Gather Grow Go
Our mission is to Reach, Redeem, and Restore every middle and high school student so that they may know and experience a personal relationship with God. Together we grow in faith to become mature followers of Christ and to make disciples of His image.
Awanita Is Here!
JI Youth’s Fall Retreat at Awanita Valley is one of the most anticipated weekends of the year, a time when our students trade the busyness of daily life for a weekend in the mountains filled with friendship, adventure, and moments with God that can change everything.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Marietta, South Carolina, Awanita Valley is the perfect backdrop for connection and growth. The setting is breathtaking with wooded trails, crisp mountain air, and open skies that give students space to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present.
Our retreat blends fun activities with meaningful spiritual moments. Students experience Awanita’s signature zipline that sends them soaring above the valley and the legendary Hummer ride that winds through rugged mountain terrain. There’s also time for games, hanging out in the lodge, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.
The weekend includes three teaching sessions where students hear messages that speak directly to their lives and challenge them to grow in their faith. We also have a reflection bonfire, a powerful evening for worship, personal reflection, and honest conversation. Each student receives quiet time exercises with Bible passages and questions to help them apply what they are learning.
Last year, we brought 29 students, the largest group we’ve ever taken to Awanita, and we believe God is going to do something incredible this year as well! From the adrenaline of the zipline to the stillness of a quiet moment by the creek. Awanita is where memories are made, friendships deepen, and students take their next step with God.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Marietta, South Carolina, Awanita Valley is the perfect backdrop for connection and growth. The setting is breathtaking with wooded trails, crisp mountain air, and open skies that give students space to slow down, breathe deeply, and be present.
Our retreat blends fun activities with meaningful spiritual moments. Students experience Awanita’s signature zipline that sends them soaring above the valley and the legendary Hummer ride that winds through rugged mountain terrain. There’s also time for games, hanging out in the lodge, hiking, and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation.
The weekend includes three teaching sessions where students hear messages that speak directly to their lives and challenge them to grow in their faith. We also have a reflection bonfire, a powerful evening for worship, personal reflection, and honest conversation. Each student receives quiet time exercises with Bible passages and questions to help them apply what they are learning.
Last year, we brought 29 students, the largest group we’ve ever taken to Awanita, and we believe God is going to do something incredible this year as well! From the adrenaline of the zipline to the stillness of a quiet moment by the creek. Awanita is where memories are made, friendships deepen, and students take their next step with God.
Sunday Nights
JI Youth is every Sunday evening from 6:00-7:30pm.
BIG Sunday is the first Sunday of each month - Food, fun, and Games. This Sunday is designed as an easy night to visit JI Youth. It always has a theme, event, or game.
Come back the rest of the month for captivating teaching that a teenager would actually pay attention to and a community focused on the Gospel.
BIG Sunday is the first Sunday of each month - Food, fun, and Games. This Sunday is designed as an easy night to visit JI Youth. It always has a theme, event, or game.
Come back the rest of the month for captivating teaching that a teenager would actually pay attention to and a community focused on the Gospel.
THIS MONTH'S BIG SUNDAY
Sunday, September 7th | 6:00–7:30 PM | JI Youth
Join us for a laid-back and laughter-filled evening at JI Youth’s Wiffle Ball Cookout! This Big Sunday event, happening on September 7 at 6 PM, is open to all middle and high school students. We’ll enjoy a full cookout with cheeseburgers, classic youth group games like nine square and lawn games, and of course—a friendly wiffle ball showdown.
Whether you’re brand new or a JI Youth regular, this is the perfect night to hang out, have fun, and invite a friend. Come ready to eat, play, and connect!
No need to sign up—just show up!
📍 35 Plymouth Ave, Charleston, SC 29412
Join us for a laid-back and laughter-filled evening at JI Youth’s Wiffle Ball Cookout! This Big Sunday event, happening on September 7 at 6 PM, is open to all middle and high school students. We’ll enjoy a full cookout with cheeseburgers, classic youth group games like nine square and lawn games, and of course—a friendly wiffle ball showdown.
Whether you’re brand new or a JI Youth regular, this is the perfect night to hang out, have fun, and invite a friend. Come ready to eat, play, and connect!
No need to sign up—just show up!
📍 35 Plymouth Ave, Charleston, SC 29412
Events
JI Youth has three major events throughout the year.
The youth group starts the year with an Intown Retreat. This usually lasts a weekend and we have a mini camp setting here on campus and in host homes.
The next major event is Summer Camp. This is the Largest trip JI Youth takes, lasting a whole week! This is mission centered and gospel focused. The students look forward to this week all year!
The Final trip JI Youth goes on is our Fall Retreat in November. This is a weekend long trip up to a Christian camp site in the mountains of South Carolina. This trip involves worship, teaching, messy games, and hummer rides!
The youth group starts the year with an Intown Retreat. This usually lasts a weekend and we have a mini camp setting here on campus and in host homes.
The next major event is Summer Camp. This is the Largest trip JI Youth takes, lasting a whole week! This is mission centered and gospel focused. The students look forward to this week all year!
The Final trip JI Youth goes on is our Fall Retreat in November. This is a weekend long trip up to a Christian camp site in the mountains of South Carolina. This trip involves worship, teaching, messy games, and hummer rides!
Hope For Teenagers
At JI Youth, we believe following Jesus means showing up for people when life gets hard. That’s why we created the Hope for Teens page—a space specifically built to help students who are struggling with mental health, suicidal thoughts, or substance use. Whether it’s you or someone you care about, this page offers real resources, crisis support, and a reminder that you are not alone. We want every teenager to know that there’s help, there’s hope, and there’s a God who hasn’t given up on them—and neither have we.
JI Youth Contact
Youth Pastor- Logan Duvall
843-343-7099
logan@jamesislandbaptist.com
843-343-7099
logan@jamesislandbaptist.com