KidzQuest : September 20-22, 2019

KidzQuest, the annual children’s fall retreat sponsored by South Georgia’s Connectional Ministries is for students in 3rd-6th grades. This event typically sells out before the deadline and brings so much energy (and noise!) to the grounds of Epworth By The Sea retreat center on St. Simons Island, GA. 500 children and adult leaders come together with dozens of other church groups, learning how to worship, study God's Word, and understand what a relationship with Jesus really means. Amidst beautiful coastal scenery, amazing adult leaders (that's you!) and time away from home - these children are given an opportunity to experience Christ in brand new ways!        

Registration is OPEN. Click here for group registration.

Payment is required at time of registration in order to be complete. Registrations received without payment will be considered PENDING and payment must be received within 7 days or registration will be dropped. Space is limited to the first 500 complete registrations. After the event is full, registration will close and a waiting list will begin. Deadline is September 9, 2019.

The cost for the retreat is $150 per person and includes meals, cabin lodging, insurance, tshirt and programming.

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.

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, you must contact the Connectional Ministries office at (912) 638-8626 ext 107 and in writing to suzanne@sgaumc.com.

Blake Caldwell, 2019 retreat speaker

Through a combination of illusions, comedy, audience interaction and “balloonimations” (yeah, he made that up), kids will be laughing, leaders will be swept up in the flow, and all will be ready to hear what God has for them! Blake has 25 years of proven experience as a children’s pastor and a kids entertainer, a true children’s ministry veteran. Blake lives in the Seattle area. He is a father of two and a husband of one! He also has a dog called Tobi or “dude” for short.

“Discovering Jesus – it’s the most incredible thing to happen to a person – EVER! It’s why I do what I do!" -Blake Caldwell

RESOURCES FOR CHURCH LEADERS (coming soon!)

• Promo Material -  Click here for a one-page full color pdf promo flyer to distribute as needed.

• Adult Leaders Guide - View here prior to event. Full color versions for each of your adult chaperones will be included in your church packet at check-in.

• Church Time - There will be two opportunities, 45 minutes each, to debrief with your group about what they are learning and how to apply that to their daily lives. Resources will be available for this time in your check-in packets; however, feel free to tailor this time to best fit your group of kids. 

• Devotions - Each child will receive devotional guides for both Saturday and Sunday mornings. These will be in church packets at check-in.

• Menu for the weekend (TBD)

• Pre-Arrival Checklist 

  • Register group online and make sure payment is received within 7 days.

  • Print off, fill out and have Pastor sign Safe Sanctuaries Form.

  • Collect and keep all youth medical forms and insurance information with you.

  • Give participants a list of What to Pack.

  • Make plans for when and where late arrivals will meet for your group transportation. 

  • Confirm transportation arrangements.
  • Conduct a KidzQuest orientation meeting at your church for parents and/or chaperones.
    • Cover objectives, schedule, procedures, financial obligations, expectations, honor code, and the consequences for violations.
• During the Event Checklist
  • Check-in group at the Connectional Ministries Office between 5:30-7:00pm Friday night. 
  • Check on health and well being of children. Make sure all are fully participating in activities.
  • Arrive to sessions, workshops, meal times and other scheduled activities on time.
  • Have at least one adult from your group participate in orientation before the first session Friday night.
  • Distribute cabin keys, devotion guides, etc from the Welcome Packet.

Safe Sanctuaries Compliance

Adult chaperones are provided by each church group attending. A 1:6 chaperone/camper ratio is required and both genders must be represented in chaperones if represented with campers. 

KidzQuest is a Safe Sanctuaries compliant event and all adult chaperones must be certified. Please include the following Safe Sanctuaries form with registrations. Only one form per group is needed. Click here to download the Safe Sanctuaries form.

Accommodations 

Participants at KidzQuest 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 What to Pack). In most cases, multiple church groups will be assigned to each cabin.

Sample Schedule (2019 schedule will have new changes)

Free time has been scheduled in to allow for groups to enjoy the island as a part of the programming.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Questions

For more information, contact Suzanne Akins, Camp & Retreat Director, at suzanne@sgaumc.com.

Office of Connectional Ministries (912) 638-8626 ext 107.

photo: KQ2018