Mennonite/Brethren Jr. High Retreat

October 9-10, 2026

Join Jr. High groups from area Mennonite and Brethren churches for two days of worship and fun! Experience great games and camp activities, enjoy time with friends, and more!

2026 Theme is "Hide and Seek: Finding Refuge in God" (Psalm 46)

Scroll down for:

General info for all attendees (schedule, menu, packing list, etc.)
Pictures from a past Jr. High retreat
Leader info (group registration details, deadlines, and costs; printable consent and health forms; etc.)

General Information

Lodging will be in rustic cabins. Cabin assignments will keep youth groups together (by gender), and two adults will be assigned to each cabin. Cabins are not climate-controlled, so pack for the weather.

Registration and payment for the retreat is to be done through your church group, not on an individual basis. Contact your youth leaders to find out what your church is doing.

2026 Schedule

2026 schedule

Friday, October 9

5:00 -- Arrival and games (gaga ball, 9-Square, etc.)
6:00 -- Supper (leftovers kept for late arrivals) - Leaders meeting
6:45 -- Ice breakers
7:45 -- Worship
9:00 -- Capture the flag
10:00 -- Snack (make your own)
10:30 -- Lights out

Saturday, October 10

7:00 -- Optional group activity
8:00 -- Breakfast
9:00 -- Worship
10:00 -- Group games, theme activity, free time
12:00 -- Lunch
1:00 -- Closing circle
1:30 -- Departure

2026 Menu

Tentative menu based on last year

Friday supper: Pizza, chips, applesauce, carrots & dip, cookies, lemonade/water
Saturday breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, biscuits with jelly & butter, cereal & milk, fresh fruit, OJ, coffee/tea
Saturday lunch: Taco bar (includes flour tortillas/tortilla chips, Spanish rice, selection of taco toppings), brownies, fruit punch/water

Note: Highland can provide gluten-free, dairy-free, and/or vegetarian options if you let us know in advance that you will need these alternatives. For those with other allergies or specific food needs, our kitchen staff will store and prepare any special food items you provide. All food provided by Highland will be peanut-free.

Packing List

Info for leaders

Leaders from each church group are expected to:

Complete the registration form for your group (below) by Monday, September 21 to let us know your church is participating. A $189 deposit should be sent to Highland when you sign up.
Send a group roster before Tuesday, September 29, including notes on any dietary restrictions for anyone in your group. Group numbers are considered final after Monday, October 5.
Collect completed information and consent forms from your youth.
Collect medical forms from your youth and look after any health needs during the retreat. (Here's a sample form you can use if your church doesn't have their own.)
Bring enough sponsors so that youth of each gender are well supervised. Feel free to collaborate with other church groups!
Pay the balance for your group at the time of the retreat (a total of $63 per person covers food, lodging, and activities). To streamline the process of paying during check-in at Highland, we request that each church group presents ONE final payment to Highland for the balance of their retreat bill; any payments you collect from individuals in your group should go to your church or to a group representative who can then pass the total along in a lump sum to Highland.

Group Registration Form:

Please include your best estimates of the number of people who will be in your group. A more specific roster can be sent to info@highlandretreat.org closer to the event.