It’s that time of the year again!

Every Summer we kick off our activities with our annual Wilderness Retreat to the deep woods of northwest Michigan, and this year is no different.  We will be returning to the Rose-Alvia Retreat with their 600 acres of woods, spring fed lake and beautiful lodge.  And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also planning on visiting Lake Michigan at the beach in Frankfort as well.  And for $35 per person, it really is an affordable retreat!

Click on “Read the Rest” to watch a video slide show from last year’s retreat as well as to learn all the details and download the information letter and permission form for the trip.

As with many of our trips, SPACE IS LIMITED and we will accept participants on a first come, first served basis.  Be sure to turn in your registration form and fee as soon as possible to reserve your place.  We can accept registrations up until the day we leave, however, once the trip is full, we won’t be able to accept any more participants.

Now for the details. (By the way, all of this information is also in our Parents’ Information Letter that you can download right here. And while you’re at it, download the registration form as well.)

What is it?

The Water’s Edge Wilderness Retreat is an annual event which kicks of the summer for our youth ministry. Nestled deep within the north woods of Michigan, students will make memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a wilderness adventure, with nature hikes, campfires and late night games deep in the woods. But it is also a spiritual retreat, with a special focus on spiritual formation and developing the disciplines of the Christian life. Most important though is the sense of community that is forged from the shared experiences of this retreat. Participants from the first Wilderness Retreat five years ago are still find themselves laughing about their fond memories and asking each other “Remember when . . . .” This is your chance to make some of these memories and friendships for yourself.

When is it?

June 18-20, 2010. We will plan to leave the church at 9:30 am on Friday June 18th and will return Sunday evening, June 20. (Our departure time may change depending on availability of chaperones and possible summer school conflicts – we will adjust to ensure as many as possible may attend.)

Where is it?

The middle of nowhere. No, seriously, it’s in the middle of nowhere. We’ll be headed to a 600 acre private retreat in the woods of Northern Michigan. The closest town is Mesick, MI, population 450.

How much does it cost?

Cost for this event will be $35 per student, plus money for four fast food meals, one treat at an ice cream shop and any spending money participants would like to bring. (Although, remember, we will be in the Michigan wilderness and the only chances to spend money will be in gas stations on the way to and from the retreat.)

What should I bring?

We will be outside for much of this retreat, so students should bring clothes they can get dirty. Daytime will probably be warm, so bring shorts and t-shirts, but evenings can get cold, so bring some pants and sweatshirts. (Besides, you will want long pants for some of the activities in the woods.) We’ll also visit Lake Michigan, so bring a swimsuit. Comfortable walking/running shoes are a must, don’t just bring sandals and flip-flops! Students should also bring sleeping bag and pillow, towels, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, any other necessities for grooming, bug spray, sunscreen, a Bible, writing utensils and a notebook.