It’s really neat when people come up to me after a presentation and ask me about coming to their parish or to speak at some event. I never put too much stock in it because I know that scheduling is tricky business.

A few years ago, while speaking in Madison, Wisconsin I was approached by a permanent deacon, David Hendrickson, about speaking on a teen retreat for his parish (and some others) in Colorado–but over a year and a half away. I thought to myself “Right” but when I got an e-mail from him, I had a sense this would be a unique experience for me.

I was not disappointed. Over 125 teens and adults from 3 parishes in Madison flew to Denver and then drove about 2 hours through the Rocky Mountains to get to Snow Mountain Ranch near Granby, Colorado.

Snow Mountain Ranch : (I think) is one of 3 ‘’ YMCA’s of the Rockies. The activities available are awesome: hiking. Biking, horseback riding, volleyball, basketball, jung pong. roller blading, swimming and more- all in the lovely scenery of the Rocky Mountains.

When I got there I got to meet a really neat Christian band, Six Days from Sunday.

Paul, Jeremy, Robert and Eric are good musicians; they played praise and worship music as well as some cover band stuff (U2’s Vertigo was my favorite) plus Some cool original stuff they’re written.

I feel their best ministry was off-stage, when they were just hanging out. They play some mean volleyball, as a few young ladies found out. (I really enjoyed the ice cream, girls!)

The teens were a joy–I loved watching them “get into” the talks and activities. I sat in on a few small group discussion sessions and was impressed with what teens were saying.

Most of all, I was impressed with the commitment shown by the adults. It’s a super vision and such a powerful statement to raise so much money to reduce costs so teens can have this experience every other summer. The logistics alone boggle my mind.

There’s a real commitment to excellence around this retreat… You should have seen the number of adults there and the amount of A-V materials (sound, light, projection, printers, etc. ) these folks brought. Simply amazing!

I’m really sorry I couldn’t make the whole retreat (I left the day they were going white water rafting). I thoroughly enjoyed reflecting on the theme “more of You in my life.”

And I got to stay at the TrailRiders Motel in Granby…very cool to be in small town America on the 4th of July.

Congatulations to Deacon David and all the adults for your powerful witness and investment in the young people of your parishes.