
All high school and middle school-aged youth are invited for a fun weekend at Stronghold Camp where you will be able to laugh, play games, sing & worship, try the giant swing or Leap of Faith, explore (the castle! the woods! your faith!), help with a mission project, and more.
Whether you come from a church where you are “the teen” or where there is a youth group – come! You don’t have to be part of a group to attend – there will be plenty of opportunities to engage and make new friends. Age-appropriate groupings will be used whenever possible.
DETAILS
Arrive at Stronghold any time after 7 pm Friday night. Bring your favorite snacks to share with the group. We’ll supply the S’mores! Four meals are provided in the Brubaker Dining Hall – Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast. The retreat will end after Sunday worship around noon. Sunday lunch is on your own on your way home. Two nights lodging in the Castle is included.
MISSION PROJECT
The weekend will focus on the Matthew 25 challenge (“When Did We See You”) to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned… Our compassionate response will be to fillĀ “For the least of these” bags – essential items to distribute to those experiencing homelessness as the weather turns colder. These Blessing Bags may be distributed in your home area or sent to greater Rockford to be handed out.
Please gather the following items – make it a congregational effort! Our goal is to fill 3-5 bags per participant.
- Socks
- Trail Mix
- Packet of Tissues
- Energy Bars
- Bottled Water
- Gloves
- Stocking cap
- $10 Walmart gift card
WHAT TO BRING
Sleeping bag & pillow
Jackets, clothes to be outdoors in, closed-toed shoes, (dress for the weather!)
Bible and notepad
Snacks to share
Items for the Blessing Bags
REGISTRATION
Please designate one adult leader from your church to be the Registrar – the person responsible for communications to your delegation. Then use the form below (multiple times if necessary). If you wish to pay online, use the donate button on the upper right of this website – choose “Youth Retreats”. You may also mail in a check to the Presbytery office or bring your check to the retreat. We are seeking grant funding to offer limitedĀ scholarships – please inquire.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY
All registrants: adults, youth (and parents of each youth), must sign the Waiver and bring the copy with you.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: November 7, but the sooner you register, the better. You are responsible to pay for anyone registered by Nov. 7.