Written by Sarah May
Have you heard the phrase “warm is the new cool?”
I first heard this idea while listening to a presentation by Dr. Kara Powell, author of Sticky Faith. She wasn’t talking about the latest interior design trends; she was describing a cultural shift in which young people are beginning to value mentors who make genuine, “warm” connections over those who simply look “cool” on TikTok.
When I considered what this means for my own children, I immediately thought of Camp Arcadia Teen Weeks. My kids absolutely love these retreats precisely because they are built on real connection. At Camp, they are embraced by a Christ-centered community of staff, counselors, and faith leaders who encourage them in their journey.
For most of the year, my high schooler and middle schooler are weighed down by the pressures of academics and athletics, and by the social exhaustion of trying to fit in. But at Camp, they feel free to be “kidlike” again. They spend their days immersed in the beauty of God’s creation—playing games, canoeing, and square dancing.
Yes, square dancing! It might be the ultimate example of “not being cool,” and that’s exactly why they love it. Whether it’s the Amos Moses or the Virginia Reel, there’s an infectious energy in these dances that generations of Campers have enjoyed over the decades.
Beyond the fun program activities, one of the greatest gifts Teen Week offers my kids is the much-needed break from technology. My high schooler especially appreciates the “no phone” policy, which gives her a week away from social media. It allows her to be truly present and build deeper relationships with her fellow Campers and counselors. Each year, she returns from the week with a healthier and happier mindset because of this time away from her phone.
My son is still talking about his time at Alpha Week from last year. He and his counselor bonded over shared interests like their love of baseball, and the stories he came home with are priceless. He still laughs about the time they staged a “surprise” for another group by hauling their entire dining room table outside for dinner. By the time Saturday rolled around, he’d grown so close to his group that he just wasn’t ready for the week to end.
He’s already counting down the days until this summer, and he’s planning on coming back for the next five years. That’s what is so great about Camp Arcadia’s Teen Weeks—they offer a sense of community that follows kids all the way through their high school years. This support is exactly what he needs as he navigates growing up. Even though it’s only a week long, that sense of belonging builds year after year.
The staff and counselors are incredible; they truly invest in the kids, listening to their stories and sharing their own life lessons with such sincerity. I love that the counselors aren’t afraid to be goofy—they show the teens that you can find joy in the little things while creating a space where everyone feels understood.
Most importantly, I’ve seen how these retreats have deepened my kids’ faith. The Deans have an incredible gift for connecting; they share stories from their own lives in a way that makes God’s grace feel real and accessible, whether it’s during a Bible study or a worship service. There is something uniquely powerful about being surrounded by 100 other Christian teens. It’s in those moments that the message really clicks: that Christ’s love and forgiveness are there for them no matter what, and they truly belong in God’s family.
Each year, when I pick up my teens from Camp, I notice a peacefulness about them. They may be tired physically from all the activities, but their hearts are full. They come home strengthened for the challenges ahead. It’s a powerful reminder that the warmth of genuine connection is the new cool, and it’s a light they carry with them all year long.
Register your teen today for this life-changing experience!
