A Mountainous Journey: Kaleidoscope

The blog post is a reflection of last week. I was able to be a part of a weeklong spiritual retreat called Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope is offered once every three years for high school students. It involves intense spiritual growth and learning experience for Christian youth. Students from Homer, Palmer, Chugiak, and Fairbanks travel to Meier Lake Retreat center near Wasilla and although at the beginning do not know one another, by the end of the week become lifelong friends and support for each other’s spiritual life.

Kaleidoscope is…

A unique experience

Of the Christ community

In which we grow

In our grace relationships

With Christ and with others

By learning to be less defensive

And more free in self-expression,

By learning to affirm

The Christian identity

And individuality of each other.

By giving and receiving love

In the context of celebration,

And by becoming more in touch with

And sensitive to

The fullness of life with Christ

With all its’ blessed surprises

Kaleidoscope is…

People

Asking Questions, Seeking Answers

Discovering Truth

Listening with their eyes

Seeing with their ears

Tasting with their hands

Feeling with their hearts

Looking in new ways at old things

Looking in old ways at new things.

Encountering the familiar

Uncovering the unfamiliar

Living together

Being in touch with self and with

The forms textures and sounds

Colors and beauty

Of life

Of others

Of God.

Being surprised!

Gaining Insight!

Experiencing life with Christ.

With tears and lots and lots of laughter.

Kaleidoscope 2011 the group!

For the week of Kaleidoscope (K-Scope) I was one of six adult leaders. I had a fantastic group of five youth, which we dove into scripture, and spent much time unraveling God’s Word.

Moose-Mom and her TWO babies across Meier Lake

Ducks-Mom and her babies on Meier Lake

The days begin at 8:00am with breakfast as a large group. One of the traditions of K-Scope is that we do not do anything without everyone present. At the beginning of the week each student is assigned a number which is theirs for the week. Before starting any event we count off. We do not start until everyone is accounted for.

After breakfast the students have what is called “one-on-one” This occurs five times each day. During this time the students are paired with another students and are guided through a relational experience with one other person. During this half hour block of time the two students are allowed to share with their one-on-one partner insight based on questions provided (ie: what’s the best vacation you’ve ever had?, What is your favorite season?) By the end of the week each youth has an opportunity to have this structured time with every person. It allows for close relationships to form.

After one on one we have Bible Study which is exactly what it sounds like. We use both small and large group discussion to dive into the word.

Other components of K-Scope include the ever popular Centering Hour which is a time for relaxation and nap, Serendipity which is a leadership development activity, and Agape (evening Worship).

Agape-each student has a prayer point cross that serves as their mini alter for time of prayer and reflection.

Songs during worship.

The boys led part of Agape on Friday

End of Agape Worship

I must admit the retreat was as much of a time for spiritual growth for me personally as each individual that attended. It was very rewarding to see the students working together, break out of their comfort zones, and support one another. Wherever they’ve been, whatever they’ve done, K-Scope is a time to be one’s own self since most students do not know one another, it is a time to start anew. It is very powerful and in my top three for favorite experiences thus far on internship.