Rev. Valerie Hummel LaBounty, far right teaches the students at the confirmation retreat. Photos by Beata Ferris.

"It is an opportunity to find a space for retreat and discernment in the journey to confirmation," said Rev. Valerie Hummel LaBounty, Dean, Confirmation Retreat 2024 at Lake Poinsett Camp. Thirty candidates from six different churches: First UMC in Brookings, Grace UMC in Moorhead, MN, Hilltop UMC in Sioux Falls, Madison UMC,  Unite Church in Salem, and First UMC in Watertown, attended.

In 24 hours, students learn about six key elements related to being confirmed in The United Methodist Church. That includes learning about the sacraments—baptism and communion, understanding grace, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral—commonly referred to as the Wesley Quadrilateral, creeds, confirmation vows, and United Methodist beliefs.

"We do not follow a set curriculum. We utilize the United Methodist Book of Worship  to review the confirmation vows, and  other United Methodist resources. Different clergy lead learning sessions around key elements," explained Pastor Valerie.  

The time is geared toward middle school students. "The lessons are geared toward middle school-aged youth, but I always learn a new insight from listening to other leaders teach. It is fun to see the youth have 'ah-ha' moments or when you see a question forming in them that leads to more conversation and more growing in faith," said Beata Ferris, First United Methodist Church in Pierre, South Dakota, and a leader of one of the teaching sessions.

Pastor Valerie taught about Wesleyan understanding of grace. Beata Ferris taught about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. Rev. Melssa Gall, an ordained deacon, taught the class on confirmation vows. Rev. Peggy Hanson, Madison UMC, led a session on baptism. Pastor Taylor Johnson, who serves Grace UMC in Moorhead, Minnesota, spearheaded learning around communion. Rev. Bryce Blank, First UMC in Watertown, S.D., reviewed the creed and led discussion in forming our personal faith.

Confirmation camp participants work on their stoles.

Each of the participants designed their own stole. "I encourage them to use the Quadrilateral to break their stole into four quadrants and decorate it," Pastor Valerie said. "I explain to them stoles are a sign of servanthood. We wear stoles so that we're ready to wash people's feet. I had a kid say, 'Are we washing people's feet?' I share that it symbolizes our willingness to serve others as members of The United Methodist Church."

Participants played a game of Jeopardy to recap what they had learned from the different sessions. 

Rev. Seth LaBounty, Hartford UMC, led opening worship on Friday evening and closing worship on Saturday. Worship framed the sacred space for all.

"Socrates said, 'The unexamined life is not worth living.' We could also easily say, 'The unexamined faith is not worth living.' I think camping, and confirmation camp in particular, creates a safe space where students can ask questions of themselves, each other, and leaders from their church and other churches. Even though it's a quick overnight camp, this kind of gathering removes us from the usual comforts of home and family. It gives the students some freedom to engage with the lessons and experiences in their way, apart from the influences of everyday life. I think that kind of safe atmosphere and invitation for self-examination is of immense importance for anyone who wants to take ownership of their faith and make it something worth living," said Pastor Seth. 

The nice weather provided the opportunity to be outside with a campfire complete with smores.

"It was the quintessential camp experience, I would say: being outside, singing songs by the campfire, eating smores," Pastor Valerie described.

Students and retreat leaders find that the time they spend together makes the United Methodist Connection come alive. Rev. Peggy Hanson, Madison UMC, shares, "This helps youth better understand not only our connectional ministry as United Methodists but also to learn from other United Methodist leaders. It gives them a place that is set apart at camp to immerse themselves with youth who are on the journey just like they are."

Two students from Madison UMC who attended with Pastor Peggy shared their reactions. "It was really fun to meet new people and learn new things, and the food was great," said Jase Misar. Gavin Finck said, "I liked the food and the two-hour break with the s'mores and just playing around."

Revs. Seth LaBounty, left, Bryce Blank, center, and Taylor Johnson, right, led music during worship at confirmation camp.

This is the third year that Pastor Valerie has led the confirmation retreat. Plans are to continue having the camp each spring. 

"I remember going to confirmation camp when I was in confirmation. I loved it. I saw there was a void on the east side of the state. I knew there was a confirmation camp on the west side at Storm Mountain for a few years. I thought, why would I make my students drive across the state when I could do it at Lake Poinsett?" said Pastor Valerie.

Continuing the camp strengthens the connection between United Methodists. "Gatherings like the confirmation retreat are important because it shows students that they are not alone in the confirmation process. There are students all around the Dakotas and Minnesota who are in the same place in life that they are, working through and learning about the same issues of faith. Youth sometimes feel alone in their faith because they don't interact much with others outside their church. This retreat reminds them that they are not alone in this," said Rev. Bryce Blank, First UMC in Watertown, South Dakota. 

One student from First UMC in Watertown reported that it was the first time they had stayed at camp overnight. He enjoyed staying in the cabins and getting to meet new people. Another student from First UMC mentioned that they liked the food and hanging out with other confirmation students.

Students and adults will continue to learn how we are all part of the body of Christ. "Gatherings for youth and clergy, whether 24 hours or seven days, are something that can't be explained fully in their importance; the growth it creates in us individually and corporately is a living example of us being the living body of Christ. The opportunity it opens in their minds of other creative ways to encounter God and faith is so fun to see happen, not only in my youth but the others present," said Pastor Kim Hastings, United Church in Salem, South Dakota. 

Pastor Valerie expresses gratitude for the experience, "I am so thankful that churches keep sending participants. They trust us to teach and connect with them. I hope time at camp is a fruitful experience for them that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. Maybe it will inspire them to go to camp during the summer."

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