ALL IN Freshman Retreat: Cultivating a School Culture of Belonging Rooted in Christ
- PSD
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
This August, Orange Lutheran launched its first-ever All In Retreat, a milestone experience welcoming the Class of 2029 into the Lancer family. Hosted at Forest Home and attended by 352 freshmen, the retreat offered an immersive orientation rooted in faith, fellowship, and fun—laying a Christ-centered foundation for high school life. Orange Lutheran is deeply grateful to the Pacific Southwest District (PSD), whose mission grant made this milestone possible.
Building Connection and Community
Throughout the retreat, students engaged in intentional sessions designed to foster belonging and purpose. OLu Counseling’s Step to the Line activity encouraged students to embrace their uniqueness, while the Theology department explored the Image of God, grounding identity in His love. Student Life introduced leadership pathways, and Missions led games that sparked laughter and trust.
Evenings featured AMP’d Up worship, where music and praise filled the space. Many rushed the stage to sing alongside their peers, and the energy carried into color competitions filled with cheers and laughter.
The retreat concluded with the Sand Ceremony. The themes of Lancers, Lord, and Love reminded freshmen that they stand together as one community, bound by the love of Christ as each student poured sand into a large “L”—a reminder that while uniquely made, they are united in Him.
Equipping Students for the Journey
Every freshman received an OLu-branded duffle, theme-verse shirts, and a 36-page journal with maps, reflection prompts, counselor contacts, memory verses, and mission trip details. One student shared:
“The retreat made me feel like OLu is a place where I will be cared for and can grow in my understanding of God’s love because all the activities pointed me back to Him.”
Impact Beyond the Retreat
The influence of the retreat extended far beyond its two days. Students returned with confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. Teachers noticed an immediate difference:
“Our freshmen came back more engaged and ready to learn. They have a common experience to build on, and you can see the confidence it gives them as they step into high school life.”
Parents echoed this sentiment:
“My son shared everything he did—from the ride up to the ride home—including the people he met. What an amazing experience.”, and “This retreat shows how committed OLu is to investing in their students and making sure they feel like they belong from day one.”
Survey results confirmed the impact:
98% felt they belonged at OLu
88% felt confident starting high school
97% of parents would recommend the retreat
A Foundation for the Future
The All In Retreat achieved its mission: building connections, rooting students in faith, and setting the tone for a community of Acceptance, Leadership, and Love in Christ. As Romans 15:7 reminds us:
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
With PSD’s support, this inaugural retreat marks the first step in a lifelong journey of discipleship and belonging—reminding every student that at Orange Lutheran, they are not only All In, but also All His.
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