Sprummer Retreat 2018

Every year, we take our students down to Devil's Lake in southern Wisconsin. It is a time that we head out to the bluffs and expose our students to the sport of rock climbing. Although we only take a day and a half to climb, it is the highlight of our activity schedule for the week! Every year is different, as different groups of students show differing levels of interest in climbing. This current crop of students were not rock enthusiasts, but enjoyed the time they had on the rock and hanging out until it was their turn to climb.

On Monday, we arrived at our favorite campsite at Devil's Lake - G3. We quickly got to work setting up our campsite. Our new 10-man tent that we bought from Columbia sped things along, as it is considerably easier to put up then our old Cabella's one. In the evening, we dove right into our spiritual program with singing and chapel with Mr. Brewster!

Tim Warren, our resident assistant, did a great job with the music and enlisted the help of Micah. It's an awesome experience to sing songs of worship in the woods, using stringed instruments! Aaron Brewster led the chapels every evening, focusing on the concept of integrity. Most of the students responded positively, but one specifically informed us that the messages has urged him to take definitive steps toward living a life that is characterized by integrity! 

On Tuesday, we climbed on some familiar routes and tried some new ones. Here, Josh W. is climbing Brinton's Crack (5.6 - level of difficulty). 

Wednesday and Thursday tested our flexibility with rainy weather. Wet rocks rule out climbing and wet trails rule out mountain biking. Instead, we enjoyed fishing, hiking, and relaxing around the state park! Probably the favorite moment of flexibility was when Rory Massey set up an obstacle course in an empty campsite and taught the guys some mountain biking skills in maneuvering around / over obstacles in your path.

On Friday morning, we wrapped up this great trip with donuts from Kwik Trip!