Couples Reflect and Reconnect at The Wilds
written and compiled by Erica Baldwin
In mid-October, seventeen FBC couples of all ages headed to a Couples’ Conference at The Wilds Christian Camp in the mountains of Brevard, North Carolina. Leaves were turning golden and reddish hues, and evidence of Hurricane Helene’s flooding littered the roadsides with dried mud, downed trees, and debris.
Despite sustaining some storm damage, The Wilds opened up for camp just days before Friendship couples came to enjoy God’s beauty, great food, and fun activities, along with biblical teaching, music, and fellowship.
Tom and Sarah Bennett, married fifty-nine years, have a long history with The Wilds. Tom was part of the church in Greenville, South Carolina, who surveyed the land before The Wilds came into existence in 1969. Their kids worked at the camps in North Carolina and in Colorado.
“From when the camp began to see how God has blessed it and how God has used it for His glory is wonderful,” said Sarah.
Levi and Haven Stump, married a little more than a year, enjoyed the “refreshing and adventurous” atmosphere on their first trip to The Wilds. They loved the campground’s beauty, plus getting to know other couples from church during mealtimes and activities. They ventured out on the ambitious 4th Falls hike and zip-line over the falls.
“It’s good to take time away, and there’s a lot to do,” said Levi. “If you want to be adventurous, you can, or you can hang out, have coffee, and enjoy the view.”
“I really loved the peaceful space they provide and the energy of the speaker,” said Claudia Alarcon, adding that enjoying leisure time with fellow church members was refreshing.
Her husband, Claudio, agreed that getting out in nature and spending time as a couple was fun and needed.
Pastor Scott Wendal—of Valley Forge Baptist Church in Collegeville, Pennsylvania—along with his wife Jodie, offered marriage-focused biblical encouragement during joint and split sessions.
Sherry Goodson, who helps head up the trip with her husband Gary, said the teaching was so practical that couples from one year of marriage to sixty years could benefit.
“Marriage is not simply growing old together, but it’s about growing closer together,” shared Pastor Wendal.
“It’s a journey of learning how to love like Christ.”
Drawing from Ephesians 4, Pastor Wendal said to avoid these “don’ts”:
- Don’t keep score.
- Don’t hold grudges.
- Don’t take revenge.
Instead, stay on the right path with these “dos”:
- Do forgive.
“Learn to disagree agreeably,” Pastor Wendal said. - Do forget the hurts.
- Do give second chances.
He addressed matters of the heart and actions for loving marriages that reflect Christ and the Church.
He shared these five godly attitudes for a great marriage:
- I will make time for my spouse (Ecc. 9:9).
- I will express gratitude to my spouse (1 Thess. 5:17).
- I will laugh with my spouse (Prov. 17:32).
- I will support my spouse’s dreams and goals (1 Thess. 5:11).
- I am not going to sweat the “small stuff” (Col. 3:12-14).
Dakota and Rachel Delk, who have two young daughters, said it’s hard to find time to get away, but the church trip makes it easier to commit because it involves fewer decisions.
On the other hand, Richard and Ellen Ayers said you don’t have to wait for a church trip and can benefit from a different camp experience.
Friendship typically takes a bus to a couples’ conference every other year, but The Wilds offers camps—including marriage and family options—throughout the year.
“If a godly marriage is important to you, I’d recommend it,” said Vincent Sawyer, who attended with his wife Joanna.
“If you’re being intentional about your marriage, [a retreat] is part of that.”
He added that a couples’ conference is a great place to reflect together, to grow in community, and to get accountability from what they learned.
Joanna said the split session was vulnerable and relatable, and many wives agreed with the easy takeaway from the speaker: “Nothing negative, nothing!” — an encouragement to choose gentle speech when enduring trials and conflict.
After the sessions, couples spent time discussing what they learned one-on-one and took advantage of free time with mini golf, the coffee shop, the craft shop, hiking, the giant swing, the zip-line, Human Foosball, laser tag, board games, and more!
Couples, make plans now to attend the next one!
*The Wilds sustained substantial damage from Hurricane Helene, but thanks to the help of countless skilled volunteers (2,000 man hours at the time of the couples’ retreat) it was back up and running for us. Many bridges and buildings needed for summer camps are in the process of repair. Keep up with storm updates from The Wilds here.
📸 photo credits: The Wilds