Everything you want to know about a TEC weekend
Quite a lot — and some of it is best experienced without knowing too much ahead of time. What we can say is that Weekenders spend the weekend in a small group of 6–7 other high school students and one adult, listening to talks given primarily by their peers. Those talks spark small-group discussions, and through that process genuine friendships and faith are built.
The weekend follows the arc of Holy Week: Friday reflects on Ash Wednesday and the Passion, Saturday celebrates the Resurrection, and Sunday sends everyone home with a Pentecost charge to live out what they’ve experienced.
A Weekender is a high school student attending TEC for the first time. The whole weekend is designed around their experience, and is an encounter with the story of Jesus Christ and with a community that takes that story seriously.
A team member is a high school student who has already been through a TEC weekend and has come back to help make it happen for others. Teams are led primarily by high schoolers, with a smaller number of adults supporting them. Serving on team is often just as transformative as attending as a Weekender.
Start times depend on your role. Team members are expected at the host church by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Weekenders arrive Friday morning at 9:30 a.m.
We understand this is a real consideration for families. The Friday morning arrival is an important part of the TEC experience, not just a logistical detail. The hours before school lets out on Friday are when small groups form, relationships begin to take root, and the foundation is laid for everything that follows over the weekend. Weekenders who arrive late miss that foundation, which can make it harder to connect with their small group and fully experience the rest of the weekend.
Many schools will grant an excused absence for a religious retreat — it’s worth a quick conversation with the school office or a counselor.
If you have specific concerns about your child’s school situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the council — we’re happy to talk it through.
Any high school student in grades 9–12 is welcome to attend as a Weekender.
We ask that Weekenders be dropped off by a parent, guardian, or friend rather than driving themselves. Host churches often have limited parking, and there’s no need for a vehicle at any point during the weekend.
There aren’t secrets so much as surprises — elements of the weekend that are far more meaningful when you encounter them firsthand. Knowing about them ahead of time would take the edge off. Parents and guardians with specific questions are always welcome to contact a TEC council member.
No. Any high school student can attend without being sponsored or referred by someone who has been through TEC before. This is one of the ways TEC differs from Cursillo, the adult retreat program it grew out of.
Saturday’s community dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. at the host church. Families and friends typically begin gathering sometime after 5:00 p.m.
Parent and guardian check-in begins at 3:15 p.m. The Closing Service starts at 4:00 p.m. and usually wraps up around 5:00 p.m.
Yes. All participants 18 and older are required to complete a background check before serving on a TEC weekend, and to renew it every three years.
Still have questions? We're happy to help.
Contact the Council