Retreats
2026 East Coast Retreat
2026 East Coast Retreat
This year’s main theme will be “What is Love?”
We have all heard of love. Today, we are often told that “love is love.” But do we even know what love is? In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul cuts through false ideas about love and shows us what genuine, lasting, Christ-like love looks like towards others. Most importantly, we will discover that the greatest expression of love is not found in romance, but in the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Aaron Verhoef is the pastor at Grace Reformed Bible Church in Newton, New Jersey.
Our annual East Coast High School Retreat is planned for November 6–8 at Camp Pinnacle in Voorheesville, NY. Event costs have not yet been finalized. The retreat will include two sessions with Rev. Verhoef and a Q&A, so please encourage students to bring written questions. Registration closes November 2, and leaders can register their groups below. Leaders please bring one check payable to Reformed Youth Services upon arrival. We strongly encourage youth leaders to attend with their own groups rather than sending parent substitutes, as retreats provide a valuable opportunity to connect with and minister to your students.
Check-in is Friday from 7:00–8:00 p.m., with the first session beginning at 8:30 p.m. The retreat officially concludes Saturday at midnight, but everyone is invited to stay for Sunday morning worship before departing. Please bring appropriate Sunday attire, and leaders are asked to help maintain reverence throughout the service. An elder will be present.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy the game room, indoor volleyball, outdoor basketball, low ropes course, archery, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and dodgeball. Please pack a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, change of clothes, towels, bug spray, flashlight, Bible, pen, Sunday clothes, and rain gear. Attendees may also bring money for the snack shop, fishing gear, and $40 for the optional extra activity, if applicable. RYS will provide beverages both nights as well as snacks on Friday and Saturday. Leaders are also asked to bring a snack to share.
Lord willing, Reformed Youth Services will host our annual East Coast Retreat on Nov 6- 7 at Camp Pinnacle near Albany, NY. This retreat is open to High School students and their leaders.
More information will be posted at a later date.
Regional High School Retreats
RYS offers the opportunity for high school students to come together both in California and the East Coast.
East Coast High School Retreat
Our annual East Coast high school retreat for High school youth groups, teens and leaders from East Coast churches (Carbondale, New Hampton, Newton, Lancaster, New York City, Pompton Plains, Newton, East Stroudsburg, Wayne and West Sayville).
2025 dates to be determined.
California High School Retreat
Lord willing, we plan to hold the RYS regional retreat again in January at Hartland Christian Camp in Badger, CA.
Middle School Retreat
Our annual Midwest Middle School Retreat which is open to students in grades six through eighth and their leaders.
The energetic 6th to 8th graders will enjoy horseback rides, rock climbing, archery, kickball, basketball and an activity-packed schedule.
RYS annually offers regional high school retreats and a middle school retreat.
As with all RYS programs, we strive to choose pastors from our member churches.