By Dana Rieck<\/p>\n
Attendance at Miniwanca\u2019s four-day Spark 2023 retreat nearly doubled in its second year as 62 people gathered for reflection, connection and introspection. Many were returning to camp after years away, but some were brand new to the AYF.<\/p>\n
The program, held from Sept. 21-24, incorporated workshops, personal reflection, small group and community-wide experiential programs, and time to soak in the beauty of Miniwanca.<\/p>\n
Darrell Jones returned as keynote speaker. He is a minister, spiritual director and mindfulness coach with a long history at Miniwanca. His partner, Cari Jacobson, joined him to create a dynamic weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdults appreciate the opportunity to unplug and gather in community and have a high-quality program experience, while also having the flexibility to enjoy free time, rest and rejuvenate,\u201d Holley Young, director of adult programs, said.\u00a0\u201cHaving ideal weather all weekend was a fantastic bonus that allowed for hiking, swimming in Lake Michigan, tubing down Stony Creek and climbing Old Baldy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The daily schedule included programming that was led by presenters and Spark participants, including three nights of \u201cEvening Reflections,\u201d where participants led a small team of people and created their program around a daily theme.\u00a0 Each small team selected readings, music or a community activity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is just one example of having the Spark Community lean into being a part of the overall Spark offerings,\u201d Young said, noting this year\u2019s program was a success because of the active engagement from everyone who participated.<\/p>\n
In a post-program survey, participants said they appreciated the balance between social engagement and time for solitude. They also highlighted the program\u2019s beach sunsets and morning meditations.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to think each person went home thinking how they can connect young people with the program,\u201d one attendee wrote in their survey response. \u201cWe were sparked both personally to our core and couldn\u2019t stop talking the whole drive home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attendees also went tubing on the creek, had a game night, gathered around campfires and played Bingo.<\/p>\n
One participant wrote in their survey response that Spark was a privilege to attend and \u201cbe surrounded by such amazing humans in a beautiful space.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy hope for next year\u2019s Spark would be to simply provide a platform for all who attend have this type of takeaway when returning home!\u201d Young said.<\/p>\n
Spark aligns with the AYF\u2019s value of growing together through all life\u2019s stages and invites adults to experience a retreat with tangible takeaways in a safe, fun and welcoming environment. Spark will return to Miniwanca September 12-15, 2024.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Dana Rieck Attendance at Miniwanca\u2019s four-day Spark 2023 retreat nearly doubled in its second year as 62 people gathered for reflection, connection and introspection. Many were returning to camp after years away, but some were brand new to the AYF. The program, held from Sept. 21-24, incorporated workshops, personal reflection, small group and community-wide experiential programs, and time to … <\/p>\n