Youth and their leaders from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi immersed themselves in worship, fellowship, mission projects and lots of fun, including skiing and snowboarding at Cataloochee and tubing in Maggie Valley.

Each of the four Winter Youth Retreats — held in January and February — featured a main speaker plus a special music leader, which kept Lake Junaluska’s Shackleford Hall humming.

At least 160 youth opted to also participate in mission projects that benefited the residents of Haywood County. They split, stacked and delivered firewood for a local firewood ministry; stocked food and other supplies for a community pantry; and helped clean area streams.

More information about Lake Junaluska’s Winter and Summer Youth Retreats may be found at lakejunaluska.com/youth.