Youth Ministers Retreat
April 13-14, 2026
Highland Lakes Camp & Conference Center
Spicewood, TX
The Youth Ministers Retreat is a refreshing space for youth pastors across Texas to step away from the pace of ministry to experience rest, renewal, and connection. Connect with peers who understand the unique joys and challenges of ministry, learn together, and leave encouraged, refreshed, and ready for what's ahead.
Special Guest
Doug Franklin
Founder and President of LeaderTreks Youth Ministry
Doug has a passion for Jesus, students, and youth ministry. Doug believes the church is the best place for students to stretch their leadership muscles and grow.
Doug studied Christian Education at Wheaton College and has served in a few churches and as a youth pastor – but it all started when he fell in love with youth ministry as a junior high small group leader.
As a youth pastor he noticed that every time he put students in charge, the youth ministry increased. Naturally, he began looking for tools to help me develop my young leaders, but found none. That’s when God laid on my heart a desire to make leadership development resources for youth ministry. In 1994, he started LeaderTreks as a response to that burden.
Today LeaderTreks Youth Ministry offers trips, leadership training, and curriculum all focused on making disciples and developing leaders.
Schedule
Monday
| 9:00 am |
Check-in Opens
|
| 11:00 am |
Session 1
|
| 12:00 pm |
Lunch
|
| 2:00 pm |
Session 2
|
| 4:00 pm |
Break
|
| 6:00 pm |
Dinner
|
| 7:00 pm |
Worship & Session 3
|
| 9:30 pm |
Hangout Activity
|
Tuesday
| 8:00 am |
Breakfast
|
| 9:00 am |
Session 4
|
| 12:00 pm |
Lunch
|
| 2:00 pm |
Session 5
|
| 4:00 pm |
Open Rec
|
| 6:00 pm |
Depart and/or Dinner (not included in registration) in Bee Cave
|
| 8:00 pm |
Optional Activity in Bee Cave/W. Austin
|
| 10:00 pm |
Return to Highland Lakes for those staying Tuesday night
|
Event Host
Contact
Caitlin Merriman
Ministry Assistant, Discipleship & NextGen