Atlantic Union Conference Office of Education staff eagerly anticipated hosting its first in-person Academy Connect since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Just days before the event, weather forecasters warned of a powerful, late-winter Nor’easter that could potentially dump record levels of snow in some portions of Massachusetts and possibly cancel the event. As predicted, Camp Winnekeag in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, the host site for the event, received a whopping three feet of snow! Thankfully, the storm hit the area and quickly moved off to sea just in time for the 50 high-school students, their sponsors, and the seminar presenters to arrive the following day. Camp staff scrambled to clear the heavy snow, and by God’s grace, Academy Connect began on schedule and was a blessing for everyone involved.
Student leaders from all six academies in the Atlantic Union enjoyed interactive, immersive experiences and opportunities to make new friends, have fun, and develop in areas related to Spiritual, Leadership, Art, Music, and Media (SLAMM). Most importantly, students received additional spiritual boosts with morning and evening worship services led by Simona Mills-Pitcher, chaplain at Bermuda Institute, and James Reid IV, chaplain at Pine Tree Academy. The Holy Spirit’s power moved upon many hearts, and several students committed to going all the way with Jesus and requested baptism.
SLAMM clinicians included (in order) Jose LaPorte, a pastor from the Carolina Conference; Crystal Ward, a pastor from the Potomac Conference; Richard Sutton, art and design educator at the Bermuda Institute; Lorraine Graham of Northeastern Adventist Academy; and Shane Hochstetler, associate director of professional services for the North American Division. Academy Connect also provided an opportunity for the students to give back to the local community. Students packed 10,000 rice and bean meals that Southern New England Conference Adventist Community Services distributed to food pantries.
At the conclusion of the event, a student commented to the organizers that Academy Connect ended too soon and he was not ready to go home. Another student from Bermuda Institute said, “This was an experience of a lifetime. I will never forget this.” Satan may have tried using the weather to thwart this event, but God still reigns over the wind, waves, and even Nor’easters. Special appreciation to the Camp Winnekeag staff and Southern New England Conference for their dedication to clearing the driveways and walking paths and ensuring all was in readiness so Atlantic Union youth could be blessed and be a blessing.
