God calls everyone into ministry.
Some are called into vocational ministry. All are called to follow Jesus and serve right where they are.
Exploring Call for Youth is a weekend retreat for high school students who want space to slow down, listen, and explore what it means to follow Jesus – now and in the future. You’ll learn how to listen for God’s voice, discern what you’re hearing, and respond faithfully in everyday life.
This weekend isn’t about having your whole future figured out. It’s about noticing how God has uniquely created you – your gifts, passions, questions, and experiences – and discovering how they connect to God’s work in the world. Some people may feel called toward vocational ministry someday. Others will discover how their faith shapes whatever path they walk.
You’ll experience worship, honest conversations, time for reflection, adventure and space to hear stories from others who are still learning what it means to follow God’s call.
Who: High school students, 9th-12th grade as of fall 2026
Cost: $50 per participant
Schedule Highlights:
Check-in begins Friday at 8 p.m. with snacks and welcome activities
First worship session takes place Saturday morning to ensure all students have arrived
The retreat concludes Sunday morning with our final worship gathering following breakfast
Mentor Selection:
Every student participant must select a mentor before registering. This will give them support before and after the retreat to process. This may be a pastor, youth leader, teacher, or parent from their church, school, or para-church organization who has experience with a call to ministry. The mentor is not required to attend the retreat, although they are encouraged to do so. They are required to meet with the student before and after the retreat.
What to Expect:
A small setting where you will build close friendships and grow in your walk with Jesus
Engaging worship
Compelling and interactive teaching sessions with plenty of discussion and reflection
Group building activities
Quiet times of personal reflection and listening to the Holy Spirit
Register by FEB. 19th.
Questions: PacNWC Director of NextGen Ministries Erik Cave
Pastor and Youth Leader Information:
Each student is required to identify a mentor. This can be a pastor or youth leader from their church, school, or para church organization that has some experience with call to ministry. The student will have at least one pre and one post retreat meeting with their mentor.
Mentors are not required to attend the retreat. However, they are welcome and encouraged to participate as small group leaders. Every adult will need to submit to our Child Safety Policy.
Are you a pastor or youth leader who would like to help lead this retreat? Please contact Erik Cave to get involved!
Parent Information:
This retreat is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Conference Youth Commission, a group of veteran youth leaders who put the safety and wellbeing of each participant at the top of our list of priorities. You can trust that our Child Safety Policies will be followed at all times. If you are ever concerned about an aspect of our program, or have questions, you are welcome to contact our Retreat Director, Erik Cave at any time.
Mentor Information:
We are asking each participant to identify at least one mentor. Mentor responsibilities:
Mentors are not required to attend the retreat, However they are welcome and encouraged to participate.
Mentors must submit to our Child Safety Policy
Mentors must meet with students prior to the retreat. At this meeting the mentor will share their call story and get to know the student.
Mentors must meet with the student after the retreat. At this meeting they will unpack what the student learned, listen to how God is speaking to them, and help them process next steps.