Spring Break
Fellowship, food and fun
Courtney Keeney
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: Features
Students from the Peninsula, San Francisco and Sonoma County will come together Oct.. 17 - 19 for the annual North Coast Fall Conference Retreat in Occidental.
Surrounded by nature at Alliance Redwoods Conference Center, the three-day getaway is an opportunity to escape the exhausting routine of daily life, abandon the cell phones and join in community with good friends.
"It's so nice to step into nature, away from the noise, without any distractions and just be around people you really care about," said senior Emily Dimarco.
The typical retreat schedule consists of daily worship, personal small group discussions, exciting games, quality free time with friends, and the opportunity to connect with God through motivating guest speakers.
"The weekend is truly rewarding. This will be my fourth year attending, and I'm filled with excitement each time," said Dimarco.
The intention of the popular event is to offer students the chance to strengthen their faith, grow individually and bond with others.
"I learned a lot about myself, and I really enjoyed getting to know new people," said sophomore Kelly Zaino.
The conference is open to anyone who is interested in attending, and multiple scholarships are available upon request.
"Everyone is welcome and can receive something from this experience," said Intervarsity Team Leader Maria Finkbeiner.
Various subjects will be focused on throughout the weekend and each talk consists of a particular theme relevant to real life scenarios. Knowledgeable speakers will employ their wisdom through personal stories, several applicable biblical accounts and lead informative activities.
"You're given practical ways to lead your life. I came out of the weekend on such a higher level. I felt physically, mentally and spiritually rejuvenated. The talks really impacted me and put things into perspective," said Zaino.
This year's theme is "Images Of God." Students are encouraged to come hear stories about the Kingdom of God, and what it means to personally exercise your faith. Featured speakers for the conference include; Sandra Van Opstal, Chicago Urban Project Director and Urbana 2009 Worship Leader for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
Surrounded by nature at Alliance Redwoods Conference Center, the three-day getaway is an opportunity to escape the exhausting routine of daily life, abandon the cell phones and join in community with good friends.
"It's so nice to step into nature, away from the noise, without any distractions and just be around people you really care about," said senior Emily Dimarco.
The typical retreat schedule consists of daily worship, personal small group discussions, exciting games, quality free time with friends, and the opportunity to connect with God through motivating guest speakers.
"The weekend is truly rewarding. This will be my fourth year attending, and I'm filled with excitement each time," said Dimarco.
The intention of the popular event is to offer students the chance to strengthen their faith, grow individually and bond with others.
"I learned a lot about myself, and I really enjoyed getting to know new people," said sophomore Kelly Zaino.
The conference is open to anyone who is interested in attending, and multiple scholarships are available upon request.
"Everyone is welcome and can receive something from this experience," said Intervarsity Team Leader Maria Finkbeiner.
Various subjects will be focused on throughout the weekend and each talk consists of a particular theme relevant to real life scenarios. Knowledgeable speakers will employ their wisdom through personal stories, several applicable biblical accounts and lead informative activities.
"You're given practical ways to lead your life. I came out of the weekend on such a higher level. I felt physically, mentally and spiritually rejuvenated. The talks really impacted me and put things into perspective," said Zaino.
This year's theme is "Images Of God." Students are encouraged to come hear stories about the Kingdom of God, and what it means to personally exercise your faith. Featured speakers for the conference include; Sandra Van Opstal, Chicago Urban Project Director and Urbana 2009 Worship Leader for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
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