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With umbrellas in hand and smiles on their faces, participants of the third annual Western Territorial Adaptive Retreat embraced the weekend’s theme: “Shine!”
The retreat, held April 25-27 at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, welcomes young adults with disabilities for a weekend filled with interactive workshops, uplifting worship and plenty of fun—all designed to inspire joy and connection.
About 1 in 6 people in the U.S. live with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organization, and often face barriers to access, inclusion and equal opportunities.
The Adaptive Retreat offers young adults with disabilities opportunities to engage in activities that promote self-expression and empowerment. This year’s event brought together 22 delegates from across the U.S., with attendees traveling from places like New Mexico, Washington, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Territorial Social Justice Ministries Director Jacqui Larsson organized the weekend to ensure delegates could participate, connect and enjoy the entirety of the retreat.
“The weekend was crafted and planned to meet the needs of each delegate and to ensure that everyone could engage and experience belonging,” Larsson said. “The main thing is for participants to see, hear or experience Jesus in a way that’s applicable to them.”
Following the arrival of delegates and caregivers April 25, the weekend commenced with worship, followed by dinner and a screening of the film, “Sing.”
As rain fell throughout Saturday morning, attendees stayed dry inside, singing worship songs while tossing beach balls throughout the chapel.
Territorial Candidates and Recruitment Secretary Major Jennifer Masango was the weekend’s speaker. She told the delegates: “God gives us the strength to shine.”
Amee Rivera traveled from Massachusetts with her son, Justin Filippini. She said the morning of worship brought her a moment of reflection. She admitted she knew little about The Salvation Army or the last time she picked up a Bible. However, after worship and choir, she felt inspired to learn more and connect with her faith.
“I’m seeing that this could be a new way for me and my son to bond,” she said. “It’s just beautiful to see everyone come together like this.”
While Filippini has spent time at their local Salvation Army, Rivera said she never participated. However, once she returns home, she plans to join him and make attending services a regular part of their routine.
“As a mother, it’s great to see him happy and comfortable,” she said. “It’s something I want to be a part of.”
After chapel, delegates participated in choir practice, then split into their chosen electives—music, art or dance.
“The electives are new this year,” Larsson said. “We introduced a buddy system where someone will accompany delegates, allowing them to make new friends but to also give caregivers some pampering.”
The buddies, Salvation Army officers and staff, brought support and companionship during electives and throughout the weekend, with some traveling to the retreat alongside delegates.
In the art elective, participants painted mason jars with tea lights inside. Filippini painted a sun surrounded by shapes of color on his mason jar.
“I painted the sun because it looks bright and happy,” he said. “It’s a reminder to shine.”
Dance participants learned a routine to “Shine (From the Inside Out),” and those in the music elective sang and played drums and guitar to create a short music video.
Meanwhile, caregivers gathered with Larsson in a designated lounge space where soft music played, and three massage therapists and professional nail artists were available to provide a chance to unwind.
“I feel amazing,” Rivera said after a massage. “I didn’t even realize how I needed that.”
By early afternoon, the clouds had lifted and the sun broke through, drying the grounds just in time for delegates to head outside for an afternoon of field games.
Participants played oversized games of checkers and Connect Four, tossed water balloons, competed in cornhole and enjoyed face painting. They also snacked on popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones.
“It’s fun just being outside,” said Morgan Hulteen, a delegate who traveled from New Jersey with her sister, Heather Green. “My favorite game so far was Connect Four.”
“It can be hard to find events designed for adults with disabilities,” Green said. “I’m so grateful and pleased that Morgan gets to have this opportunity.”
Green said once she returns home, she plans to speak with her local Salvation Army officers about setting up similar events in the Eastern Territory.
“There are so many opportunities for inclusion,” Green said. “This weekend shows what’s possible when everyone is given the chance to participate.”
While some attendees enjoyed the games, others chose to pack blessing bags filled with socks, snacks and bandages to be given to people in need.
“It’s good to help other people,” said Sonja Erlandson, a delegate from Anacortes, Washington. “It makes me feel happy to be here and share these moments with everyone.”
Erlandson attended last year’s retreat and said she’s having just as much fun this year.
“It feels like a big family and I’m excited to be part of it,” she said.
Later, delegates “shined” during a glow party, where they donned glow bracelets, sticks and necklaces for a glow-in-the-dark dance celebration.
As the retreat ended, delegates headed home with new friendships and lasting memories.
“It’s not impossible to include everyone,” Larsson said. “By making space for all, we create an experience that everyone can enjoy.”
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