Delmarva Christian School began the 2026-27 school year with retreats designed to help students strengthen their faith, build meaningful relationships and grow together as a Christian community.

The Delmarva Christian High School freshman class traveled to Black Rock Christian Camp & Retreat Center in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, for a three-day retreat alongside teachers and senior student leaders. The retreat gave students time away from the regular school routine to worship, learn, serve and build relationships with their classmates.

Students heard messages from Pastor Jim Peper of The Lighthouse Church in Lewes and participated in praise and worship led by members of the DCS Royals Worship Team.

“One of the most meaningful parts of Black Rock was watching freshmen from different schools, co-ops, and homeschool backgrounds come together,” said High School Bible Teacher Jake Smith. “What started with students divided into familiar groups ended with them united as one Christian community, centered on Christ and growing together in their faith.”

The retreat also included opportunities for students to challenge themselves through outdoor activities, including a zipline experience. Students encouraged one another to face fears, step outside their comfort zones and try something new.

Away from the distractions of everyday life, students also had opportunities to build new friendships and deepen existing relationships through shared experiences, prayer and worship.

“One thing about being away with no distractions is that time goes slow and you realize how fast your ‘normal’ days are moving,” said High School Principal Chloe Hackett. “I hope and pray that as we all reacclimate, the faith and friendships that were formed will continue to grow, propelling us to have a great school year.”

While the freshmen were away at Black Rock, DCS upperclassmen spent time praying for each student and chaperone. They also wrote personal letters of encouragement that were delivered to the freshmen during the second day of the retreat, providing an additional reminder that they were being supported by the larger DCS community.

Delmarva Christian Middle School students also began the school year with a retreat, spending two days at Camp Barnes in Frankford, Delaware.

Students heard encouraging and authentic messages from local youth pastor Andrew Workman of Cross Pointe Nazarene in Salisbury, Maryland. Members of the DCS Royals Worship Team also led students in prayer and worship throughout the retreat.

“The Middle School Retreat was a fun, interactive way for students to grow in their relationship with God and relationships with one another,” said Middle School Principal Drew Jensen. “It was enjoyable to spend time with them and get to know them on a different level.”

Service was another important part of the middle school experience. Students worked together on a community service project benefiting Love INC of Seaford, preparing more than 450 sandwiches for individuals and families served by the organization.

The retreat also included teamwork games and activities designed to encourage cooperation, problem-solving and relationship-building. Through those shared experiences, students had opportunities to learn more about one another while working toward common goals.

While the freshman and middle school retreats looked different, both were intentionally designed around the same goal: giving students dedicated time to grow in their relationship with God while developing stronger connections with their classmates and school community.

As students begin another school year at Delmarva Christian, the hope is that the faith, friendships and shared experiences from these retreats will continue to shape the year ahead.

Delmarva Christian School serves students from PK2 through 12th grade and is committed to providing excellent Christian education that develops students spiritually, academically and physically to know and do God’s will for their lives.