WHO: Calvary Baptist Church Student Ministries, grades 8-12 and leaders
WHAT: Fall retreat, a weekend away for experiencing God and growing in community
WHERE: Camp Calvary, 48 New Schaefferstown Rd, Bernville, PA 19506
WHEN: Friday November 1 (5:45pm)—Sunday November 3 (10:45am)
HOW ARE WE GETTING THERE: Bus service will drop off and pick up, we will have a vehicle or two with us on site in case of emergency.

This year's theme will sit with Jesus and his disciples listening to the final instructions of Jesus on night of his betrayal. John 15-17 will lead us through some of Jesus's most powerful words for abiding with him and him with us. 

What is a retreat? The goal of a retreat is to get students away in a comfortable but different setting. Our hope is that students will disengage from the usual stressors and patterns of their lives in order to engage with the bible and with the faith community. Retreats are often powerful tools in the formation of the faith of young people.

Where are they sleeping? There are a group of cabins each housing up to a dozen students, they will be divided by gender and age. There will be adults supervising in each cabin.

What are the cabins like? The cabins are single open rooms lined with bunk beds. Each cabin will house 12- 14 people, there is an add-on room that leaders can stay in but most adults will stay in the main room with the students. They will be split up by gender and age. The bunks come with mattresses but do not come with pillows or bedding. They are clean, have ac/heat and are bug free.

What are they doing? There is a schedule attached—short version: fun games inside and outside, eating tasty food, worshipping, praying and studying God’s word.

What should they bring? A bible, something to sleep in (sheets or sleeping bag and pillow), toiletries, towel, flip flops for shower, shoes and clothes they can run around in (we will be playing games in a gym and outdoors Saturday evening), multiple sets of warm clothes, flashlight, packed dinner (Friday night). They can bring snacks but please do not send anything with peanuts or tree nuts

What shouldn’t they bring? Anything they shouldn’t take to school. Anything they would lament losing (there’s almost always at least one child who goes home with a broken phone).

What are the bathroom situations? All of the buildings that we are staying in have public bathrooms that are nice and clean. The cabins that we are sleeping in are not equipped with bathrooms. Instead there is a central male and female bathhouse which has showers (with curtains), a changing area, toilets and multiple sinks.

What if my student(s) has food allergies? The camp can easily accommodate allergies like nut allergies, gluten sensitivities and usually dairy intolerances. Students with extensive allergy lists can bring their own food, there is a refrigerator for storage and a microwave and toaster available.

How do I get in touch with a leader? Zach’s cell number is 215-208-6731. We encourage you to get the number of your students’ bunk leader when you drop off your student on Friday: assignments will be sent out a few days before the trip.

What paperwork do I need? All students must have the Permanent Liability Release Form filled out. You can check your students profile at calvarybaptistpa.ccbchurch.com to find out if you have one yet.

Can students bring their phones? Students are permitted to bring their electronic devices. There will be certain times on the trip that device use is prohibited as we want students to interact with the group rather than their devices.