Edgerton, Wisconsin -- Nearly 100 boys and young men enjoyed skiing and activities to enrich their relationship with Jesus Christ this winter during the “I am Legend” Ski Retreats. 

The retreat theme was based on the film starring Will Smith about a soldier scientist who saves the world from zombies.  The theme focused on the idea that God called these young men to make a difference in the world and to leave a meaningful legacy behind them. 

The retreats were held on Jan. 18-21 and Feb. 15-18 of this year at Oaklawn Academy in Edgerton, Wisconsin.  Close to 20 young people participated in the January event, and in the second event, more than 70 boys and young men come together.  Fr. Jacob DuMont LC and Fr. Michael Mitchell LC lead the retreats, with assistance from Br. Lucio Boccacci LC, Br. Dustin George LC, and Br. Brett Taira LC and young men from the RC Mission Corps. 

A highlight of the retreat was the night “zombie rally” where teams had to find clues to discover a cure to prevent the “zombie” infection.  Teams also enjoyed skits, catechism competitions,

	Actor Will Smith in the film "I am Legend"

team-building activities, sports, swimming and on the last day of the event, a ski trip to a resort in Merrimac, Wisconsin. 

Spiritual formation was present throughout the program, with daily Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration, prayer and the opportunity for personal mentoring.  During the small-group feedback session, a majority of the young men described their experience as “epic,” and some mentioned they had gotten their lives “back on track with God.” Many expressed an interest in participating in upcoming summer camps or in becoming a RC missionary, and some even said they were considering a vocation to the priesthood. (Please keep them in your prayers!) 

At the end of the event, most of those present took the ECyD “Pledge of Friendship” with Christ. ECyD, which stands for “Experiences, Convictions, your Decisions,” helps teens live their lives as a friend of Christ and others. 

Click the following links for slideshows of the retreats on YouTube: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2whTU6I5DVs 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCnfO0Cbr7Q 

For more information on ECyD Chicago, which sponsored the retreats, go to their Facebook page.