ENCOUNTER YOUTH RETREAT
November 22-24, 2019
THE FOCUS
We all have a tendency to judge people by what we see on the surface. Part of Jesus’ appeal was his ability to look beyond the circumstances of a moment and discern matters of the heart.
At Encounter, we'll learn to look beyond circumstances to spot the need and hunger in ourselves and in other people. There is good news - gospel news - to be shared and the offer of new life. Let's go beneath the surface to show God and others who we truly are...in Him!
Encounter is a weekend retreat designed for 6th - 12th grade students where everyone will ENCOUNTER God, and each in a very unique way. This retreat will offer passionate worship, relevant Bible study and a meaningful time with other teens at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island.
REGISTRATION
Online registration is now CLOSED.
Registrations will be pending until full payment is received. Cost is $150 per person (youth & chaperones). Payment is required within 7 days of registering and $50 of the registration fee is non-refundable. Churches will register as a group and fill out individual camper's information within the same registration. Deadline is November 11, 2019.
Church leaders: Click here if you need a form to hand out to gather your student's and chaperone's information. This is not a registration form. Only online registration is accepted. Click here for a full-color, one page flyer to use for promotional purposes.
Refund Policy: Cancellation PRIOR to the deadline = Total refund less $50.00 (non-refundable deposit). Cancellation AFTER the deadline = No refund. Cancellation due to illness prior to retreat = Total refund less $50.00. Fees may be transferred to a NEW REPLACEMENT camper if the registrar is notified prior to the first day of the retreat.To make notice of cancellation or change after the deadline, you must contact the Connectional Ministries office at (912) 638-8626 and in writing to suzanne@sgaumc.com.
WEEKEND LEADERSHIP
YOUTH LEADERS
WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN YOUR CHURCH PACKET AT CHECK-IN
- Adult Leader Guide: Everything you want to know about the schedule, church time, free time and a few surprises!
- Devotions: One devotional booklet per person. These will be used both Saturday and Sunday mornings.
- Church Time: Questions based on what is shared at each session. These questions will allow your group to dive deeper into the topics and share in a smaller group.
- Map of Epworth
- Keys to your cabin
- List of emergency numbers
- Nametags & lanyards
WORKSHOP OFFERED - ADULTS ONLY
Rachael Lee, a licensed professional counselor in Brunswick, GA and a lifetime member of the South Georgia Conference, will be leading 3 sessions for adults on the topic of "Ministry to Teens Amidst a Mental Health Crisis". The sessions will take place Saturday from 12:30pm-2:30pm, 9:00pm-10:30pm and Sunday 9:00am-10:00am. Sessions will include training and awareness on the effects of technology, bullying/social consideration, suicide ideation/prevention, anxiety/depression, peer to peer relationships, advocacy in our communities/schools, time for Q&A and *HOPE* for those leading teens through all of this.
WEEKEND MUSIC
Want a sneak peak into what we'll be singing this weekend? Phillip & Leah have a Spotify playlist just for us! It's public so anyone with the app, free or paid, will be able to listen.
SAFE SANCTUARIES COMPLIANCE
Adult chaperones are provided by each church group attending. Counselors must be 21 or older with a 1:6 ratio for counselor/youth. Both male and female counselors must be in attendance if both genders are represented with students. Click here to download the Safe Sanctuaries form. Only one form per church group is needed and this can be turned in at registration or emailed ahead of time to suzanne@sgaumc.com.
COST
The cost is $150 per person which includes lodging, meals, insurance and a t-shirt.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Participants at ENCOUNTER will be sleeping in the cabins at Epworth By The Sea. All beds are twin size. Participants will need to bring their own bed linens and towels (see a recommended list of What to Pack). In most cases, multiple church groups will be assigned to each cabin.
SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Friday, November 22
5:30-7:00 Check-in @ Camp & Retreat Office
5:30-7:00 Supper line open
7:45 Youth Leaders Meeting @ Tabby House
8:15 Opening Worship (Strickland Auditorium)
9:30 Church Time
10:30 In Cabins
Saturday, November 23
7:00 Morning Fun Run (optional)
7:30-8:30 Breakfast Line Open
8:30 Devos @ Brown Center
9:30 Worship ENCOUNTER 2 (Strickland)
10:45 Church Time
11:30 Cookout under the Oaks
12:30-2:30 Adult Leader Workshop pt 1
1:00-2:30 Break Out Groups (MS Girls, HS Girls, MS Boys, HS Boys)
2:30-5:00 Free Time - activities offered on site
5:30-6:45 Supper
7:00 Worship ENCOUNTER 3 (Strickland)
8:15 Church Time
9:00 Adult Leader Workshop pt 2
Late Night Fun TBD
11:00 In Cabins
Sunday, November 24
7:00 Morning Fun Run (optional)
7:30-8:45 Breakfast line open
8:45 Pack up
9:00 Devos @ Brown Center
9:00 Adult Leader Workshop pt 3
10:15 Worship ENCOUNTER 4 (Strickland)
11:30 Lunch & Depart
QUESTIONS
Suzanne Akins
Director of Camping & Retreats
(912) 638-8626 ext. 107
