Peacemakers Needed
A Youth Retreat With Purpose
What does it mean for a teenager to become a peacemaker?
In a world filled with conflict, pressure, and constant online noise, that question matters more than ever. This summer, one youth retreat is helping students explore that answer through friendship, service, adventure, and faith.
Many parents today worry about their children’s well-being in a world filled with online pressure, conflict, and constant noise. This concern is exactly why this youth summer retreat was created—to give students a place where they can step away from that pressure and build relationships centered on Christ’s example of peace.
At the heart of the retreat is a simple but powerful message: the world needs peacemakers.
President Russell M. Nelson taught that “Contention drives away the Spirit” and that peacemakers are needed now more than ever. This retreat is designed to help youth not only understand that message, but also learn how to live it in their everyday lives. Through meaningful experiences, students will build lasting friendships while discovering how they can bring peace into their homes, schools, and communities.
A Retreat Built Around Purpose
With so many summer camps available, this retreat stands out because it intentionally balances fun experiences with spiritual growth.
Camp director Oba Bonner explains that the entire program is centered on a guiding theme.
“Our theme, Peacemakers Needed, challenges students to think about how they respond to conflict, pressure, and negativity in the world.”
Rather than separating spiritual learning from recreation, the retreat is structured so that both work together to create meaningful experiences.
“We intentionally create a rhythm where fun activities and spiritual moments support each other,” Bonner says. “When youth are laughing together, playing games, and forming friendships, they become more open and connected. That creates the perfect environment for meaningful conversations and spiritual reflection.”
Throughout the week, students will participate in morning devotionals, personal study, and special “morningside” gatherings featuring five guest speakers who share how they have overcome personal struggles and chosen faith and resilience.
Growing in Every Area of Life
Anyone familiar with the For the Strength of Youth guidebook knows that youth development is often described through four areas of balanced growth: spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical.
This retreat was designed to strengthen all four areas through a variety of activities and experiences. Throughout the week, students will travel to several destinations that encourage growth, service, and connection.
Splash Summit Waterpark
Students will spend one day at Splash Summit Waterpark, which features more than fifteen attractions including thrilling water slides, a relaxing lazy river, and a large wave pool. This activity encourages social connection and physical activity as youth spend time exploring and enjoying the park together!
BYU Service Experience
Another highlight of the retreat is a visit to Brigham Young University where students will participate in a service-centered experience. During this trip, youth will rotate between three activities:
- Participating in a service project
- Hearing from a BYU faculty member about the role of service in education and community
- Visiting the Education in Zion gallery in the Joseph F. Smith Building
The Education in Zion exhibit highlights the connection between faith, learning, and service. Students will see historical documents, photographs, and interactive displays that show how education has long been tied to building stronger communities and serving others.
Big Springs Park
This is a destination I had an opportunity to visit! Students will enjoy time outdoors at Big Springs Park in Provo, Utah. With open grassy areas and shaded hiking trails, this location offers a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and connect with one another in nature.
What I really enjoyed about this park was the open space and paved trails that circled around the park. A stream flows by the path and adds a touch of quiet beauty to the landscape. During my visit I was able to take pictures and was even able to find a cool bird!
This is the Place heritage park
Another destination is This Is the Place Heritage Park, often described as Utah’s “living history destination.” Through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences, students will learn about the struggles and determination of early pioneers who helped establish Utah. The visit encourages reflection on faith, perseverance, and community.
Becoming Peacemakers
While the activities throughout the week are exciting, the ultimate goal of the retreat is deeper than fun experiences.
Bonner hopes students leave seeing themselves differently.
“Our hope is that students leave the retreat seeing themselves as peacemakers. We want them to walk away with a stronger sense of identity, realizing they have the ability to bring peace into their homes, friendships, schools, and communities.”
The example of Jesus Christ—the ultimate peacemaker—is central to the retreat. Through devotionals, service, and shared experiences, students are invited to follow His teachings of love, patience, forgiveness, and unity.
For Bonner, the hope is simple but meaningful:
“If students return home more confident in who they are, more compassionate toward others, and more committed to following Christ’s example, then the retreat will have accomplished its purpose.”
At the end of the week, the retreat concludes with a testimony meeting where students who wish to share can express what they’ve learned and felt during their time together. It becomes a moment for reflection on new friendships, personal growth, and the commitment to carry the spirit of peace beyond the retreat.
I am a service missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints with a focus on Christ‑centered education and its ability to strengthen lives worldwide. I’m a passionate writer who is a strong advocate for mental health and personal growth.
