shopping.
The overall theme of the retreat is oneness and wholeness.
“We are one in the body of Christ,” Woodward said.
Several faculty, staff and alumni will be speaking during the retreat to emphasize the theme.
“We chose Hannah McBride [to speak] because she is a new RD,” Gier said. “Brian Brandau and Kelsey Leonard were both good spiritual leaders on campus. Both of them are now graduated.”
Professor Derek Brower and his wife Joan, will also be speaking during the retreat, and sophomore Anders Lewis will be leading worship.
The campus discipleship coordinators have a few plans for outdoor activities, but they also have a plan for in case the weather gets bad.
“There is an indoor fireplace where we could play games,” Woodward said. “We just want to have a space for students to renew.”
The retreat will begin when the buses leave at 6:30 p.m. on Friday Oct. 26 and last until 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 28.
