Middle School Retreat 2026: Following the Shepherd

HHCA Middle School students and mentors returned to Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island, Georgia, September 9–11, for a longstanding school tradition that brings faith, friendship, and student leadership together. From worship and small-group conversations to House competitions and outdoor adventures, Middle School Retreat offered opportunities to build relationships beyond the classroom and begin the school year with a shared sense of purpose.

This year’s theme, “With Me: Follow the Shepherd,” centered on Psalm 23, HHCA's Spiritual Life theme for 2026-2027. Through three sessions with guest speaker Austin Burch, students explored what it means to know Jesus personally, trust His presence through difficult seasons, and follow Him in the way they live and care for others.

EIGHTH GRADERS LEAD THE WAY

Retreat began on Wednesday, September 9, with eighth graders arriving a day before their sixth- and seventh-grade peers. Their early arrival provided time together as a class before stepping into opportunities to welcome and serve younger students.

The eighth-grade schedule included Legacy Time, a panel with their grade-level mentors, and an evening of cabin trivia, a movie, and popcorn. The following morning brought time for personal reflection and preparation for the arrival of the rest of Middle School. When sixth and seventh graders joined them, eighth-grade leaders helped guide students to their cabins, putting leadership into practice from the start.

“Middle School Retreat sets the tone for our year—spiritually and relationally,” said Principal Jay Scarbro. “The extra time with our eighth graders helps them learn to lead by welcoming, encouraging, and serving younger students. With our House System now in its second year, we’re building deeper connections across grade levels that extend well beyond retreat.”

- Jay Scarbro, MS Principal

KNOW, TRUST, AND FOLLOW THE SHEPHERD

Throughout Retreat, students gathered for several sessions, where Burch spoke about Psalm 23 - specifically, about trusting and following the Shepherd. A time of worship, led by HHCA’s Upper School Worship Team, was part of each session, providing another opportunity for younger students to learn from the example of older peers.

After each of Burch’s sessions, small groups gave students space to connect the teaching to their own lives.

In “Know the Shepherd,” students considered the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Him personally. Questions encouraged them to examine where they look for acceptance, happiness, and identity—and how even good things, such as sports, friendships, or grades, can take a place in their lives that belongs to Him.

“Trust the Shepherd” focused on the valleys described in Psalm 23. Students were invited to consider where they turn when they feel afraid, stressed, lonely, or hurt, and to reflect on God’s promise to be with them rather than assuming every difficulty will immediately disappear. The discussion also made room for students to share prayer requests and support one another.

The final session, “Follow the Shepherd,” turned toward everyday decisions. Students considered what following Jesus could look like in their friendships, at home, online, and back at school, including opportunities to offer encouragement, forgiveness, and kindness.

Burch connected those personal steps of faith to the way students treat the people around them:

A sheep who knows the Shepherd’s love and loves him back will begin to care for other sheep.

— Austin Burch, Middle School Retreat Guest Speaker

At this year’s retreat, HHCA’s Middle School House System, now in its second year, brought students together to build Christ-centered community through shared activities and friendly competition at Epworth by the Sea.

Named for familiar elements in the Lowcountry, the four Houses—Tidewater, Palmetto, Spartina, and Cypress—each include students from all three Middle School grade levels and are guided by faculty mentors. Siblings belong to the same House, helping establish a family legacy.

The 2026 Retreat offered opportunities to strengthen friendships across grade levels, with eighth graders encouraged to lead, serve, and welcome younger peers. Those connections continue throughout the school year as Houses meet regularly and compete for the House Cup, earning points through House challenges, Scripture memory, event participation, and recognition for character and leadership.

THE HOUSE GAUNTLET

At Retreat, students competed for the House Gauntlet—a multi-event competition that begins a year of House competitions. Highlights included:

• Dance Challenge – Houses worked together to learn a dance routine that they performed for judges for points. 

• Amazing Race – Students worked with their House to solve clues and complete challenges, earning puzzle pieces along the way. When completed, the puzzle revealed the message of this year’s theme verse.

• Capture the Flag – All four houses faced off in a high-energy game of strategy and teamwork.

• Mini Games – From Bingo to Rock Paper Scissors to Finger Jousting, students picked up bonus points while enjoying lighthearted fun.

The best parts of retreat are meant to come home with us.

As students return to HHCA, our prayer is that the conversations begun, friendships strengthened, and truths shared at Epworth by the Sea continue to shape the way they live, worship, encourage one another, and grow together throughout the year. Through their Houses, classrooms, teams, and everyday moments on campus, the Christ-centered community built at Retreat has countless opportunities to continue taking root.

We are grateful for the mentors, families, and students who help make Middle School Retreat such a meaningful HHCA tradition—and for the ways God continues to use these days together to deepen relationships and strengthen our community.