Six weeks prior to Campus Ministry’s Magnify Retreat, the planning team was preparing for a special weekend event, designed to foster community, prayer, and personal relaxation. The excitement was palpable as the planning team brainstormed new ideas for group time, games, and activities, and listened to the talks that speakers poured their hearts into as they wrote, revised, and practiced. The team was pumped to return to Camp Grey and prepare for the unique experience offered to those who joined them.
Magnify team leader and honored speaker Morgan Chase examines the purpose of the Magnify Retreat as “an experience to take a pause in life and just think about where you are on many spiritual levels, where are you individually, with your community.” She continues, “It’s just a good opportunity to connect with people you might not normally connect with outside of academics on a community level.”
Chase oversaw the arts and crafts committee and snack committee, and helped other groups make decisions. She also contributed to the exciting Magnify Olympics game night by crafting a grand trophy working down to the last minute as she hopped in the van on her way to Camp Grey.
On Friday, February 21, Jake Tank, a second time participant of the Magnify Retreat, was driven down at the same time as Chase. He noted that “heading into the retreat not just this time but for the last time, too, I was hoping for some type of some spiritual healing, growing closer to God and the people around me. I was a little focused on myself but once I got around people who were also focused on Christ I also felt more in a community and the healing came from Christ Centered Relationships.”
Tank’s highlight of the weekend was hearing everyone’s testimony as it was incredibly inspiring for him “alongside the food!” To process the talks given by certain members of the leadership team, participants were placed in one of three groups to support personal growth and foster community. Every talk given by the leadership team had a support system constantly praying in the chapel for the success of each talk and every participant.
Throughout the weekend, crafts were offered between group prayers and community-building events, although an importance was put in making sure everyone had time for relaxation. There was time for participants to recharge through personal reflection and enjoy nature through a “Walk to Emmaus” with another participant to check in and grow a closer bond.
The Magnify Olympics game night was a thrilling new addition to Saturday night divided into three parts. The first competition was trivia – hosted by Dr. Joe, Hanna Dickman’s husband. One of the seminarians on the leadership team who helps at Campus Ministry, Andrew Varta teamed up with senior nursing major Tessa Arenz to bring an entertaining game of bingo to the group. The final game was an intense round robin style dodgeball tournament to end the competition. Of course, celebratory ice cream and comradery honored the winning team, ended the night.
An emphasized point on the last day was to bring the community, reflections, and growth back to campus to share with others. The fun, faith, and friendship from Camp Grey should spread out into each class and heart. All participants were welcomed to share in the comradery at the Sister Thea Bowman Center and more importantly wherever it takes them.
