Midwest Covenanter Youth (CY) Retreats have always been a pivotal point in my own walk and communion with the Lord. My name is Camden Adams and for the last four to five years I have been a consistent attendee to these retreats and this last retreat was a first, and Lord willing not a last.
The most recent CY retreat was held January 2-5, 2026 at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas, and was hosted by the Living Way Reformed Presbyterian Church in Bryan Texas. A total of 75 youth, ranging in age from 14-24 attened this retreat, with 13 congregations represented.
Each morning at this CY retreat began with a breakfast provided by the congregation and following this there is an encouraged time for personal devotions. Following devotions the lectures began.
Noah Manring, a ruling elder from the congregation in Columbia, Missouri, lectured on the History of the Covenanters. His first lecture focused on the general history of the Covenanters and the impact their history has on the modern RPCNA church-goer and youth. His second lecture was mainly focused on the passionate Covenanter Richard Cameron and how his passion may be practiced by the youth today. Finally, Mr. Manring’s third and last lecture was about the migration of the Covenanters to America and the importance of their legacy. His lectures can be found here. Each of his lectures were followed by a discussion group along with discussion questions based on the given lecture.
However, these retreats are not just about fruitful lectures like these, but they are additionally about fun and communion with fellow saints. Throughout the weekend there was a collection of activities like volleyball, basketball, card games, kill-ball, and general fun. There were additionally a few formal and informal Psalm Sings where the youth could sing praise to the Lord. These times of communion with one another would have to be one of my favorite parts about the retreats because it allows the youth to connect with one another, and gives them the chance to create a community that is presbytery or even denomination wide.
Overall, the 2025-2026 Winter Midwest CY retreat was a blessing for the youth and all who attended. Thanks to the Lord to be able to freely gather together. Thanks should also be given to the congregation for providing food and the planning officers who made this retreat possible.
Thanks to Camden Adams for this report. Camdem is the MWCY Vice President
