American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles, Southwest & Hawaii

Youth and Young Adult Retreat

April 17-19, 2025
Camp Cedar Crest
                             Running Springs, CA                            

This April, Youth and Young Adults are invited to step away from the noise and step into purpose at our Young Generation Retreat. This powerful weekend is designed to help you face real-life challenges with confidence—fully equipped with everything God has already given us in Christ.

Experience meaningful small groups that connect you with youth from other churches, dedicated time for young adults to dive deeper into the theme, and dynamic, Spirit-filled worship led by The Rock – Las Vegas. Be challenged and encouraged by powerful, relevant messages from Santiago Acosta, plus much more throughout the weekend.

This is more than a retreat—it’s a call to rise up, stand firm, and be equipped to make a real impact in your world. Don’t miss it.
Santiago Acosta serves as the Associate Pastor at Valley Christian Church in El Centro, California. With a deep passion for the next generation, Santiago has spent his ministry investing in youth and young adults, helping them grow in faith and purpose.

He has ministered to hundreds of students on school campuses in partnership with nonprofit organizations such as Youth for Christ and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Alongside his wife, Santiago has helped develop impactful programs and events designed to reach young people with the message of Jesus. His ministry leadership includes overseeing community outreach initiatives such as open gyms, local skate park ministries, and serving in underserved areas throughout the community.

At the core of Santiago’s ministry is a heart to see young people develop an authentic, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Santiago holds a certificate in Youth Ministry from the Urban Youth Workers Institute and is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies at Eternity Bible College. He lives in El Centro with his wife, Jade, and their daughter, Psalm. When he’s not ministering, Santiago enjoys pickup basketball, gaming, spending time with his Rottweiler, Rome, and the occasional iced vanilla latte.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

•Youth 6th grade through high school
•Young Adults up to 24 will have their program.
•Young Adults can also serve as group leaders for their students.
•Every group needs to have one leader per every 5-7 students, including at least one male and one female leader.

CAMP CEDAR CREST

Camp Cedar Crest is a Christian camp between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear in the mountains north of Redlands. CCC has plenty of space and bathrooms in every cabin.  

Camp Cedar Crest - 33325 Camp Cedar Crest Road - Running Springs, CA 92383
Click here to visit the Camp Cedar Crest website.

BEGINNING AND ENDING TIMES

  • Registration begins on Friday evening at 6 PM 
  • (Dinner is NOT provided on Friday evening, but the snack bar will be open until 8 PM)
  • The opening session will begin at 8 PM 
  • The retreat will conclude  on Sunday around Noon. 

WHAT DOES IT COST TO ATTEND ?

Early Registration: $195 – for those who deposit $95 or pay the full amount by March 16th - The remaining $100 is due by April 3rd
$215 – March 16th – April 10th

SMALL GROUPS

Small Groups give youth the opportunity to connect with youth from different churches. Small group facilitators are needed!  We are asking that all churches choose adults who have the ability to lead a group.  Small group leaders will be provided with a guide with discussion questions and activities for their time together.  Leaders will have a meeting on zoom before the retreat to help them prepare for facilitating.

LiveScan Background Check for leaders 
(Must be done by April 3rd)

A Live Scan Background Check for ALL LEADERS serving as chaperones and small group leaders are required by California AB506. If you had a background check for the 2024  or 2025 retreat you are not required to have another one.  All leaders who did not have this background check must get it done no later than the first April 3rd to give time to receive the results.     If you are not the L.A. area or can’t come to the Regional Resource Center go to Live Scan Locations | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General  If you are not in California or need help with your LiveScan please contact the regional office at connect@abcoflash.org or call 818.839.6070 for more information about getting the Live Scan done.

STEPS TO REGISTER YOUR GROUP