A Weekend of Connection: All Saints Reunion Weekend Brings Generations Together
This past August 2025, the rolling hills of All Saints Retreat Center came alive with a sound we all love—the laughter of alumni, the splash of children swimming, and the familiar melodies of camp songs echoing through the fellowship hall. Our first Alumni Reunion exceeded every expectation, bringing together generations of campers, counselors, and their families for a weekend of remembrance, renewal, and hope.
Rekindling the All Saints Spirit
Our hope for this gathering was simple yet profound: to bring alumni and their families together, to spark conversation about the future of All Saints, and to introduce the camp to the next generation. From the moment guests arrived on Friday evening, it was clear we would accomplish that and so much more.
The weekend began with a communal spaghetti dinner (just like every first night of camp), where strangers quickly became friends and old friends picked up right where they left off. The evening's talent show showcased the creative spirit that has always defined All Saints, with performances ranging from heartfelt to hilarious, reminding us all why this place holds such a special spot in our hearts.
A Full Weekend of Camp Magic
Saturday morning dawned with a guided nature walk, allowing alumni to rediscover the natural beauty that makes the All Saints Retreat Center such a sacred space. After a hearty breakfast, the day unfolded with joyful activities that only camp can provide—traditional camp games that brought back muscle memory from decades past, messy games that left everyone laughing, and hours of swimming that proved the pool is just as refreshing as we all remembered.
One of the most touching aspects of the weekend was watching the children of former counselors experience All Saints for the first time. Seeing the camp through their eyes—full of wonder and possibility—reminded us why this work matters. These young ones didn't just visit; they made All Saints their own, creating a stunning chalk drawing of the camp's name adorned with a rainbow that perfectly captured the weekend's spirit of inclusion and joy.
Looking Forward Together
The State of the Camp meeting on Saturday afternoon, led by the dedicated All Saints staff, provided an honest and hopeful look at where we've been and where we're headed. Alumni shared memories, asked thoughtful questions, and began envisioning how they could contribute to the camp's future. The conversation continued throughout the weekend—during canoe and kayak trips on the lake, over tacos at Saturday's dinner, and around the bonfire as we roasted s'mores under the stars.
Perhaps the most beautiful symbol of our collective commitment came through a collaborative art project. Each participant decorated a leaf that was added to a tree painting, creating a living testament to campers past and present. This artwork now stands as a reminder that All Saints is not just a place—it's a growing, evolving community rooted in shared values and experiences.
Tours of the facilities allowed alumni to see how the camp has evolved, exploring both the beloved old buildings that hold countless memories and the newer facilities that continue to welcome future generations. The joy of teaching camp songs to first-time guests bridged the gap between past and future, proving that some traditions are meant to be passed down.
A Sacred Sending Forth
Sunday morning, we gathered for a closing worship service led by The Very Rev. Matt Bradley, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral. It was a fitting end to a weekend that had been, in many ways, a spiritual homecoming. The service reminded us that All Saints, as a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky, has always been about more than summer fun—it's about forming faith, building community, and experiencing God's love in creation.
The Journey Continues
We will continue to connect and explore next steps for future gatherings. Keep an eye out for announcements, and please help us spread the word by sharing our journey with other friends of All Saints.
Watch the Weekend Unfold
Video Credit: Daniel Frank
Stay Connected
One of our key action items from the weekend is to create a living resource hub for the All Saints Alumni community. We've developed a Volunteer Form for alumni and anyone interested in supporting All Saints to share their information and areas where they can contribute—whether that's with professional skills, volunteer time, financial support, or simply staying in the loop.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We're deeply grateful to event coordinators Kayleigh and Athena, whose vision and tireless work made this reunion possible. Their thank you letter to attendees captures the heart of what made this weekend so special.
As the last cars pulled away on Sunday afternoon and the camp grew quiet once again, one thing was abundantly clear: All Saints Retreat Center isn't just a place we visited once upon a time. It's a community that continues to shape us, and together, we'll ensure it shapes generations to come!
Were you unable to attend this year's reunion? We'd still love to hear from you and keep you connected to the All Saints community. Fill out our Contact & Resource Form to stay involved.
