“Limitless” was the theme for this year’s diocesan youth retreat, ReCharge, held Sept. 26-28 at Muskoka Woods, located on the shores of Lake Rosseau in Muskoka. More than 130 youth and youth leaders from 23 parishes attended. Most of the participants arrived by bus from Toronto on Friday night. After checking into their cabins, they gathered in the main hall for snacks, games, worship and a short introduction to the theme by Bishop Andrew Asbil. Then they were led in night prayers by two youth from St. Hilda, Fairbanks.
Saturday morning got off to an early and slow start for most with breakfast at 7:30 a.m., but by mid-morning the energy was up as participants played Four Square Capture the Flag. After two rounds of the game and with wet, soggy shoes and socks from the dew on the grass, participants gathered for worship and then heard from Alongside Hope representatives Kim and Heather, who spoke about their work to provide solar suitcases to maternity wards in places where electricity was unreliable or non-existent. To demonstrate how difficult the task of delivering a child in the dark would be, three brave volunteers tried to assemble a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich in front of everyone while blindfolded. It was clear the difference a nice, bright light from the solar suitcases would make for so many women and the medical staff assisting in the birthing process.
Participants also heard from national youth animator Sheilagh McGlynn, who spoke about the Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering this past August in Saskatoon; the event will be held next in Nanaimo in August 2027. Participants then gathered in smaller groups with others from their archdeaconries to read selected verses from the bible (Isaiah 40:28, Luke 1:37, Ephesians 3:20) and to discuss what it means to be in relationship with God, who is without limits and for whom all things are possible. They were also invited to write on a small piece of paper a prayer about how God could show up in their lives or about something that they were worried, concerned or feeling anxious about. The piece of paper would be burned at that evening’s campfire.
Following lunch, participants took part in a bible knowledge team challenge, and then had their choice of activities throughout the afternoon. Options included beach volleyball, basketball, tennis, pickleball, indoor rock climbing, archery tag, arts and crafts, a hike, a jam with the band session, help with homework, fun with a giant soccer ball, prayer bead-making or time in the beautifully decorated and thoughtfully curated prayer space. That space was well utilized by many youth and youth leaders throughout the weekend and contained quiet and reflective self-guided or small-group activities that facilitated times of prayer in various ways.
Following a filling roast dinner, participants had the opportunity to check in with others in their parish groups and then gathered at the firepit as the sun began to set. Gathered around the roaring fire, they sang songs of praise and thanksgiving to God and reflected on the God whose limitless love is made known to us in so many ways, especially in the beauty of creation. The prayers that they had written earlier were offered to God and then burned. The night ended with s’mores around the campfire, an amazing talent show highlighting the giftedness of many youth in the diocese, and a glow-in-the-dark dance party.
After the rush of breakfast, packing up and cabin clean-up, participants gathered for Holy Communion with Bishop Andrew and his spouse Mary. Everyone was encouraged to wear an orange shirt as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was being marked during the service. Youth served in many roles in the service, including playing instruments in the band, singing on the worship team, doing the readings, offering the prayers and serving Communion; one of them, Makayla Clouter of St. Thomas Brooklin, shared an inspiring homily based on Psalm 139, on the theme of our limitless God. After the service, youth participants were invited to consider if they’d like to be a youth representative at this year’s diocesan Synod. The annual group photo was taken and participants chose swag items to take home. They enjoyed lunch and visited the camp store one last time before loading up the buses and heading back to Toronto.
The Bishop’s Youth Ministry Committee, which organizes ReCharge each year, would like to thank the diocese and our bishops, who continue to generously support this event with funding for bursaries, ensuring that everyone who wishes to attend can do so. We would also like to thank all the clergy and youth leaders who attended and offered themselves to serve and support the youth of our diocese throughout the weekend. We pray that good fruit is born in the hearts and lives of the youth who attended ReCharge this year and we look forward to gathering again next September!
