Student Spiritual Retreats

To start the school year, we plan for our Senior School students to go on a Student Spiritual Retreat. These are incredible opportunities for our students and it’s important to build our school life and community to start the school year. It is also a meaningful experience for many students spiritually, socially and emotionally.

Note: These retreats are for WRCA enrolled students only.

Reflections from 2025 by Ms. Laura Lee (Biblical Foundations Coordinator):

From Wednesday, September 10 through Friday, September 12, we journeyed together to Rockridge Canyon Camp in Princeton, BC, for a deeply enriching spiritual retreat. With just under 200 students from grades 9-12, along with WRCA teachers and staff, we carved out a space for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth.

This gathering marks a sacred moment at the beginning of our school year—an intentional time to cultivate community, nurture a Christ-centered culture, and instill a profound sense of belonging. Our speaker, Ryan Guerra, who inspired us last year, returned to help us explore our theme for this year: Belonging. He skillfully wove together the sub-themes of ‘I belong. You belong. We belong,’ inviting us to consider the depth of our relationships. Ryan reminded us that ‘I belong’ begins in a relationship with God. ‘You belong’ is expressed through our actions—serving others and extending hospitality. And ‘We belong’ is found within the embrace of community.

As we delved into this theme, several moments stood out. Our student leadership team (SALT) and the worship team took center stage, and it was a joy to witness students competently guide each other in worship and engaging activities. A palpable spiritual energy filled the air, a movement we as teachers hope for but cannot manufacture—it must flourish naturally. From the first notes of our worship songs, it was evident that the students had fully invested themselves in this experience. We watched as they rose early to seek solitude with God, gathering in small groups for prayer and reflection. Bridges were built between social circles; older students stepped into mentorship roles for their younger peers, creating connections that transcend age and grade.

It was a beautiful tapestry of experiences woven together, and the time spent with your children was truly special. As we embark on this school year, we sincerely hope that each student carries with them the awareness that they belong here at WRCA—a community rooted in love, faith, and shared purpose.