Hamilton Youth Let Go & Let God
A group photo of all the attendees at the Hamilton Youth Retreat 2025.
Two attendees relax in the snow.
Amidst the serene winter landscape of Camp Frenda, a collective of 60 young Adventists from Hamilton churches converged for a transformative weekend of spiritual rejuvenation, camaraderie, and adventure.
Themed "Let Go and Let God," the Hamilton Youth Retreat, held January 17-19, provided a sacred space for attendees to shed the burdens of guilt, shame, and fear, and emerge empowered by the liberating power of faith.
Under the guidance of Powerhouse speakers Anthony Kern, Lead Pastor of Hamilton Mountain Church, and Jose Sanchez, Associate Pastor at Really Living Church, participants delved into workshops tailored to confront the pervasive struggles of negativity and self-doubt. They were raw, honest, and relatable—no sugarcoating and no judgement.
In a poignant exercise, Pastor Kern invited attendees to symbolically relinquish the lies that had held them captive by committing them to flames. Participants wrote down lies they had been told on pieces of paper and then threw them into a fire, representing the act of letting go of those lies and embracing God's redemptive truth.
A few attendees were having a wonderful time outside in the snow.
Beyond the spiritual nourishment, the retreat offered a diverse array of activities, including spirited worship services, games night, and exhilarating outdoor excursions. A standout moment was the Sabbath afternoon tobogganing expedition, which saw attendees laughing, bonding, and forging unforgettable memories.
Organizers intentionally crafted the weekend to foster an atmosphere of unity, connection, and shared growth. By bridging divides and creating opportunities for meaningful interactions, the retreat embodied the very essence of Christian fellowship.
As one attendee reflected, the weekend was a beautiful experience of bonding and growth. "The games night was amazing—we shed our church identities and bonded as a collective." Another highlight was the "Warm Fuzzies" activity, where participants shared encouraging words and appreciation for one another.
Attendees showing off their friendship bracelets.
The weekend concluded with a powerful prayer prompt, "I believe in God for," which allowed attendees to reflect on their faith and share their hopes and dreams with one another.
As attendees departed, they carried with them a renewed sense of purpose, fortified faith, and the warmth of newfound friendships. The organizers and attendees alike look forward to hosting the retreat again, expanding the event, and welcoming more youth from all Hamilton churches.