If you’ve attended Warm Beach Camp’s Refresh Women’s Event in the last 30 years, chances are you have encountered the ladies of Agassiz Christian Reformed Church. Two close friends started the tradition, which has grown to reach outside their church, beyond the boundaries of denomination, neighborhood and immediate friends.

“Our goal was to introduce someone new every time we came to retreat,” says Geraldine, who has attended with the group since 1986. And introduce they have – Bible study members, family members and new friends join together under the Agassiz name year after year.

While their group has expanded, the Refresh weekend retreat holds special meaning. “We attend all the sessions and are encouraged by the speakers. The speakers get us talking about different topics that we wouldn’t normally discuss. I would say our main focus is getting to know each other on a different level,” says Geraldine. The group spends much of their free time together, reveling in traditions such as their annual piano sing-a-long and late night games. “It brings our group together. We’ve played everything from charades, to taboo, to canasta, to get-to-know you games.”

The group’s steadfastness in this weekend tradition has withstood loss of children and spouses, divorce, physical limitations and church splits. They continue to attend the Refresh Women’s Event, as they have for the last 30 years, in face of trials and changes. “We attend together under Agassiz Christian Reformed Church just to stay together. But we are Lutheran, Reformed, Mennonite, Baptist, Pentecostal and maybe more as well. It’s not about the label on the church door – we are one in Christ.”

This year’s Refresh Women’s Event is May 1-3, and is open to individuals and groups. Register now to get the best selection of housing.