The excitement and spiritual growth students experience at summer Christian camps can be powerful, but carrying that momentum into a new school year isn't always easy. As classes, activities, friendships and everyday pressures begin to fill their schedules, students can benefit from an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with their faith, and remember what matters most.

Lubbock Christian University's Encounter LE (Light Edition), scheduled for November 20-22, offers middle school and high school students a weekend to do just that. As an extension of LCU's summer camps, Encounter and Camp Champion, this abbreviated camp experience brings students to campus for encouragement, connection, and renewed focus through engaging speakers, breakout sessions, entertainment, worship, and time spent with other students.

"Sometimes students have incredible experiences at camp during the summer, but once they get home and school starts, the pressures and influences of everyday life can begin to pull their attention in other directions," said Josh Stephens, Director of LCU Summer Camps. "Encounter LE gives them a chance to step away from those distractions for a weekend, be encouraged in their faith, and remember what they want their lives to be centered on."

The weekend will feature a lineup of speakers and entertainment, with worship led by Josh Wheeler and Best Friends, one of LCU's campus singing groups. Friday night's keynote speaker will be Kent Mereness, University Minister at South Plains Church of Christ in Lubbock, with entertainment by hypnotist Rob Wilkinson. On Saturday, Trane Wyatt, Youth Minister at Garden Ridge Church of Christ in Flower Mound, will deliver the keynote, followed by entertainment from ventriloquist Taylor Mason. LCU faculty member Brandon Rix will speak on Sunday morning.

Encounter LE also provides an opportunity for LCU students to continue serving and investing in the lives of younger students. Many LCU students spend their summers working as counselors at Christian camps or serving as youth group interns. Serving as group leaders during Encounter LE allows them to continue those relationships and share their encouragement and faith with another group of students.

"For our LCU students, this is a chance to continue doing something they love," Stephens said. "Many of them spend their summers investing in young people through camp ministry or youth groups, and they look forward to having another opportunity to encourage and lead students. It's a great way for them to use their gifts and continue serving beyond the summer."

Encounter LE is open to middle school and high school students. Registration includes event activities, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and a T-shirt. Housing is not provided.

Registration is $65 through November 14 and $75 after that date. Students can learn more online and register for Encounter LE.