All set for the 2022 Fall Retreat? It’s so close! Here’s everything you need to know to have a great weekend:
Forms There are 3 required forms: 1 for Camp Canaan and 2 for DCPC (which you may have already filled out this year, contact Matt if you’re not sure)
Departure Please arrive at the back of the Congregation House at 7:30 pm. We’ll pack cars, double check forms, and be on the road by 8:00 pm. Please eat dinner before arriving!
Return Sunday at noon
Transportation Camp Canaan is an hour away and we will be traveling there in the church bus and leaders’ personal vehicles
General Packing List
- Clothes and jackets that can get dirty and are appropriate for the weather (we will be spending a lot of time outside and the temperature will swing 30 degrees on Saturday so layers are recommended!)
- Rain gear (e.g. jacket, poncho) for Friday night (we won’t be doing a lot outside, but we could get wet walking between buildings)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Shoes and/or hiking boots (closed-toe shoes required for the high ropes course)
- Pillow and sleeping bag or blankets & sheets
- Bible, notebook, pen
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletries
- Towel and washcloth
- Personal medication
- Flashlight
- Nut free snack to share
- Fun stuff to do during free time (optional, e.g. frisbee for the disc golf course, board games, crafts, etc.)
- Camera (optional)
- Optional items for electives:
- Music: An instrument
- Visual art: We will have art supplies, but if you have a favorite art set, feel free to bring that.
- Solo reflection: a blanket or camp chair to sit on while reflecting
Do Not Pack List
- Anything illegal: drugs, alcohol, weapons, fireworks, medication you do not have a prescription for
- Tunneling/mining equipment
- Smartphones, gaming systems, tablets, laptops, etc. (see below)
Technology Free Weekend One of the reasons that we call this is a retreat is that we are pulling back from our everyday lives to experience something new and different. Since technology has become such a big part of our everyday lives, this weekend will be an opportunity to experience life without it and see how community and connectedness can form without screens. Also, when we limit the number of voices we’re listening to in a day, maybe it will be a little easier to hear what God is saying to us. So, we are asking everyone to leave their technology at home. Adult leaders will limit their technology use too and share their phones if a student needs to call home. If anyone has any questions/concerns about this, please let me know in advance! Smart watches, e-readers, and digital cameras are all welcome.
We’re Teaching This Our theme for the weekend is the series The Good Life and here’s what it’s all about:
We all want to live “the good life,” but which version? The traveling influencer? The star athlete? The brilliant artist? Something new and different than what most people think? No matter what version we hope for, we could all use some help figuring out how to find it. In this series, we’ll learn how the Holy Spirit helps us to experience more of the life we were created to live. In this series we hope to discover a version of life, and a way to do the teenage years, that is better than we ever could have imagined.
Parents: get more details and ideas to try at home in the Parent Cue! There’s a middle school version and a high school version.
We’re Doing This
Friday
Depart DCPC/Arrive at Camp Canaan
Group meeting (welcome, expectations, schedule, etc.)
Group game
Lights Out
Saturday
Wake up & breakfast
Big group & small groups 1
Electives
Lunch
Quiet time
Big group & small groups 2
High ropes & free time
Dinner
Group game
Campfire
Lights Out
Sunday
Wake up, breakfast, & packing
Worship
Small groups
Depart Camp Canaan/Arrive at DCPC
Cancellations We have paid for all youth who are going at this point and cannot provide any refunds at this point.
DCPC Youth 