WHAT
The River Retreat is a three day, two night retreat each summer for incoming freshmen at UNA. At The River Retreat, freshmen will get the chance to meet other freshmen as well as upperclassmen getting to know one another through activities and family groups. They will also attend worship sessions, where they will hear from local pastors, as well as a ministry fair where they have a chance to get to know the various ministries and churches on campus and in Florence...all before their first day of class!
WHEN
The River Retreat will take place July 30 - August 1, 2024 - close to when fall classes begin but with enough time to still prep to move off to school! The retreat is open for all incoming students (freshmen and transfers) at the University of North Alabama! Students will stay in cabin-style lodging with other freshmen, getting a feel for the college environment before they even move in for classes. The retreat will be three days and two nights full of fun, worship, and community!
WHY
Our mission is to equip freshmen to be rooted in Christ, to branch out in ministry and to bear fruit at UNA and beyond their time in college through His power and for His glory. One verse that drives our "why" for this retreat is Jeremiah 17:7-8, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in a year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
