Fall Family Retreat at Pine Springs Ranch

Nalu Nakaahiki, insurance eligibility verification, and Jordan Buzzell, D2, emcee the Saturday night Hawaiian Escape.

Faculty, staff, and students from the School of Dentistry left studies and work behind October 17 to 19, to enjoy the Fall Family Retreat at Pine Springs Ranch.

After arriving and enjoying abundant camp food, the group gathered in the Ponderosa Room for Friday evening fellowship. Dental students Heather Pundt, Ben Bowen, and the praise team provided special music.

Heather Pundt (second from right) and Ben Bowen and their praise team, lead the song service during fellowship and devotional time during the Fall Family Retreat.

Many dental and dental hygiene students have provided dental care around the world through the School’s service learning program in places including Kiriabati, Nicaragua, Belize, Galapagos Islands, Granada, and Fiji. Students shared their experiences providing mission dental care during meetings Friday night and Sabbath. John Brunt, pastor of Azure Hills Church of Seventh-day Adventists, was the featured speaker. His Friday evening topic was “What does it mean to be saved.”

John Brunt, pastor of the Azure Hills Church, presents the Sabbath sermon.

After the meeting Dan Hall, assistant professor, restorative dentistry; Jim Redfield, special projects; and Reuben Quijano, computer services, set up telescopes and invited the group to gaze at the stars.

The next morning children participated in Children’s Church, organized by Jennifer Wilcox. The children enjoyed singing and crafts. The praise team led the adults in music, and Pastor Brunt provided the Sabbath worship message: “What does it mean to be filled with the spirit?” The afternoon provided opportunities for hiking, with family, birding, and advanced hikes planned.

Jennifer Wilcox, married to David Wilcox, D4*, organized Children’s Church. Here she helps Nicole Handysides with an art project.

On Saturday night various classes performed skits for the Hawaiian Escape, and Reo Pugao, first-year dental student, won the grand prize raffle: a trip to Hawaii donated by University Travel; restorative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and William Hooker, PhD, MFCC, associate dean for student affairs, and his wife, Marie.

During the Hawaiian Escape dozens of raffle prizes were drawn, including gift certificates to department stores and restaurants.

Pictured from right: Evie Roach, and Drs. Clyde Roggenkamp, Doyle Nick, and Ron Forde take a break from the Sabbath afternoon bird hike to pose for a photo. There were several afternoon hikes planned.	Raema Holder (left) and Rebecca Phillips, dental hygiene seniors, pose for a photo before their Saturday night skit.

 

Faculty, students, and staff gather for spiritual renewal during church services in the mountains, at Pine Springs Ranch.	Students enjoy breakfast in the Pine Springs Ranch cafeteria.

 

During Saturday night Hawaiian Escape Drs. William Hooker, associate dean (left) and Ron Forde, director, service learning, practice the hula.	Emcee Jordan Buzzell (right) presents the grand prize drawing, a trip to Hawaii, to Reo Pugao, D1*.

 

 

*D4: Fourth-year dental student.
*D1: First-year dental student.