Summer Youth Trip Update

Shared by Rev. Alicia

Last week Pastor Brent and I took five of our youth on a trip to the area around Starved Rock. We rented an Airbnb in Ottawa and spent 48 hours together building community, enjoying nature, and having fun. Both Pastor Brent and I were in awe of these students and the ways in which they served each other, laughed with one another, and reflected on our scripture and spiritual practices. I wanted to give you a little taste of what our trip was like with an update.

On Thursday we visited Starved Rock State Park, where, despite the humidity and the heat, we hiked to the top of Starved Rock and looked out on the Illinois River. We learned more about the history of Starved Rock before heading out on a short hike to the French Canyon, where we took some fun pictures and enjoyed the beauty of nature. 

During this trip, we broke up into two teams in charge of planning, shopping for, and making dinner together. The students created two delicious meals over the course of our trip including pasta with red sauce, meatballs, salad, and garlic bread and tofu/chicken bowls with broccoli and edamame.

Other highlights of the trip included singing in the car together, hanging by the pool, a Dairy Queen Run, Karaoke, oven s’mores, and lots of silly games. Each night we explored a spiritual practice and talked about how taking the time to abide with God deepens our faith relationships.

You may have noticed more youth and kids in leadership here at LSC, whether that be on Serve Sundays, reading scripture, or leading us in worship. Our young people are learning what it means to be active participants in our services and church body. Making room for our students to thrive in our midst is statistically proven to have a deep impact on their faith development. Making room for them starts by noticing that they are present and being good followers – letting them flex their leadership muscles and discover or develop their gifts.