

Creating Community Youth Retreat
Creating Community is a youth-led, overnight gathering for teens ages 14–19, designed to support spiritual exploration, authentic connection, and meaningful friendships. This weekend offers young people the opportunity to slow down, reflect, laugh, and build community in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.
​
The event is planned and led by teens — Damien Luccio, Zephyrus Carter, and Noah Madden — with the support of caring adult chaperone/mentors.
Creating Community is hosted by Unity in Lynnwood and is open to teens from Unity churches, CSL communities, and partner faith organizations we work with through UIL.
What to Expect
Throughout the weekend, participants will enjoy:
-
Interactive workshops and group conversations
-
Games, creative activities, and shared meals
-
Time for spiritual reflection and connection
-
A Saturday evening group outing to Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
This weekend is about showing up as you are, listening deeply, and creating bonds that last beyond the event.
Location
Unity in Lynnwood
16727 Alderwood Mall Pkwy
Lynnwood, WA 98037
View on Google Maps
Schedule
-
Drop-off / Check-in: Friday, January 2 • 3:00–5:00 PM
-
Pick-up: Sunday, January 4 • After Sunday service (around 12:30 PM)
Participants are expected to attend the full event, from arrival on Friday through departure on Sunday.
Meals
All meals and snacks are provided for the entire weekend.
Dietary needs, allergies, and food preferences will be collected during registration so we can support everyone well.
Saturday Outing: Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
On Saturday evening, participants will travel together to Lynnwood Bowl & Skate for roller skating and fun.
Transportation will be provided by approved adult chaperone/mentors, and youth will travel only with designated drivers. Families will be informed of transportation plans in advance. Optional spending money may be brought for snacks or arcade games.
Registration & Required Forms
All participants must complete the following before attending:
-
Event Registration
-
Medical / Liability Release
-
Heart Agreements (read and signed)
Youth (ages 14–19)
Adult Chaperone/Mentors
All adult chaperone/mentors and drivers are required to complete a background check.
What to Bring
-
Clothing for indoor and outdoor activities
-
Bedding (sleeping bag, pillow, sleepwear, optional air mattress, etc.)
-
Personal care items
(Please note: there are no showers on site) -
Board or card games (no electronic gaming devices)
-
Optional spending money for Lynnwood Bowl & Skate
Community Expectations
Creating Community is grounded in shared Heart Agreements that support safety, respect, and spiritual integrity. Participants are expected to engage fully and honor these agreements throughout the weekend.
If a participant is unable to uphold the agreements, parents/guardians will be contacted, and early pick-up may be required to support the well-being of the group.
Questions?
Stacie Baley • stacie@unityinlynnwood.org
Grace Golgert • youthandfamily@unityinlynnwood.org
Facilitator: Rev. Denese Schellink
When: Sunday, May 25 & June 22, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Where: In-person and via Zoom (register below for Zoom link)
Investment: $75 Love Offering or your generous offer
​​
Sign up by May 18th for online participants to receive documents.
Course Description:
Whether you're navigating difficult conversations, seeking more connection in your relationships, or just curious about how to communicate with more empathy—this two-part foundations course is a warm, welcoming dive into the basics of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). You'll walk away with tools to express yourself honestly, listen more deeply, and respond to conflict in ways that build connection rather than disconnection.
Denese Schellink is not a Certified NVC Trainer but has practiced under Marshal Rosenberg and studied these practices and principles for over 15 years. For more information on NVC, please visit the Center for Nonviolent Communication website.
Some ideas and information can also be found on: NVC Academy.
The NVC Academy offers hundreds of affordable online personal growth courses and resources to learn Nonviolent Communication from home.
