retreat

Help us to keep this event affordable
We have purposefully kept the cost very affordable for this full weekend of events to allow all youth the opportunity to join us in this very popular weekend. This is a tall order, as there many costs that go into making this event a successful one.

To help the youth group fund not become depleted before the end of this year, we are asking families to assist with meals. We will soon have a sign-up which Emily Hoell and Hecti Musa will disseminate. The sign-up list will provide the needed items, which will be easy ones, such as chili, spaghetti, taco ingredients, soda, juice, etc. Please consider assisting with this. If everyone donates a mere couple of items, we would have all major meals covered. This then frees up money for other events while there. Thank you so much!

Youth Registration and Cost
Registration: Deadline is Dec 31 and deposit is $100

Total Cost: $155, remainder to be provided prior to departure.

House Information
Good news! We have acquired the St. Andrews House after seven years of trying. We will no longer be in the Hillside House, which is far smaller. This new house is gigantic!

High School House

House: St. Andrews house

Youth Capacity: 18

House Youth Leaders: Two Youth Leaders

Middle School House

House: Meade house

Youth Capacity: 18

House Youth Leaders: Three Youth Leaders

Lodging Details
Bedrooms have two beds, some queen, double and twin. Youth will be sharing rooms. All youth need to bring a sleeping bag, however, as some will be in beds and some will be on mattresses on the floor. All rooms are arranged appropriately by gender. There will be some overflow as necessary in large living spaces with mattresses.

Overall Rules and Boundaries
Specialized dietary requirements or allergies must be sent in advance. There is nowhere to get them once there, so please let me know soonest.
There will be a zero tolerance level for all unchristian type behavior. This includes rudeness, bullying, inappropriate language, conversations or gestures and anything else deemed unchristian by leadership. If the behavior of any youth becomes an issue, parents will be called and they will have to come and retrieve their child.
There will be no pranks or loud activity after midnight. This is lights out and all activity will be contained within the cabin and within individual rooms.
There will be no fraternizing with others in a promiscuous manner while on the trip.

Offered Activities while at Shrine Mont
This is a Winter Retreat, not a ski trip, so please do not think that because your youth does not ski that they should not come. We have enough leaders to accommodate several winter activities as described here.
Hiking to North Mountain, the Cross, Big Schloss Mountain
Shenandoah Caverns
Movie in Woodstock, Va
Hanging out reading and playing games
Bonfire and Marshmallows
Skiing
Snow Tubing
Bryce Lodge for live music Saturday night
Sledding
Movie Night
Other

Snow Tubing and Skiing
The cost of skiing is an additional expense over and above the cost of the trip. Please check the resort website for cost details. It is cheaper to purchase tickets online as well, but you can also purchase them there.
Those who do not wish to snow tube need to let me know in advance of the trip so I know how many tickets to purchase, as this event is paid for by the church.
All youth must purchase a lesson with their lift ticket unless a parent note is received to state that they do not require a lesson. A package with lesson and day lift pass is pretty reasonable.
All skiers must rent a helmet or bring their own.
Skiers may bring their own equipment.

What to Bring
Every year, this does not get read by some and youth come unprepared. Please read and ask any questions you may have.
Sleeping bag, pajamas
Pillow
Winter clothing
Bathroom bag
Book
Spending money
Personal snacks
Hiking shoes

Ski equipment – Limited space

Itinerary

Friday Jan 18
5pm (Faulkner Hall): High School Scout Party will go up in the evening to do groceries, stock houses and prep houses for guests. This is purely voluntary and the rest of the high school youth will come up on Saturday with the rest.

Saturday Jan 19
7am – 8am (Faulkner Hall): Pack Van and Leadership/Parent/Youth Review of all contained within this email

8am – 11am: Travel to Shrinemont

Rest of Day: Events begin

Sunday Jan 20
Myriad of events

Monday Jan 21
Return to Faulkner by 2pm