Once Upon a Thunder

Once Upon a Thunder

Digital Thunder Retreat Resource!

Thunder is the Pacific Northwest Conference annual Middle School Retreat. This event usually takes place in October at Cascades Camp. Because of concerns over COVID-19 the decision was made to cancel this in person event. Our planning team has worked hard on an alternate resource for you youth ministry.

Check out the welcome and introduction message with Erik Cave:

What is Once Upon a Thunder?

We designed Once Upon a Thunder to be a plug and play resource. We set out to provide high quality elements that will help connect your event with previous Thunders, Cascades Camp and other youth groups in the PacNWC. Key elements of this resource include:

  • Session Videos featuring messages around our theme from our speakers, Mark Neely, Britta Burger, Ruby Varghese and Matt Knapp.
  • Extensive Leader’s Guide with ideas and instructions for various retreat types, information on our thinking behind the theme, help for successful sessions and more.
  • Media Files giving you everything you need to promote and execute your event.
  • Small Group Guide connecting discussions with the session messages and themes.
  • Activity Guides for session games, afternoon activities and evening fun.
  • Swag to spice up your event that is connected to our theme, Once Upon A Thunder

Theme: Once Upon a Thunder

Explore the hero’s journey as they face their fear, find power in the Holy Spirit, see they are loved and discover their mission in the world.

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Session 1: Fear – The things that scare me don’t have to control me. Featuring Britta Burger

Session 2: Power – Real strength comes from God’s power. Featuring Ruby Varghese

Session 3: Love – Through it all, you are loved. Featuring Matt Knapp

Session 4: Sound Mind – Make a difference in the world just as God has made a difference in you. Featuring Mark Neely

Download Your Once Upon a Thunder Files Today!

[Click Here] to access our Google Drive Folder containing all these files

  • Welcome Video featuring Erik Cave
  • Leader’s Guide
  • Small Group Guide
  • Activity Guide
  • Virtual Activity Guide
  • Thunder Countdown Video
  • Session One Video featuring Britta Burger
  • Session Two Video featuring Ruby Varghese
  • Session Three Video featuring Mark Neely
  • Session Four Video featuring Matt Knapp
  • Promotional Art
  • Message Notes
  • Cascades Camp Weekend Retreat Brochure
  • [Click Here] to see our list of fun SWAG ideas on Amazon.com

Note: We have a few extra boxes with all of the above materials in physical form. Send an email to erik@pacnwc.org if you would like one of them.

Thunder Planning Team:

Matt Knapp, Brianne Fenton, Mark Neely and Erik Cave