First Master Guide Retreat Brings Leaders Together at Indian Creek Camp

PAOLA MORA ZEPEDA

More than 50 Master Guides and aspiring Master Guides gathered in November for the first Kentucky–Tennessee Conference Master Guide Retreat.

Paola Mora Zepeda

Herberto Barrera, pastor of the Nashville First Hispanic Church, teaches a leadership class during the retreat. The retreat featured three tracks designed to support Master Guides at different stages of their journey.

Paola Mora Zepeda

Winners of the fire-starting challenge, where participants competed to see who could boil water first, pose for a group photo.

Paola Mora Zepeda

Aspiring Master Guides lead the song service during Sabbath’s main worship program. Most participants from this year’s retreat aim to complete their coursework by the Southern Union’s 2026 Pathfinder Camporee, so they can join that event’s investiture.

Paola Mora Zepeda

The Kentucky-Tennessee Conference held its first-ever Master Guide Retreat November 7-9, 2025, drawing more than 50 participants from across the region to Indian Creek Camp for a weekend of leadership training under the theme “Here I am, Send Me.”

“This is the first time our Conference has ever hosted a Master Guide retreat,” said Shelina Bonjour, Conference youth director for club ministries and summer camp. “We were inspired by the North American Division’s (NAD) Master Guide Retreat, but we wanted to create something local that would serve our members and build community here, since many of our Master Guides were not able to travel [to the NAD retreat].”

The retreat featured three tracks designed to meet the needs of Master Guides at different stages. Participants could choose between completing their Master Guide portfolios, taking advanced leadership courses, or joining hands-on honors workshops that offered opportunities for learning and practical skills.

“Master Guides are often the ones teaching and leading,” said Bonjour. “This time, we wanted to give them the opportunity to learn, grow, and refresh their own skills.”

Activities included outdoor demonstrations such as knot-tying, hatchet safety, and a fire-building race. All activities emphasized teamwork, creativity, and leadership development through hands-on experience. The weekend’s theme highlighted the retreat’s focus on service.

“Sometimes people want to serve but don’t know where to start,” said Bonjour. “Becoming a Master Guide gives them the tools and confidence to lead and to say, ‘God has equipped me, and I’m ready to serve.’”

Most attendees are still working toward completing their Master Guide certification, which typically takes two to three years. Although no graduation was planned for this retreat, many participants are aiming to finish by the Southern Union’s Master Guide Investiture at the 2026 Camporee.

Kentucky-Tennessee | January 2026