From May 15 to 17, six youth from around the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont gathered for a retreat and service project at Rock Point. Youth and adults spent time in prayer, rest and play. For their service project, participants cleaned and organized the activities cabin as well as hiking and cleaning up some of Rock Point’s beautiful trails. Throughout the weekend, youth reflected on what it means to create and live into koinonia. Here are some of their reflections:
“The retreat taught me about the community by opening up a door to meet people who were very nice and welcoming. I felt very happy there due to everyone being friendly and felt a sense of belonging in that. I hope we can meet again.”
Gwyn, 9th grader from St. Martin’s, Fairlee
“This retreat taught me that koinonia is something everyone has to pitch in for to create, and not just one of two people. This trip also taught me that koinonia can be developed and strengthened over time through time spent together whether it’s just talking, hiking, worshiping or helping with service projects. I felt a sense of belonging when we were all playing games. Playing games like tag required everyone to interact with one other and it seemed like the game brought us closer together through a similar shared interest. My hope is that we can do more trips like this with old friends, and new ones as well. I hope to do more service projects in areas that are important for youth and adults as well.”
Kristin, 9th grader from Trinity, Rutland
“I had a sense of belonging on the retreat because of all the adults and kids involved. We shared the joy of friendship bracelet making and we all helped each other in finding new ways to bead the string or loop it. I loved being able to have the freedom to play tag in the grass with the whole the group. It really helped build koinonia. My hope for the future of the youth program it is to do more retreats like this and include other kids who may not have a youth group or other youth groups. I hope we can meet new kids and build more koinonias, including doing more community service projects with similar or the same groups or completely new friends. I also hope to keep incorporating the parents and other adults they really help when building koinonia and strong relationships.”
Jill, 7th grader from Trinity, Rutland
“My hopes for the future of the youth program is more frequent retreats and events. I think this would help the youth get to know everyone more and help us to grow closer. Not all of them have to be a weekend trip or a big thing, just more community service or small events with the youth.”
Elianna, 6th grader from Trinity, Rutland
“I learned that koinonia is more than being in the same room, it’s being present together. I felt a sense of belonging while we were enjoying food and talking as a group. My future hope for this program is for it to grow in size and to do more community building retreats/activities.”
Charles, 7th grader from Trinity, Rutland
“I am excited to help chaperone our diocesan youth retreats because I get to hear what’s in the hearts and minds of our young people as we work, worship, and play together. I enjoy being in Episcopal community in new ways and supporting our youth’s opportunities for new experiences.”
Katya Cooke, Adult leader from Trinity
