Upcoming events.
Young Adult Retreat
Join us at beautiful Happy Valley!
It's time to mark your calendar and plan to be at Happy Valley the weekend of May 16th for our mid-year Young Adult Retreat! Last year we had a blast, and I expect nothing less this time around.
We plan to do the usual Happy Valley stuff, like at least one trip for Marianne's ice cream. If you have specific ideas or requests, please send them my way. I always love incorporating your ideas into our plans because they improve them for everyone.
We will have child care planned, like last year, so you are welcome to bring your kiddos. Please consider whether you have any friends that would enjoy coming along. All are welcome!
June Reunion
Join the Community of Christ June Reunion at Happy Valley near Santa Cruz for worship services, spiritual classes, fellowship, and family-friendly retreat time in the redwoods.
Children's Camp
Children’s Camp is a fun and meaningful summer experience for kids entering grades 3–5. Held at Happy Valley Conference Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains, camp brings together children from across the region for several days of friendship, outdoor adventure, creativity, and spiritual exploration.
Campers enjoy a mix of games, nature activities, crafts, music, campfires, and swimming, along with age-appropriate worship and reflection. Guided by caring adult leaders and counselors, children build friendships, grow in confidence, and experience a welcoming community where everyone belongs.
Whether it’s roasting marshmallows around the fire, exploring the forest, or singing together, Children’s Camp creates memories that last long after summer ends.
High School Camp
High School Camp is a week of connection, adventure, and meaningful conversation for youth entering grades 9–12. Set in the redwood forests of Happy Valley Conference Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains, camp offers a unique opportunity for high school students to unplug, explore faith, and build lasting friendships.
Campers take part in group activities, swimming, creative workshops, outdoor recreation, music, and evening campfires, along with thoughtful discussions and worship designed for teens. The week encourages leadership, personal growth, and deeper reflection in a supportive and welcoming community.
High School Camp is a place where teens can relax, be themselves, and discover new friendships while creating unforgettable summer memories.
Middle School Camp
Middle School Camp is an exciting week designed especially for youth entering grades 6–8. Held at Happy Valley Conference Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains, camp offers a welcoming space where middle schoolers can build friendships, explore faith, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Each day includes a mix of games, swimming, crafts, music, nature activities, and campfires, along with interactive worship and conversations about life and faith that are meaningful for this age group. Campers are supported by experienced counselors and leaders who help create a fun, safe, and encouraging community.
Middle School Camp is a time to laugh, learn, and grow—while making friendships and memories that last long after the week is over.
Spectacular - Lamoni, IA
SPECTACULAR (SPEC) is a dynamic Community of Christ youth experience that brings together high school students for a week of worship, performing arts, sports, leadership, and creative exploration.
Campers help lead daily worship, participate in a wide range of Adventures—from theatre and music to leadership and art—and enjoy a strong tradition of team and individual sports. Special performances, guest artists, and the famous Extravaganza showcase the incredible talents of campers throughout the week.
SPEC is a place where youth build friendships, discover their gifts, and experience a vibrant community of faith.
Men's Retreat - Happy Valley
“Notice the New Thing”
Join us for a laid-back men’s retreat rooted in Isaiah 43:18–19 and inspired by the way Leonardo da Vinci approached life—with curiosity, attention, and openness to growth. This weekend is designed with plenty of margin: short reflections, meaningful conversations, time outdoors, and space to rest. No pressure, no performances, just a chance to slow down, connect with other men, and notice what God might be doing new in your life. Sunday morning is intentionally low-key with an early send-off, plenty of time to get home, fire up the grill, and be ready for the Super Bowl.
Sign up anytime and feel free to invite a friend. Come as you are, no prep required. We’re looking forward to a relaxed, meaningful weekend together.
Redwoods Peace Colluquy 2025
Join the Movement for Housing Security & Economic Justice
Be part of Redwoods Peace Colloquy 2025 – a three-day gathering of faith, action, and community in Portland, Oregon. Learn from experts, connect with advocates, and discover practical ways to love your neighbors through affordable housing and economic justice.
📅 December 5–7, 2025 | Hosted by Community of Christ
Youth Intercultural Bridging Program to Australia
The Community of Christ Youth Intercultural Bridge Program is a dynamic initiative designed to strengthen the bonds between California and Australian youth through shared experiences and fellowship. This program invites senior high youth from California to travel to Australia and join their Australian peers at High School Camp. The goal of this trip—and future excursions—is to rebuild connections and bridge the gap between our youth, fostering a renewed sense of unity and belonging within the global Community of Christ family.
At High School Camp, participants engage in a variety of activities that encourage teamwork, cultural exchange, and spiritual growth. Through collaborative games, worship services, and meaningful discussions, the youth develop friendships that transcend geographic boundaries. This program not only enriches personal faith journeys but also builds a foundation for ongoing intercultural relationships, helping young people appreciate the diverse expressions of community and faith around the world.
Women's Retreat: The Hope Found In A New Story
🌸 Women’s Retreat 2025 🌸
This year’s theme is “The Hope Found in a New Story.” Join us in Santa Cruz for a weekend of connection, laughter, and reflection as we explore the stories we tell ourselves—and discover the freedom in rewriting them. ✨ Registration is open!
Young Adult Retreat
Register today for our next young adult retreat to be held September 12 - 14, 2025, in San Jose. Specific location TBD!
Not a young adult? Consider forwarding this email to young adults you know and love that are connected to our Community or who would enjoy the support of an accepting faith community.
Thank you for help with being invitational!
Elementary School Retreat
We are pleased to offer another buddy retreat opportunity! This retreat is for youth in grades 1-5 and a loving adult buddy. Youth will be housed with their adult buddy and experience a weekend of events made just for them that they get to explore with an adult that cares for them.
End of Summer Pool Party
A Pool Party and BBQ Pot Luck Worship Service at the Sharp home. Join us as we get together as the summer comes to a close.
Sharps will provide hamburgers, hotdogs, and drinks. Bring a side dish of your choice and come join us for an afternoon of fun and celebrate the end of the summer.
Family Camp 2025
The Community of Christ family camp at Plumas-Eureka State Park is a vibrant and welcoming gathering nestled in the scenic beauty of Northern California. Surrounded by towering pine trees and clear mountain air, the camp offers a peaceful retreat for families to connect with one another and with nature.
Days at the camp are filled with a variety of engaging activities suitable for all ages. Mornings might start with group worship or devotionals, fostering spiritual growth and community bonding. Throughout the day, families enjoy hiking along well-marked trails, exploring the lush forest, and spotting local wildlife. Kids often gather for crafts, games, and storytelling sessions that encourage creativity and fellowship.
Evenings bring the warm glow of campfires, where stories, songs, and laughter create lasting memories. Community meals around picnic tables allow everyone to share food and conversation, strengthening friendships old and new. The relaxed atmosphere promotes a sense of belonging and mutual support.
The natural setting of Plumas-Eureka State Park, with its waterfalls, lakes, and scenic vistas, enhances the overall experience, making the camp not only a spiritual retreat but also an adventure in the great outdoors. The Community of Christ family camp here is a cherished opportunity for families to grow closer to each other, deepen their faith, and enjoy the beauty of nature together.