RETREAT 2027
Meet the Team
Speaker
Brent Crowe
Brent Crowe is a thought-provoking visionary and communicator who has a passion to present the life changing message of the gospel. Brent uses humor and real-life situations to relate to people at the heart of their struggles. The roles of husband, father, minister, evangelist, author and leader have allowed Brent to influence people from all walks of life throughout his twenty-plus years in ministry. Engaging issues such as leadership, culture, and change, Brent speaks to hundreds of thousands across the nation and abroad each year and is currently serving as President for Student Leadership University, a program that has trained students for almost 30 years to commit themselves to excellence.
He is also the author of Ten Steps to Your Best Life, Philippians Bible Study, Moments ‘til Midnight, Sacred Intent: Maximize the Moments of Your Life, Reimagine: What the World Would Look Like If God Got His Way, Chasing Elephants: Wrestling with the Gray Areas of Life, the Associate Editor of IMPACT, The Student Leadership Bible and the co-author of The Call.
The desire of Brent’s heart is to see people realize that they have been set apart to the gospel of God and thus, in turn, they must set their lives apart in an effort to capture every moment in worshipful service to Him.
Worship
Harbor Worship & Friends
Harbor Worship is the worship team at The Harbor Church in Center Moriches, NY. While the team is incredibly talented, what is most important is that it's a group of people whose lives have been radically transformed by Jesus and who are using their gifts and talents to give Jesus the praise that He deserves.
2025 marked an exciting year for Harbor Worship as they released their third album, "Year of the Lord (Live)". This album wasn't just Harbor Worship, but they were joined by friends and worship leaders from Long Island and beyond. They embody the same heart that is behind WinterFest, which is to exult the name of Jesus in unity with His Church across the globe.
Hosts
Peter Ladenheim & Marcos Arriola
Peter Ladenheim serves as the Youth Pastor at The Harbor Church in Center Moriches, NY. As a student, Peter gave his life to Jesus at WinterFest in 2009. Exactly 10 years later, he found himself with the great honor of running the same retreat that was foundational in his relationship with Jesus. Peter's heart and passion is to see students impacted and transformed by the radical love of Jesus, and to become ambassadors of the Gospel that will change the world around them.
Marcos Arriola grew up attending The Harbor Church and was a byproduct of being involved in youth ministry as a student. He currently serves alongside Peter as a member of the Youth Leader Team at The Harbor Church. His love for Jesus is evident, his heart for students is obvious, and his humor and energy is infectious. He brings light and life wherever he goes.
RECENT UPDATES
WHY WINTERFEST?
Our Mission
WinterFest exists to unite youth groups across Long Island for a Jesus-focused weekend of community, worship, and discipleship, empowering students to pursue Jesus deeply and live out their faith boldly.
Our Core Values
Spiritual Growth & Discipleship - We intentionally disciple students to pursue Jesus deeply and walk out their faith boldly.
Jesus-Centered Worship - Everything we do is focused on pursuing Jesus and exalting His name.
Unity in the Body of Christ - We gather with multiple denominations, focusing on our common ground in Jesus, to be known as His disciples by our love for one another.
Empowering & Sending - We equip students to carry the Gospel back home - impacting their youth groups, schools, and communities.
Our Vision
To see a generation of students walking in the unity of the Church, growing as devoted disciples of Jesus, and impacting their world through the transformative power of the Gospel.
MEMORY LANE
WinterFest 2025 Recap
GET IN TOUCH
We'd Love to Hear From You!