WHO WE ARE
Phoenix Fest is a camping retreat that brings nearly 200 high school students from across Ontario together over the May Long Weekend. While the retreat began in its current form in 2019, our roots go back even further to 1975 with EMCC’s 'Pitch and Praise' retreat.
This is a safe place for high school students to question, to doubt, to learn, and to discover what following Jesus can mean for them.
Along with great music, speakers, and events, Phoenix Fest is a place where you and your students will be challenged to wrestle with the big questions of life and engage in lots of fun and opportunities to build community.
CAMPING & COMMUNITY
Hosted on 14 beautiful acres at Bethany Community Church, Phoenix Fest 2027 will take place in St. Catharines, Ontario.
Pack your tent and sleeping bag! Youth groups camp together alongside churches from across Ontario, creating a unique setting for community, new friendships, and plenty of spontaneous moments.
Students will eat, play, worship, and hang out together throughout the weekend, with opportunities to connect both within their own youth group and with students from across the province.
There’s something for everyone, from high-energy activities and games to quiet conversations, campfires, and sports tournaments.
MAIN SESSIONS
Our 5 main sessions last year were centred on one theme: All In, based on Mark 12:30–31.
Throughout the weekend, students were invited to respond to what Jesus had already done for them and consider what it meant to follow Him in everyday life. Through stories from Scripture and their own journeys, our speakers explored what going ALL IN had looked like for them and challenged students to consider what it could look like in their own lives.
2027’s speakers, theme, and special guests will be announced soon!
WHAT'S
GOING ON
There’s a lot happening outside of the main sessions!
.jpg)
.jpg)
Sports Tournaments
Compete with friends in dodgeball, 3×3 basketball, volleyball, and Spikeball!
Karaoke Lounge
Grab the mic, pick your favourite song, and let loose in the Karaoke Lounge!
Niagara Gorge Hike
Experience one of the most beautiful parts of God's creation in Niagara!
Workshops
Dive deeper into topics with a variety of workshops led by experienced leaders!
Board Game Cafe
Discover a new favourite game, and enjoy a relaxed space to hang out.
Campfire
Worship
Worship around the fire with live music, singing, and space to reflect.
