CENTRAL STUDENTS
6th-12th Grade
CENTRAL STUDENTS
6th-12th Grade
UPCOMING EVENTS
REGISTER FOR STUDENT PROGRAMMING - Rhythm, Impulse & Confirmation
Weekly student programming starting Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 6:30-8:30 PM
Already registered your student for Rhythm or Impulse last year? We ask that you register your student again this year to insure we have the most updated information.
Rhythm (6th-8th grade) & Impulse (9th-12th grade)
Friends, fun, and faith come together for students at Central! We provide a place for students to reflect, ask questions, and build community. There’s time from 6:30-7:00 PM to hang out and play 9-square, pickleball, Guitar Hero, and more!
Then Rhythm and Impulse break out from 7:00-8:30 PM for more games, worship, small group, and Bible teaching. We have plenty of special events, retreats, and service opportunities throughout the year too.
*6th-8th Grade Registration: REGISTER FOR RHYTHM
*9th-10th Grade Registration: Go to Confirmation registration below
*11th-12th Grade Registration: REGISTER FOR IMPULSE
Confirmation (Starting 9th grade)
Confirmation is an exciting opportunity for high schoolers to dive deeper into their faith, build relationships with others, and grow in the knowledge of what it means to be a child of God. Students walk with the same IMPULSE small group and mentor, attend retreats and camps, and serve the church and community throughout their confirmation journey. Confirmation culminates in a meaningful ceremony during the fall of 11th grade.
*9th-10th Grade Registration: REGISTER FOR CONFIRMATION
No Wednesday programming on: 10/15, 11/26, 12/24, or 12/31
Have a child Birth-5th Grade? Check out our Sunday Morning Kids Programming.
IMPULSE Morning at the Movies - July 15 & Aug. 7
IMPULSE Morning at the Movies
It’s showtime! Join us for a morning movie outing, followed by lunch together as a group.
- Dates:
- Wednesday, July 15 – Moana
- Friday, August 7 – Spiderman
- Time: Morning showtime (TBD) + lunch
- Ages: 9th–12th Grade
- Location: TBD
- Cost: $10 (+ money for lunch)
We’ll share details as the showtime is confirmed—don’t miss it.
REGISTER FOR AUGUST 7 – SPIDERMAN
Questions? Contact Ben Carruthers at ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Florida Beach Camp - July 25-August 1
This summer we’re headed to the beach and to meaningful service in Panama City Beach, Florida. Our high school students will spend a full week staying right on the beach at Laguna Beach Christian Retreat Center, serving the local community, growing in faith, and building lifelong friendships.
We’ll worship together, dive deep into God’s Word, and have an amazing time enjoying the ocean, pools, and camp activities along the way. It’s a week designed to stretch faith, strengthen community, and create memories that last.
What’s included
-Transportation, lodging, and all meals at camp
-Powerful worship and teaching
-Hands-on service in the community
-Plenty of beach time and camp fun
Details
📅 Saturday, July 25 – Saturday, August 1, 2026
⏰ Leave Central 6:00 AM | Return 6:00 PM
📍 Laguna Beach Christian Retreat Center – Panama City Beach, FL
Who
👧🧑 Students in 9th–12th grade
(Students entering 9th grade in Fall 2026 are welcome)
Cost
💲 $650 per student
Includes transportation, lodging, and all meals at camp
(Students should bring extra money for 8 travel meals and the on-site malt shop and souvenir shop.)
Payment Schedule
-$200 due at registration
-$200 due February 18
-Remaining balance due May 6
(Fundraising through Operation Clean Up will be available in April.)
What to Bring
-Sleeping bag and pillow
-Modest clothing and swimwear
-Bible, notepad, and pen
-Towel and toiletries
-Sunscreen, sunglasses, or hat
-Money for travel meals and camp shops
📧 Questions? Contact Ben Carruthers at ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Confirmation Retreat - Sept. 11-13 & Ceremony Oct. 25
CONFIRMATION RETREAT
This retreat marks our final gathering before the Confirmation Ceremony, a meaningful weekend focused on faith, connection, and preparation.
-
- DATES: September 11–13
- DEPARTURE: Meet at Central on Friday at 6:30 PM
- RETURN: Sunday around 10:00 AM
- COST: $225 if registered by August 1, $275 if registered after August 1
What to Bring:
-
- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Weather-appropriate clothes
- Bible
- Notebook and pen
- Towel and toiletries
- Snacks
What You’ll Do
Students will spend the weekend writing their faith statement, connecting with God and others, and enjoying games, bonfires, canoeing, hiking, and more.
Retreat & robe registration below
–
CONFIRMATION CEREMONY & ROBE INFORMATION:
Confirmation Ceremony – Sunday, October 25
Begins at 2 PM students arrive at 1 PM
Mandatory Rehearsal & Photos – Saturday, October 24
9:00-11:00 AM, Students must wear their robes
Ceremony Fee: $40
Includes robes, photos, and related expenses
–
Important Dates
- September 11–1: Retreat Dates meet at the church at 6:30 PM
- September 16: IMPULSE begins when students must attend weekly until Confirmation Sunday
- October 20: Robe pick up during church office hours
- October 24: Rehearsal and Photos from 9 AM–11 AM. This is mandatory & students must wear their robes.
- October 25: Confirmation Ceremony begins at 2 PM, students arrive at 1 PM
Mazatlán Mexico Mission Trip - January 13–20, 2027
Mazatlán Mexico Mission Trip | January 13–20, 2027
Join us as we serve the people of Mazatlán, Mexico! Central has a long-standing partnership with La Viña Missions, and we’re excited to return in 2027 to support the people and communities of Mazatlán through hands-on service and relationship-building.
During the week, our team will assist with food distribution, construction projects, and other community needs as they arise. The key to serving on this trip is flexibility and a willingness to help wherever help is needed most.
Dates: January 13–20, 2027
Location: Mazatlán, Mexico
Accommodations & Ministry Partner
- Hotel: Hotel Royal Villas
- Church Partner: La Viña Vineyard Church
- Mazatlán’s Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) is a vibrant area known for its beautiful beaches, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Our team will stay nearby while partnering with local leaders and community members throughout the week.
Who Can Attend?
- This trip is open to:
- Adults
- High school students
- Middle school and elementary-aged students accompanied by a parent or guardian
- Each participant must complete their own registration form.
Cost
- Total Cost: $2,000 per person
- The trip cost includes:
- Airfare
- Hotel accommodations
- Mission supplies
- Some meals
- Participants will be responsible for approximately 11 meals during the trip (7 dinners and 2 breakfasts and lunches). We recommend bringing an additional $100–$150 for meals, snacks, and personal expenses.
Payment Information
- A non-refundable deposit of $250 is required at the time of registration to reserve your spot. The deposit can only be refunded if your spot is filled by another participant.
- You may choose to pay only the deposit or pay the trip in full. Additional payment deadlines and options will be provided as the trip approaches.
Fundraising Opportunities
Many participants choose to offset the cost of the trip by sending support letters to family and friends. If you would like help creating a support letter or have questions about fundraising, please contact Pastor Ben Carruthers at ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org.
Registration Deadline: July 1, 2026
Central Students
Wednesday Nights
RHYTHM (6th-8th grade) & IMPULSE (9th-12th grade)
Friends, fun, and faith come together for students at Central! We provide a place for students to reflect, ask questions, and build community.
There’s time from 6:30-7:00 PM to hang out and play 9-square, pickleball, Guitar Hero, and more.
Then Rhythm and Impulse break out from 7:00-8:30 PM for more games, worship, small group, and Bible teaching. We have plenty of special events, retreats, and service opportunities throughout the year too.
CONFIRMATION (9th - 11th grade)
Confirmation is an exciting opportunity for high schoolers to dive deeper into their faith, build relationships with others, and grow in the knowledge of what it means to be a child of God. Students walk with the same Impulse small group and mentor, attend retreats and camps, and serve the church and community throughout their confirmation journey. Confirmation culminates in a meaningful ceremony during the fall of 11th grade.
Events & Activities
CONFIRMATION CEREMONY (11th grade)
The culmination of the confirmation journey is The Rite of Confirmation. Young adults, having spent more than two years learning and growing in their faith, publicly share their decision to follow Jesus, “confirming” the choice their parents made at their baptism.
RETREATS (9th - 12th grade)
There’s no better way to bond, explore, and dig deep into God’s word than going on a retreat! Check out the Upcoming Events throughout the year for our latest overnight retreats for high schoolers.
HONORING THE GRADS (12th grade)
High School Seniors, we want to celebrate you and all of your hard work! During graduate Sunday each May, we will showcase our seniors at our worship gatherings. A the Honoring the Graduates Ritual, seniors take part in a memorable experience that will usher them into the next chapter of their lives.
SERVE CENTRAL'S STUDENTS
Help grow the next generation of God’s family. Serve as a volunteer with Central’s students on Wednesday, summers or at special events.
Email Ben Carruthers at ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Contact
Ben Carruthers
Director of Student
& Family Ministry
ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Wednesday Nights
RHYTHM (6th - 8th grade) & IMPULSE (9th - 12th grade)
Friends, fun, and faith come together for students at Central! We provide a place for students to reflect, ask questions, and build community.
There’s time from 6:30-7:00 PM to hang out and play 9-square, pickleball, Guitar Hero, and more.
Then Rhythm and Impulse break out from 7:00-8:30 PM for more games, worship, small group, and Bible teaching. We have plenty of special events, retreats, and service opportunities throughout the year too.
–
PROGRAMMING HAPPENS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
*Registration open late summer
CONFIRMATION (9th - 11th grade)
Confirmation is an exciting opportunity for high schoolers to dive deeper into their faith, build relationships with others, and grow in the knowledge of what it means to be a child of God. Students walk with the same Impulse small group and mentor, attend retreats and camps, and serve the church and community throughout their confirmation journey. Confirmation culminates in a meaningful ceremony during the fall of 11th grade.
Events & Activities
CONFIRMATION CEREMONY (11th grade)
The culmination of the confirmation journey is The Rite of Confirmation. Young adults, having spent more than two years learning and growing in their faith, publicly share their decision to follow Jesus, “confirming” the choice their parents made at their baptism.
RETREATS (9th - 12th grade)
There’s no better way to bond, explore, and dig deep into God’s word than going on a retreat! Check out the Upcoming Events throughout the year for our latest overnight retreats for high schoolers.
HONORING THE GRADS (12th grade)
High School Seniors, we want to celebrate you and all of your hard work! During graduate Sunday each May, we will showcase our seniors at our worship gatherings. A the Honoring the Graduates Ritual, seniors take part in a memorable experience that will usher them into the next chapter of their lives.
SERVE CENTRAL'S STUDENTS
Help grow the next generation of God’s family. Serve as a volunteer with Central’s students on Wednesday, summers or at special events.
Email Ben Carruthers at ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Contact
Ben Carruthers
Director of Student
& Family Ministry
ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Gallery
Gallery
Gallery
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
1103 School St.
Elk River, MN 55330
info@clcelkriver.org
763-441-2363
763-441-0010