2026 NextGen Leaders Retreat
RE:treat|start|vision|new|imagine|mind
This is a real invitation to come and rest. Whether rest is in silent solitude or in long walks through the woods with the Lover of your Soul. Or maybe rest is singing your heart out or belly laughing with co-laborers who understand the pressures of ministry. No matter how you seek restoration with the Lord, you are invited to come and participate.
“Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” ~Jesus
What to Expect:
This retreat is intentionally Lo-Fi, focusing on building relationships, rest, and encouragement. You will have a lot of time to connect, explore, and have fun. We have invited Pete Sutton, ECC Director of Youth and Young Adults, and Jessica Springer, ECC Director of Children and Families, to be our speakers. You will come away edified, energized, and ready for your next season of ministry. This event is designed for key youth, children, and family ministry leaders from PacNWC churches. This includes paid and unpaid staff, interns, and volunteers who carry the weight of leadership with their ministry. New this year is the option to join others on Thursday night. This is a great opportunity for a personal retreat, getting some extra rest, and spending more time with your colleagues. Erik Cave and Lisa Whatley will be there the entire time to take care of your needs and hang out with you, if you so desire.
Speakers:
Jessica Springer, Director of Children and Families for the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Jessica serves alongside other staff with Serve Locally, working to strategize, develop, and lead discipleship resources, programs, and initiatives to promote spiritual growth for ministry teams working with children and families in Covenant churches and ministry partners. Jessica has more than two decades of experience doing pastoral work with children and family ministries, including more than ten years serving Community Covenant Church in Lenexa, Kansas. She also has experience in publishing curriculum for children, both with Foundry Publishing and as a contributor to the Covenant Kids Helping Kids curriculum.
Schedule:
Friday: 6:00 PM – Check In
7:00 PM – Session 1: with Jessica Springer
9:00 PM – Night Activities
Saturday:
8:00 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Session 2: Rest in Jesus
12:00 PM – Lunch
1:00 PM – Camp Activity/Free Time
3:00 PM – Session 3: Connections
4:00 PM – Check Out
Thursday (optional)
Thursday Afternoon – Check In
Thursday Night – Dinner on Your Own
Friday Morning – Grab and Go Breakfast
Friday Noon – Soup Lunch Provided by Lisa Whatley
Friday Night – Pizza Dinner Provided by Erik Cave
Accommodations:
We will be sleeping and meeting in Deer Lodge at Cascades Camp and Conference Center. This is one of the newest lodges at the camp that features a large central meeting area and rooms with bunk beds. Please bring your own bedding. Meals will be provided by Cascades in the Nisqually Dining Lodge. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks, which can be stored in the kitchen area of Deer Lodge.
Registration:
- $60 per person
- Additional $40 for optional Thursday Night Stay
- Scholarships are available. Email erik@pacnwc for more info.
Flyer:
