One thing that makes Lighthouse Family Retreat so special is that families serve together, and kids and students especially play a key role on the volunteer team. They not only get to serve in the traditional sense—carrying plates, cleaning spaces—but their most important role is hanging out with all the other kids and teenagers and creating a fun, welcoming environment for the kids of the Retreat Families. We thought it would be fun to interview some of these rock stars and share their insight and experience with you!
Note: Not sure what some of the Lighthouse terms below mean? Keep scrolling down for a little “insider language” tutorial! Then join us on a retreat and you’ll be “speaking Lighthouse” like a pro!
HOW OLD ARE YOU? 18
HOW MANY RETREATS HAVE YOU ATTENDED? This was my first one!
WHO USUALLY COMES TO SERVE AT LIGHTHOUSE WITH YOU?
I came to serve at Lighthouse with a few of my fellow volunteers from Woodstock City Church and our coach, Tommy McDeermond. The six of us are volunteers in our middle school ministry on Sunday mornings.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVENT AT LIGHTHOUSE, AND WHY?
The UnBirthday Party was my favorite event. I was inspired by the dedication that every volunteer had in making it as exciting and festive as possible. It was amazing to see the families enjoy the party and celebrate together.
TELL ME ABOUT A FRIEND YOU MADE AT LIGHTHOUSE. WHO WERE THEY? HOW DID YOU CONNECT? WHAT DID YOU LIKE TO DO TOGETHER?
Heading into Lighthouse, I was only close with half of my volunteer group. Three of the guys, Tommy, Harry, and Zach, I had only spoken to maybe a few times at church. By spending the week working and living with them, we became friends. Not only did it improve our ability to serve as a team, but our time at Lighthouse continues to be a topic of conversation every week at church.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM ANY LIGHTHOUSE TRIP YOU'VE TAKEN.
One of my favorite memories from my Lighthouse trip in April is Night of Worship on the beach. As the sun set and the worship began, I was able to reflect on the week. I remember looking around and seeing how close every family was when most of them were strangers just a few days prior.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU DO WELL AT LIGHTHOUSE? WHAT GIFTS/TALENTS/QUALITIES DO YOU PERSONALLY BRING TO THE TEAM?
I believe that my attention to detail is my most valuable skill when serving others.
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR LIFE IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE YOU'VE SERVED AT LIGHTHOUSE?
Lighthouse gave me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around me. I often find it difficult to believe that I can positively impact others. However, at Lighthouse, I was able to see firsthand how God can serve people through me.
WHY WOULD YOU TELL OTHER KIDS THEY SHOULD COME SERVE AT LIGHTHOUSE?
I am so grateful I had the opportunity to serve at Lighthouse. Working together with peers and leaders, whether the task is big or small, brings a special kind of fulfillment when you can see the fruits of your labor in the smiling faces of families who have been through so much. It can be easy to feel insignificant when serving as part of a large team. However, at Lighthouse, you can see and feel the joy that you help to create by serving. Your unique way of serving could make a difference in someone’s life that only you can make.
Lighthouse Family Retreat Glossary:
UnBirthday Party: On Wednesday night during retreat, we get to celebrate birthdays for all the kids on retreat while the parents are gone for the night at Parent’s Night Out. We sing, dance, eat ice cream, and have LOTS of fun!
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