In the crisp colors of fall at Camp Au Sable, students stepped away from daily responsibilities to share experiences and explore new ways to strengthen their school communities. | Photos by Dave Sherwin
Debbie Michel, Jaira Kim
October 9, 2025This year’s theme, “Stillness in Chaos,” resonated through the messages of main speaker Pastor Milton Coronado, a visual artist and youth mentor who uses murals and creative ministry to share his testimony of God’s peace amid personal tragedy. His story of faith in the midst of loss struck a chord with many students, including Sael Marquez, a resident advisor at Wisconsin Academy. “One of the most impactful moments was when Pastor Milton talked about being still after losing his father,” Marquez said. “It brought me back to the loss of a friend two years ago. I understood what it was like.”
The conference brought together student leaders from Andrews Academy, ASPIRE Academy, Battle Creek Academy, Great Lakes Adventist Academy, Grand Rapids Adventist Academy, Hinsdale Adventist Academy, Indiana Academy and Wisconsin Academy. In the crisp colors of fall at Camp Au Sable, students stepped away from daily responsibilities to share experiences and explore new ways to strengthen their school communities.
For many, informal “afterglow” gatherings were among the most meaningful. “We were able to be vulnerable with our classmates and connect on a deeper level,” said Audrey Marschner, junior vice president at Andrews Academy. Her schoolmate, Samantha Elanko, junior class pastor, added that the afterglow on the boardwalk provided “an intimate, peaceful time of bonding and asking questions with others.”
Other students found inspiration in sectional meetings. “I was able to get different ideas I’d never even thought of and plan to implement them at my school,” said Tiana Cabunillas, SA vice president at Grand Rapids Adventist Academy.
The weekend combined leadership training with opportunities for spiritual renewal and recreation. Students participated in go-karting, horseback riding, kayaking and nature walks. For the first time, an art ministry workshop gave students the chance to join Pastor Coronado in creating spray-paint murals as a form of worship.
Indiana Academy junior pastor Micah Metz said the foot washing and agape feast stood out. “The fellowship, the testimonies, and the overall spiritual energy were amazing,” he reflected. One of those testimonials was by Lorvens Pubien, student association leader at Indiana Academy. He talked about being away from his family in the Bahamas and living in a place where he knew no one. Many times, he cried out to God but has discovered, “pain is not an excuse to not do ministry—it is an access to testimony.”
Others found moments of quiet personal devotion just as powerful. “I took my Bible and journal onto the deck, surrounded by nature, and read Psalm 100 in a new light while hearing music drifting from the chapel,” said Andrews Academy’s Melanie Fuste. “It was a beautiful reminder to slow down and thank Jesus.”
This year’s program also introduced a videography workshop, expanding opportunities for students involved in journalism, photography and yearbook. For Aiden, Battle Creek Academy’s head photographer, the highlight was capturing the experience on camera. “I really enjoyed taking photos—it was fun, but also a learning experience in how to tell stories,” he said.
The lessons of leadership went beyond skills. For Battle Creek junior Vice President Lian SawmSang Sang, the takeaway was simple: “Serve others. Sacrifice. If you don’t step up to lead, then no one will.”
Jaira Kim, AA Yearbook, with Debbie Michel, Lake Union Herald editor.
