The annual Seeds of Hope youth leadership program is a faith-based experience for young women in high school. It empowers girls to become servant leaders by providing them with training and experience, giving them the tools, resources, confidence, and support that they need to make a difference in the world. Throughout the week-long retreat, students participate in service projects, network with peers, complete crafts and team-building activities, and hear from about a dozen different speakers of varying backgrounds and experience.
This year’s retreat ran from July 13-20 at the Maryville Retreat Center in Holly, Michigan. Eleven girls from OLSH attended - the highest number of participants we’ve ever had! The girls were divided into groups to spend the week together among nature. One of the highlights of the week was working as a team to overcome obstacles and build unity on a challenge course. They also swam and pedal boated in the lake, gardened, volunteered at a clothing and food pantry, and had an evening glow party.
Kailyn Lach ‘26 and Sophia Muoio ‘26 served as volunteer assistants. They took on the responsibility of engaging with the girls in attendance alongside the program’s peer mentors.
“I am so grateful I was invited back to attend Seeds of Hope 2024. I would describe the experience as beautiful and powerful. Learning about how to be a servant leader is amazing and the two years I attended created unforgettable memories,” Sophia said. “Being among women like me who share a love for Christ and a want to inspire others felt like another home to me.”
The girls all had an amazing time and brought back memories to last a lifetime.
A few attendees shared their favorite part of the experience:
“My favorite experience was seeing the girls grow/flourish throughout the week!” - Kailyn ‘26
“My favorite thing was the sense of community!” - Marena ‘26
“Getting to meet new people and swimming and boating in the lake.” - Juliet ‘27
“One of my favorite things about Seeds of Hope was how quickly all of us bonded. It really felt like we became a family in a week. The experience was so much more enjoyable because we all became friends and were able to be ourselves around each other.” - Jenna ‘26
“My ultimate favorite thing about the retreat was the community that was built throughout the week. I’m thankful that I could help the girls open up to each other and get the most of their time at Seeds of Hope. The sisters at the retreat center were so kind and welcoming to all the participants. They really brought an environment of love and comfort to everyone. I loved being of service at the clothing and food pantry on our service day and meeting an awesome man named Herbert when we ate lunch at the soup kitchen.” - Sophia ‘26