Event poster for the Mt. Gilead Youth Retreat, Feb 19-21, 2027, for grades 6-12, featuring worship, small groups, and next steps.

Youth Winter Retreat

February 19-21, 2027

Weekend retreats come and go…devotion remains.

From newspaper headlines to our social media feeds, bad news seems to be everywhere. We could all use some good news, and the Bible gives us the greatest news of all: the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ! That’s GOOD NEWS worth sharing!

Join us as we dig into God’s Word, and grow deeper in our faith, all while having a great time in the Redwoods!

Over the weekend, you will learn God’s Word, build gospel‑shaped friendships, and seek God in prayer. You will leave with simple habits you can practice at home and with your church.

Event flyer for the Mt. Gilead Youth Winter Retreat, February 19–21, 2027, featuring guest speaker Seth Hyper Fenton, with event details, contact information, and a QR code.

For Churches & Schools

Bring your group into the weekend. Download the retreat flyer for your church, school or youth group, and help students find their next step at Mt. Gilead.

US Letter PDF · 8.5 × 11 inches
Print at actual size.

Here is a taste of what your winter weekend holds:

  • Cozy Fireside Lounge – Kick back by the fire! Make bracelets, play games, and hang with friends.
  • Dining Hall Cocoa Bar – Sip, play, and stay awhile! Build your ultimate cocoa, challenge your friends to a game, and laugh ‘til lights out.
  • Campfire Fellowship –  Connect, reflect, and share what’s on your heart.
  • Sunrise Hike – Rise early, chase the light; meet us at Inspiration Point to watch the sun break over God’s masterpiece.
  • Afterglow –  Unplugged worship, real testimonies and the kind of glow only His presence brings.
  • Gift Shop will be open!
  • Incredible meals in the Mt. Gilead Dining Hall
  • Activities & outdoor recreation including:
    • Zipline and Goliath Swing –  Take the leap and fly high! Adventure meets adrenaline!
    • Human Foosball
    • Archery
    • Pickleball and more

Retreat & Registration Info

Speaker Bio

A smiling man wearing a patterned jacket and a Yellowstone baseball cap.

Seth “Hyper” Fenton is a pastor, musician, and YouTube creator with big energy, a creative spirit, and a passion for helping people know and follow Jesus.

Many recognize Seth from his years with JStu, where he joined Justin and Andrew for imaginative challenges, adventures, and music projects watched by millions. His musical collaborations include artists such as KB, bodie, and Social Club Misfits. Through videos, songs, and speaking, Seth uses his creativity to connect with people and point them toward Christ.

Seth serves as Associate Pastor and Student Pastor at Meadows Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. There, his ministry centers on helping students and families follow Jesus and live out God’s Word. He values personal relationships, involvement in the local church, and discipleship that carries into everyday life. Behind the humor and energy is a desire to help people understand the Gospel and take meaningful steps in their faith.

For Seth, creativity is a tool for ministry. Whether he’s making a video, writing a song, or sharing a message, his purpose remains the same: to help people encounter Jesus and grow as His followers.

We’re excited to welcome Seth to Mt. Gilead for Youth Winter Retreat! Join us for a weekend to step away from everyday distractions, dig into God’s Word, and grow deeper in your faith, strengthening your relationship with Jesus and learning to follow Him in everyday life.

When is the Youth Winter Retreat?

February 19-21, 2027

The Youth Winter Retreat is held annually at Mt. Gilead Bible Camp in Sebastopol, CA. Our next Winter Retreat is scheduled for February 19-21, 2027. Space will be limited so we encourage you to register early.

Contact the Mt. Gilead office for more information.

2027 Retreat Info

All-inclusive weekend, Friday through Sunday, February 19-21, 2027

Speaker bio, photo, and worship team information will be added for the 2027 Youth Winter Retreat once confirmed.

Watch for event announcement for details.

Four young women dressed in casual clothes stand together on a forest path, smiling at the camera. Tall redwood trees and another person walking in the background create a peaceful, outdoor setting.
Seven teens stand together smiling in front of a large tree in a forested area, wearing casual clothes and hugging each other on a dirt path.
Five people sit around a fire pit outdoors, laughing and talking, with food on their laps. Tall trees and a wooden building are in the background. It appears to be a chilly day, and everyone is dressed warmly.
A group of five people stand with arms around each other, facing a screen with text, inside a room with stained glass windows and signs referencing Psalm 34.
Eight young people sit and stand around a low stone platform in a forested area, enjoying snacks and smiling at the camera. Sunlight filters through tall redwood trees in the background.
A group of girls sits around a table playing UNO with oversized cards in a busy cafeteria, while other people socialize in the background.
Three smiling teenage girls sit close together in front of a chain-link fence. The girl in the middle has her arms around the other two, and they all look at the camera.
Three people stand in a pool, with two adults supporting a young woman in the center. Trees, a car, and a fence are visible in the background on a sunny day.
A man stands onstage addressing a large, seated audience of mostly young people in an outdoor amphitheater at night, illuminated by string lights.
Two smiling young people wearing green helmets and black harnesses stand close together in an outdoor, wooded area, posing for the camera.
A group of eight teenagers sits around a wooden table indoors, playing a card or board game with cards and small tokens spread across the table.
Large crowd of teenagers and young adults standing and clapping in a hall during an event. In the foreground, a few people face forward, cheering as others in the audience stand.

Friday Schedule

  • 4:00-6:00 pm Arrival & Check in
  • 6:15 pm Dinner
  • 7:00-8:30 pm Chapel Session
  • 8:30-9:15 pm Snacks & Games
  • 9:15-10:00 pm Cabin Time

Saturday Schedule

  • 8:00-8:30 am Cabin Devotionals
  • 8:30-9:15 am Breakfast
  • 9:30-10:45 pm Chapel Session
  • 11:00 am-12:00 pm Recreation
  • 12:15-1:00 pm Lunch
  • 1:00-2:30 pm Free Time
  • 2:30-4:00 pm Break Out Sessions
  • 4:15-5:00 pm Cabin Time
  • 5:15-6:00 pm Dinner
  • 6:30-8:00 pm Chapel Session
  • 8:00-9:00 pm Campfire & Testimonies
  • 9:00-10:00 pm Cabin Time/Chill Hangout
  • 10:00 pm Lights Out

Sunday Schedule

  • 8:00-8:30 am – Pack Up
  • 8:30-9:15 am – Breakfast
  • 9:30-10:30 am – Chapel Session
  • 10:30-11:00 am – Cabin Clean-up
  • 11:00-11:30 am – Closing Circle & Pick-up

*schedule subject to modification

Winter Retreat At Mt. Gilead: What To Bring!

  • Bible & pen
  • Toiletries & personal items
  • Warm layers & Closed‑toe shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Sleeping bag or bedding & pillow
  • Flashlight

2026 Winter Retreat Highlights

Our Speaker, Pastor Steve Mayo, has a passion for speaking, discipling, and working with young people in order to convey the gospel. Over the Winter Weekend, students learned that when life seems unpredictable and confusing, being anchored in our faith is a huge encouragement. We took a deep dive into Scripture and learned practical ways to grow strong roots to help us in our daily lives at home, school and everywhere we go.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”  Acts 2:42

Large group of teens and adults sit and smile in an auditorium with MT. Gilead Youth Winter Retreat 2026 written above and below the photo. The group faces the camera in a casual setting.
Two smiling teens standing outdoors on a tree-lined path; one wears a plaid shirt over a white tee with a cap, the other a blue puffer jacket and a beanie.
A group of teenagers play volleyball outdoors, with one girl in a white sweatshirt preparing to hit the ball. Other teens watch and a wooded area is visible in the background.
Young man outdoors in a forested area, wearing a gray zip-up jacket and holding a small round patch on his chest with his right hand.