This past weekend, Southwest Baptist Church’s youth group, Refuge went on a skiing trip to Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. While they didn’t come back professional skiers, they came back with great memories that will last a lifetime.

Youth pastor, Hunter Bulger wanted to take the group to Lake Junaluska for their winter youth trip; he wanted something different and fun for the youth to do, and figured many of them had never been skiing.

When they arrived, many youth groups were already in attendance. The groups would spend all day skiing at the Cataloochee Ski Area and return to the event center at night for dinner, worship and a speaker that evening.

Bulger said most of the youth in attendance had already accepted Christ into their heart, but this allowed them to get out of town and experience something they’ve never done before.

Youth group volunteer and mother, Trish Taunton agreed saying what an awesome time of worship with the kids it was.

“It was a fun new experience that helped the group grow together as a whole and grow together with Christ,” Taunton said.

Some of the highlights of the trip were when Bulger fell off the mountain. He said he busted through the nets set out to protect skiers from falling and his brother caught the entire experience on video.

Taunton had a similar experience. She was skiing down the mountain and didn’t know how to stop. She was nearing the bottom when Conner Priest caught her and was able to keep her from crashing.

Although the winter trip is over, Southwest Baptist Church’s youth group also has a summer trip. The destination has not been revealed yet, but is bound to be a great time with more laughs and memories.

Bulger encourages everyone to become a part of the group and join them at Southwest Baptist Church from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday nights.