The start of a new school year at Summit Christian Academy includes one of our most meaningful traditions, Back to School Impact Retreat. Each year, our secondary students step away from the normal rhythms of school for intentional time together focused on worship, community, spiritual growth, and plenty of fun.
This year, students and teachers returned to Camp Tejas in Giddings, Texas, where Colonel MacLeod challenged students with a message from the book of Daniel centered on what it means to truly know God and do exploits for His Kingdom.
Daniel 11:32 says, “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Throughout the retreat, students were encouraged to consider what it looks like not simply to know about God, but to know Him personally, walk closely with Him, and live boldly because of that relationship.
That message is especially significant as Summit launches a new discipleship program this year. Students received an exciting first look at the program during retreat and learned more about the opportunities they will have to grow deeper in their faith alongside others. The program is another way Summit is intentionally creating space for students to be known, challenged, encouraged, and equipped to follow Jesus in their everyday lives.
Of course, retreat wouldn’t be retreat without a little adventure. Students spent their free time enjoying Camp Tejas favorites, with the zip lines quickly becoming a highlight. Between activities, shared meals, conversations, and plenty of laughter, students had opportunities to strengthen friendships and build community outside the classroom.
One of the most memorable moments came as students gathered around the campfire for worship. Away from the busyness and distractions of everyday life, students and teachers worshiped together under the Texas sky, creating a meaningful picture of the kind of Christ-centered community we desire to cultivate at Summit.
Back to School Retreat is about much more than beginning another school year. It reflects the heart of Impact Education at Summit Christian Academy. We want students to know God deeply, grow together in community, and be equipped to live out their faith wherever He calls them.
As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, our prayer is that the challenge from Daniel will continue far beyond Camp Tejas: that our students would be a generation who know their God, stand strong in their faith, and do great exploits for His Kingdom.