1. Who can attend TEC?

TEC is open to High School students ages 15-19.  Guests attend their first TEC Retreat as a Guest and may return to help staff future Retreats.  Many students go on to be involved in serving at numerous TEC Retreats after their experience as a Guest.  

2. What is TEC anyway?

Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a whirlwind 3-day weekend retreat for high schoolers designed to allow students to Encounter Jesus Christ through worship, speakers, faith and team-building activities, games, music, great food and new friendships.  Our prayer is that each student leaves TEC with a deeper understanding of Christ’s life, death, resurrection and His continuing mission on Earth through His Church.  Central CA TEC is a non-denominational ministry serving the students of the Central Valley.

3. My friends say they can’t tell me “the secrets.” What’s that all about?

It is no secret that TEC is all about helping you to know Jesus Christ in a more personal way.  However, we will admit that a few of the activities and events of the weekend are carefully guarded secrets.  And really, let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good surprise now and then?

4. What do I need to bring?

1. 1-2 weeks prior to the Retreat weekend, you will receive a letter in the mail confirming your attendance and providing a checklist of all you will need for the weekend.  Mom & Dad will receive a letter with all this info as well.  Some basics are:

i.Sleeping Bag & Pillow

ii.Bathroom Necessities (toothpaste, deodorant, etc)

iii.Shower Necessities (soap, shampoo, towel, etc)

iv.Clothes for the weekend, including modest PJs & Swimwear

v.Bible (if you don’t have one, we will provide one for you to take home with you)

1. You’ll be so busy having a great time you will not even need the following items.  We kindly ask you to NOT bring:

i.Cell Phone/Tablet (we can make a call for you if needed and Facebook will be there when you get back home)

ii.Ipod/CD player (don’t worry, the weekend is full of great music!)

iii.Camera (we have a roaming photographer to capture all the wonderful memories you will be making)

1. What is TEC anyway?

Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a whirlwind 3-day weekend retreat for high schoolers designed to allow students to Encounter Jesus Christ through worship, speakers, faith and team-building activities, games, music, great food and new friendships.  Our prayer is that each student leaves TEC with a deeper understanding of Christ’s life, death, resurrection and His continuing mission on Earth through His Church.  Central CA TEC is a non-denominational ministry serving the students of the Central Valley.

2. Can I send my whole youth group?

TEC is designed to operate best with 30-40 guests.  We certainly welcome as many of your 15-19 year old students to apply for the TEC weekend.  Applications are accepted on a first come/first served basis, however we do our very best not to turn anyone away.  Additionally, if you have a large group and are interested in learning more about hosting a TEC Retreat at/near your church campus, please contact our Council at TECRetreat@gmail.com .

3. Some of my students are/have attended a TEC Retreat. How can I follow up spiritually and build on their experiences?

TEC is all about helping your students to encounter Jesus Christ in a real and personal way.  We realize that no two students walk into (or away from) TEC with the same faith experience.  Some students will be introduced to Jesus and his saving work on the cross for the very first time.  Others may be challenged to take their faith from word to deed.  All students are strongly encouraged to build and multiply their Christian Community with other believers.  Please talk with your students individually and probe for their personal weekend highlights so that you can provide a loving follow up in those specific areas.  And of course, above all else, pray for your students to live out any commitments they may have made during the weekend.

4. Can I attend with my students?

There are 2 things that TEC loves.  1) Teens on fire and excited about living for Jesus Christ and 2) Adults who love teens and model that fire and excitement for them!  TEC is a student-led ministry, however we rely on healthy adult leadership to guide and direct our student leaders.  There are opportunities for adults to serve in many capacities-from kitchen staff to prayer team, small group leaders to clean up crew.

5. How can my church host a TEC Retreat?

TEC is always looking for new churches and youth groups to become involved in our ministry.  Please use the Contact Us form or email our Council at TECRetreat@gmail.com .

6. What denomination is TEC affiliated with?

TEC is a non-denominational Christian ministry.  We are not affiliated with any specific denomination.  Our Leadership Council is comprised of 5+ different denominational backgrounds.

1. What is TEC anyway?

Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) is a whirlwind 3-day weekend retreat for high schoolers designed to allow students to Encounter Jesus Christ through worship, speakers, faith and team-building activities, games, music, great food and new friendships.  Our prayer is that each student leaves TEC with a deeper understanding of Christ’s life, death, resurrection and His continuing mission on Earth through His Church.  Central CA TEC is a non-denominational ministry serving the students of the Central Valley.

2. What is the cost of the retreat?

Thanks to local church sponsorship, we are able to provide food, lodging, activities and a team T-shirt for only $30/student!  **Partial Scholarships may be available for guests with financial needs that would otherwise prevent them from attending.  Please contact our Council for more information and guidelines at tecretreat@gmail.com .

3. What are the details?

TEC Weekend begins Friday at noon and ends Sunday at 4:30pm.  This is a “lock-in” style event and students should plan on being present for the entirety of the weekend.  Please consult the Guest Application form for specific dates and location of the next available TEC.  Applications are available by clicking here or emailing TECRetreat@gmail.com.  

4. What do you need from me?

Approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the retreat weekend, you and your child will receive a letter of acceptance by mail.  The student letter will detail what your child should bring for the weekend. (see Student FAQs)  The parent letter will provide you with contact information of the Adult Coordinator for the weekend, as well as detail specific ways in which you can partner with us to make this weekend a meaningful growth experience for your teen.