2026 Fall Youth Retreat – Faith: The Final Frontier

Fall Youth Retreat

November 6 - November 8

Black Diamond Camp

Register Here

November 6–8
Black Diamond Camp, Auburn, WA

For middle & high school youth, grades 6–12
Joint retreat of the Northwestern Washington & Southwestern WashingtonSynods

For Congregational Leaders: Bring Your Youth to a Weekend of Faith, Community, and Adventure

Middle and high school can feel like stepping into the unknown. This retreat invites youth to explore how God is present in those “final frontiers” of life—new experiences, big questions, and uncertain next steps.

Over the weekend, we’ll explore stories of faith through the unknown, and wonder together:
Where will you find God during the retreat?

Cost:

  • $175 per person if registration is complete by October 7
  • $225 per person beginning October 8

Cost includes lodging, programming, four meals (Saturday & Sunday morning), and a retreat t‑shirt.

We recognize that this cost may be more than some can pay.
Congregations are encouraged to subsidize the price when possible.
For additional financial assistance, email the SWWA 1st Third of Life Faith Formation Team at
ingelaurie@smlutheran.org.

Registration for Groups

All registrations are made by congregational groups.
The adult leader from each church group registers the group online:

Group Registration Link

Register your group here:
https://forms.gle/WzHPCF1HyGCcF5eB6

You’ll need to enter information for each youth and adult attending.
Use the individual registration form (provided to you) to collect the details you need before filling out the online form.

Capacity:

  • Current capacity is 140 total participants.
  • If we reach capacity, we will start a waitlist and communicate directly with congregations.
  • We will work with Black Diamond Camp to add spots if possible and share updates via Synod E‑News.

Transportation:

  • Congregations are responsible for their own transportation and transportation costs.

Program & Leadership

This is a joint, collaboratively led retreat between the NWWA and SWWA synods.

Across the weekend youth will experience:

  • Large group worship and teaching around Faith: The Final Frontier
  • Small groups led by trained adult leaders
  • Games, activities, and camp fun
  • Time to pause, reflect, and notice how God is showing up in their lives today

Retreat leadership is shared by a team of youth workers and volunteers who serve as:

  • Large group leaders
  • Musicians and worship leaders
  • Small group leaders
  • Game and activity organizers

If you or someone from your congregation would like to help lead (large group, music, small groups, games, etc.), please email:
ingelaurie@smlutheran.org

Retreat Leadership & Contacts
Doug Johnson • Becky Cole • Kendyll Mathiason • Ingelaurie Lisher • Meghan Moor

General questions?
cyflutheransnw@gmail.com or ingelaurie@smlutheran.org

Key Details for Leaders

Who Is Invited?

  • Middle school and high school youth in grades 6–12
  • Youth must attend with their congregation’s group
  • Adult chaperones must be 21+
  • Please limit adults to your congregation’s minimum required ratio/policy
  • Adult chaperones may not bring their own children who are under the designated age for this event

Program Cost

  • $175 per person if registration is complete by October 7
  • $225 per person beginning October 8
  • Covers: 4 meals (Saturday & Sunday morning), lodging, programming, t‑shirt

If additional financial assistance is needed beyond congregational support, contact:
ingelaurie@smlutheran.org

Registration Policies & Deadlines

  • 100% payment is due by check within 2 weeks of your online registration to reserve spots.
  • There is no charge to change names on a registration.
  • Early registration ends: Wednesday, October 7
  • All registration closes: October 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

After you register:

  1. Waivers:
    • Each congregation/participant must complete a Black Diamond Camp waiver.
    • These will be emailed to leaders after registration.
  2. Medical & Release Forms:
    • You are responsible for your own medical forms, release forms, and permissionsas required by your congregation’s policy.
    • Forms provided by the Synod Fall Youth Retreat also qualify.
  3. Background Checks:
    • Email a copy of your completed background check form for all adults in your group to:
      cyflutheransnw@gmail.com
    • Upon registration, you will receive an adult background check form that will be sent to Becky Cole.
  4. Payment:
    • Pay‑in‑full by check within 2 weeks to hold your spots (no credit cards).
    • Make checks payable to: “Northwest Washington Synod”
    • Memo line: “Synod Fall Youth Retreat, [Name of your congregation]”
    • Mail to:
      Northwest Washington Synod
      5519 Phinney Avenue N
      Seattle, WA 98103

Housing

  • Lodging is in “hotel‑style” rooms with four bunk beds (8 beds) per room.
  • Each room has its own shower and bathroom, with additional bathrooms in the building.
  • Single‑gendered rooms for both youth and adults.
  • Housing assignments are made by the retreat team; depending on group size, you may share rooms with another congregation.
  • Adults will share rooms in the same manner as youth.

Special housing needs?
Email cyflutheransnw@gmail.com after completing group registration.

Medical, Covenant, and Conduct Expectations

  • Include any special needs (medical, dietary, etc.) in your online registration.
  • Bring any health insurance, liability, and permission forms your congregation requires.

The Covenant of Conduct acts as the group’s “contract” for the event.
Please ensure your youth and adults understand and agree to all expectations.

All participants are required to follow:

  • Black Diamond Camp rules
  • Synod retreat guidelines
  • Any additional expectations communicated by leaders

Promotion & Resources for Your Congregation

We want to help you spread the word:

Retreat information and updates will also be available via Synod E‑News.

Next Steps for Leaders

  1. Save the Dates: November 6–8, 2026
  2. Promote the retreat in worship, youth group, and parent communications.
  3. Gather registrations using the individual form provided.
  4. Register your group online:
    https://forms.gle/WzHPCF1HyGCcF5eB6
  5. Mail payment and submit adult background check info within 2 weeks.

We look forward to welcoming you and your youth to Faith: The Final Frontier at Black Diamond Camp!

Register Here