PHOENIX – August 13, 2022 – (Newswire.com)

As another academic year approaches, Church Movement of Hope is committed to helping incoming freshmen successfully bridge the gap between high school and college. The Class of 2026 includes Gen Z, the generation born after 1997. The Hope Church Movement is hosting its 11th annual Survivor Weekend over Labor Day Weekend, when college students across the Southwest form tribes, or teams, and enjoy a weekend of music. camping and competition.

Pastor Brian and Wendy Smith, founders of Survivor Weekend and Hope Church Movement, said it was their individual college experiences that inspired them to start this event in 2011. Although hosted by Hope Church Movement, the event is non-religious in nature and welcomes students of all faiths.

“Many of us forget our freshman year and the insecurities that we had,” said Pastor Brian Smith, who is also the founder of the Campus Changer Network. “Our hope is to provide students with an amazing experience and an opportunity to build authentic friendships. If they want to go to church later, that’s fine, and if they don’t, that’s fine too! We want them to know that Hope Church wants them to succeed as new college students.”

One student, Shawn Romo, was impacted by Survivor Weekend in his freshman year, and he was part of the planning committee before his sudden passing in 2016. His idea of ​​awarding a trophy to the victorious tribe was honored and named the Romo Cup in memory of him. His parents have presented the winning lineage with the Romo Cup at the last four events.

“Survivor was this giant stepping stone that launched him on his college journey,” said Jill Romo, Shawn’s mother. “I’m just very proud of the man he’s become.”

Young people are more likely than previous generations to struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and loneliness. In fact, one in four Gen Z is anxious, according to a 2020 study…