KidzQuest Children's Retreat 

SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2023

EPWORTH BY THE SEA, ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GEORGIA

KidzQuest, the annual children’s fall retreat sponsored by South Georgia’s Connectional Ministries is for students in 3rd-6th grades. Children and adult leaders from all around South Georgia 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

Registration is CLOSED. Deadline - Thursday September 14, 2023.

How it works: 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. Online payment is preferred; however, mailed church checks only (no personal checks) are acceptable. Make payable to "South GA Conference UMC" and mail to KidzQuest, PO Box 7227, Macon, GA 31209. (Please specify that the money is for KidzQuest registration).

Cost: $185.00 per person

Church leaders: Use this form (link given when registration opens) 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 of the same gender 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.

RESOURCES FOR CHURCH LEADERS 

Adult Leader Q&A Info Zoom will be held Thursday, September 14th at noon. Information will be sent to registered leaders the week of September 11th.

• Adult Leaders Guide - 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 if you want to read through ahead of time and will also be included in your check-in packets. Feel free to tailor this time to best fit your group of kids. 

• Devotions - available in your packet at registration. 

• 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 Camping & Retreats Office at Epworth By The Sea, 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.
 

HOUSING

Epworth By The Sea: All participants (children and adults) will stay in cabins. Church groups will not be separated based on grade/age - all same gender participants from each church will stay together. Other church groups will be sharing space in the cabins. Cabins have adult leader rooms; however, because of the number of adults in each cabin, some adults will stay in the large room with children. All beds are bunk beds and individuals must provide own bedding/linens.

MEALS

ON STAGE

SCHEDULE 

Schedule is subject to change as the event nears. Free time has been scheduled in to allow for groups to enjoy the island as a part of the programming.
 

Friday

5:30-7:00 Check-in @ Camping & Retreat Office

Questions

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

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