Students from the United Campus Ministry (UCM) at Texas State recently joined several other college ministries to celebrate Friendsgiving at Camp Capers in Waring, Texas. The retreat centered on student reflections about the joy and challenges of real life friendships. Students from the UCM at Texas State shared personal stories with other college students from the United Methodist Wesley Foundation of San Antonio, the Episcopal Vital University Missions of San Antonio, and Episcopal Vital University Missions of the Rio Grande Valley. After the stories, students would explore where God is at work among the friendships. The stories were surrounded by worship and prayer led by the students. Ali Armstrong, a junior at Texas State, shared that “I had fun meeting people from other student ministries and also making stronger connections within my own ministry.”
Texas State students and friends Hollie Sorrell and Amaya Savoy-Easton hug.
The retreat also featured a classic Thanksgiving-style meal with students helping prepare the meal before spending time sharing what they are thankful for this school year. Students were able to enjoy nature along the Guadalupe River, take time to paint during an afternoon art session, enjoy s’mores around a large campfire in the evening, and join in song during a special Karaoke night in the Camp Capers barn. Student Amaya Savoy-Easton said “I loved Friendsgiving because I celebrated my birthday with friends that I now call family. I left Friendsgiving with more friends, more laughs, and more love.”
The United Campus Ministry at Texas State is a ministry partnership between the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. More information about the UCM can be found at www.ucmtxstate.org