Cherished & Confident: Teen Girls’ Retreat Lights Up Camp Wawona

WAWONA, Calif.— On September 12–14, 2025, the Central California Conference Youth Department welcomed 115 teen girls and 20 dedicated staff to Camp Wawona—and the mountain filled with laughter, worship, and memories that linger long after the weekend. From the opening song to the final prayer, many said they experienced God’s presence in tangible ways.

Guest speaker Amie Regester opened Scripture and spoke straight to the heart, calling young women to grow in faith, identity, and confidence in Christ. Between main sessions, participants chose from a range of breakout options, leaning into smaller, personal spaces for learning, discussion, and connection. A dedicated prayer room offered quiet space to meet with Jesus, while inspiring music—including a theme song written specifically for this Teen Girls’ Retreat—became the weekend’s soundtrack. On Saturday night, the girls geared up for a thrilling game of capture the flag in the dark, running, strategizing, and laughing under the stars. To top it all off, they ended the evening with a giant slide adventure in their pajamas, bringing joy and fun to everyone involved.

It felt like a gift the whole way through—warm sunshine by day, crisp mountain air by night. By the time goodbyes were said, friendships had deepened, faith had grown, and each girl left with a clearer truth: she is cherished by God and surrounded by a community that loves her. “I really loved how everyone was able to connect and spend time together in God’s beautiful creation,” one student shared. Another added, “The breakout sessions and main speakers were wonderful and extremely relevant.”

“This retreat was more than a weekend—it was a reminder that when we gather, God shows up in powerful ways,” said Delinda Hamilton, CCC Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Summer Camp. “We can’t wait to see what He has in store for next year!”

By Bryan Bong