Teen Retreat

By Kim Wilson, Camp & Activities Coordinator

Teen Retreat was held over Martin Luther King Day weekend in January at Camp Twin Lakes Will-A-Way. The teen retreat is held in a different location each year. It is a fun weekend filled with education, fun activities, and sightseeing in the local metropolis. This year, we stayed in the metro Atlanta area.  Teens participated in educational sessions to identify possible career choices and education and scholarship opportunities to pursue that career. They also received help building their resumes and practicing their interview skills. We included a station where they received advice on what to wear, and what not to wear, to a job interview.

Saturday afternoon was filled with fun and excitement in downtown Atlanta. We toured the neighborhood where Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up. Then, we toured the World of Coca-Cola and enjoyed flavors of soda from around the world. For dinner, we enjoyed the culinary experience offered at the food truck park off of Howell Mill Road, then ended the evening at the new ferris wheel attraction - SkyView Atlanta.

On Sunday, the teens enjoyed the opportunity to select the camp activities they most enjoy and spent the morning in those activities.  Teens participated as teams in the team challenge course at Camp Twin Lakes Will-A-Way, while other teens raced remote control cars in the gym.

Every year, in honor of the National Day of Service on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, the teens complete a service project to benefit another organization. This year, we built and graded accessible pathways for some of the cabins at Camp Twin Lakes Will-A-Way, where the retreat was held. The Camp Twin Lakes staff complimented our teens on their hard work, can-do attitudes, and generosity of spirit that inspires them to serve other campers and families. Teen Retreat would not be possible without the amazing volunteers who give their time. Thank you Anthony, Tyler, Danny, Sidd, Kishen, Brittany, Ashley, Chip and Bill!