Discipleship Weekend
Middle and High School students split up into groups by grade and gender and are designated a host home for a two-night stay. Activities within the host homes include a discussion-oriented Bible study, games, and general fellowship and get-to-know time. Additional activities for the weekend aim to incorporate the youth group as a whole, and may include outdoor games, a picnic at a park, scavenger hunts, athletic competitions, dinner at a local restaurant, and more. The overall intention behind the event is to allow youth leaders and small groups to continue to engage together in the process of discipleship, with great concentration on understanding and applying the Word of God.
Winter Retreat
Riverbend Youth Ministries hosts a mini-conference at a retreat or conference center within a reasonable distance of travel for a weekend event. Riverbend staff or guest speakers lead through a master teaching series, and small groups take time to discuss the lessons further and get to know one another. Praise and worship, recreational activities, night games, dramas, refreshments, and hang-out times are elements that add to the fullness of the event.
Deep Creek (Summer Camp)
With the idea of providing a summer camp experience that emphasizes sound, biblical teaching and discussion, Riverbend Youth Ministries launched The Journey in 2001. Approximately one dozen like-minded churches joined us for this event. For the past several years, it has been known as Deep Creek. Guest speakers consistently prepare and preach a Christ-exalting, week-long series. This annual event continues to provide many memories, and great opportunities for spiritual growth in Christ. Our camp is hosted in the scenic Smoky Mountains in Bryson City, N.C., in mid-June. Students enjoy a ropes course, arts and crafts center, indoor and outdoor recreational activities, night games, swimming, disc golf, a large off-campus activity, and more.
Additional Events
• Summer Bible studies
• host-home fellowships
• outreach opportunities
• indoor night games
• summer and fall kick-off events