Testimonials
"I came to Clemson longing for biblical community and a firm foundation to build my year on. The Hills did just that! Every person I met at the Hills welcomed me with open arms and truly overflowed with the love of Christ. Along with building life-long friendships, I also learned what it looks like to live set apart on a secular campus. Thank you, Jesus! Go Hills! ”
— Dylan Crocker, Class of 2028
“For me, The Hills Retreat was the place where the Lord met me, and I never walked the same again. The sessions are eye-opening, not just for those who are beginning to know Christ, but also for the believer who has walked with the Lord for a while. And I had been walking with the Lord for some time, but I was stuck, living half in, half out. At the end of a session, the Spirit touched me, and I knew I needed to let someone in. The retreat fosters a space that invites vulnerability, allowing you to share what you are walking through and inviting others in to walk with you through your weeping and rejoicing. I ended up talking to one of the head counselors, and a burden I had been carrying for so long was lifted off me, and it was my own doing. The Lord convicted me, and I decided in that moment that I was done living the way I had been and that I would go into college fully surrendered to His plans for my life. The Hills Retreat is a special space where the Lord comes and moves, touching hearts and transforming lives.”
— Abby Morgan, class of 2028
“Coming to Clemson, I was unsure about the community that I would surround myself with and the lifestyle I would pursue. Through the Hills, I found authentic Christian community that has truly shaped who I am as a man, as a Clemson student, and as a child of God. The retreat gave me a newfound fire for Jesus and showed me that living for Christ is not boring, but rather fulfilling, satisfying, restful, and FUN! The Hills connected me to my campus ministries and my church which have continued to provide genuine community, and strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the Hills and the impact it has had, and continues to have on my life!”
— Davis Tucker, class of 2028
“Coming into freshman year I did not know who I wanted to be. All I knew was that I wanted to felt seen and loved by the people around me.That is exactly what the Hills provided me! I was loved so well by my small group leaders, our head leaders, and all of the amazing girls in my small group. Being a part of the Hills just lit my fire for the Lord so early on and coming to campus with so many new familiar faces really allowed me to pursue the Lord intentionally. The Hills opened the door to so many friendships, mentorships, ministry opportunities, and small groups!! Please please sign up you won't regret it!”
— AnnRichard Maloney, Class of 2029
“I went to the Hills Retreat not knowing anything about it except that it was a Christian retreat for incoming Clemson students, and it was my mom that signed me up. Looking back, the Lord used what I thought was another retreat as a spiritual pivot in my life. Before the Hills Retreat, I was living for myself, lost in the world, and stuck in my sin, but it was at the Hills the Lord set me free and called me to follow Him! He placed people in my life that are my best friends today, that have shown me the love He loves me with and have helped me pursue a relationship with Him! I am super grateful for the Hills and how the Lord used this retreat to welcome me into the awesome community I have to this day! That same community is available to you, and I am stoked to see how the Lord uses the Hills in your life!”
— Charlie Marchbanks, Class of 2028
"The Hills Retreat was the best thing that could have prepared me for coming to Clemson. I was surrounded by such Godly community that then transitioned into fruitful friendships in college. I met some people that have truly become my best friends and that push me to pursue the Lord every single day. I didn't know that I could find these kinds of people so easily, and I left The Hills so encouraged by this truth. Not only did I meet amazing people, but the couple of days were filled with so many fun activities, faith strengthening messages, and quality time with upperclassmen who deeply desired to pour into me. I'm so thankful for The Hills and how much of an impact it made on my experience coming into college!"
— LindsAy Johnson, Class of 2027
“The Hills Retreat was an amazing start to my Clemson experience. My older sister convinced me to sign up the day that applications opened, and I am incredibly glad that I did! I was introduced to a vibrant, kind, and inviting community of college students who love the Lord and each other. I am happy to say that some of my closest friends are people I met on the Hills! Already knowing some names and faces gave me an extra boost of confidence during my first few weeks of school. I also loved the exposure to different churches and campus ministries - I found my church on the Hills! Sign up, get ready to learn a million names, and get connected to Christian community at Clemson!”
— Eliza Hoffman, Class of 2027
“The Hills means more to me than simply a faith-based retreat or a "Christian" summer camp. The Hills Retreat is so unique to me because it offers college students the ability to not only celebrate the goodness of God openly, but it also supplies students with a community of like-minded, motivated individuals all chasing for the same goal... a relationship with our Creator! The Hills Retreat has helped me mold my faith, meet friends in Christ, and most importantly, offered me a direct venue for the Lord to meet me right where I am. I will forever be grateful for my time at the Hills, both as a clueless freshman, and an established volunteer because the Lord uses this time as a chance to show me he is faithful in my life, no matter the season or circumstances.”
— Jones DesChamps, Class of 2028
“Going to the Hills Retreat my freshman year at Clemson really set a foundation of what biblical community could look like as I grew in my walk with the Lord. I was entering college so desperately desiring community that would push me closer to Christ and the Lord abundantly provided more than I could have ever asked for. Through the Hills, I got to see a group of college students on fire for the Lord and eager to walk in obedience with Him. Through the teaching of God’s word, vulnerability in small groups, and having FUN with people full of the JOY of the Lord was such an encouragement to me as I stepped outside my comfort zone to rest in all God had provided! The Hills Retreat is such an awesome opportunity to meet new people who are likeminded in their faith and desire the Lord above all else! Thank you God!”
— Kinsley Kate Canter Class of 2027