By Faith Hoyt, with Kimberly Stubbert
In late September, 183 student leaders from our academies all over the Pacific Union gathered in-person once again—this year at Camp Cedar Falls in the San Bernardino Mountains—to learn, pray, sing, team build, fellowship, and have fun.
The Student Leadership Conference took a primarily virtual form in 2020, with student leaders participating in socially distanced service activities on their own campuses or individually. This year, during the weekend of Sept. 23-25, the conference resumed its in-person format with a few modifications, one being the location. Due to the fire that impacted the Leoni Meadows campus in August, the Pacific Union Office of Education was thankful that Cedar Falls was able to accommodate the group—ensuring this important event could continue. It was the first time the Student Leadership Conference has been held at Camp Cedar Falls since 2009.
In addition to the student leaders, those in attendance at this year’s conference included principals, sponsors, and chaplains, as well as presenters, conference and university staff, and other supporters—93 individuals present to help ensure a successful retreat.
This year’s program included devotional messages by Isai Moran, worship pastor for Crosswalk Church in Redlands, Calif. Moran, a native of Orange County, used his passion for Christ and music to help inspire young people to model the kingdom of God in their schools. Also part of the program were leadership activities and team building games, singing, and spiritual enrichment, as well as “Birds-of-a-Feather” breakouts for leadership emphasis by group. The theme for this year was “There is More.”
For spiritual emphasis, the program also included a Friday night communion service and a commitment service to wrap up the event. An outreach component provided opportunity for young people to support student missionaries by creating care packages.
When asked what the best part of the Student Leadership Conference was, a student association (SA) social vice president replied, “Meeting other people who have the same position as you and finding new ideas.”
One SA executive vice president shared that the best part was “the social aspect and Pastor Isai.”
For those planning the Student Leadership program, every aspect is carefully considered to provide time for student interaction with other leaders, growth of leadership skills, and spiritual lessons.
A junior class president stated, “I wish that my stay at this leadership camp was longer.”
The Student Leadership Conference was a full two-day event that left them wanting more—especially after a long time apart.
