Congregational Camping Retreat - August 6-8, 2021 Deadline: July 4
Come join the Grace family in an annual tradition: the congregational camping retreat. This is a time for you to get away and spend a weekend in God's creation and getting to know the Grace family better. Whether you are a visitor, Grace's longest time member, or fall anywhere in between, you will have a great time this weekend. Seasoned campers along with first-timers have all attended this retreat. If you're unsure of what to bring, or maybe you don't think you have the necessary equipment, just let us know and we'll help you out! Some even skip the tents or RVs and stay in a local hotel.
Special Statement Regarding this Year's Camping Retreat
Everyone knows that we are living in an extraordinary time. Just like most other events, the retreat committee met to determine the best way to move forward regarding this year’s retreat. We pondered some questions and came up with some answers.
Should we have the retreat this year? Yes. Camping has been listed as a low risk summer activity. The thing that makes it riskier is the fact that it is a group camping event. While it will look different than year’s past, we believe that it will be up to individual families to decide what is best for them.
How will social distancing be done? We will do as much as possible to create a safe environment in the way food is prepared and served, and how we gather as a group. Some decisions regarding meals and activities will be made once registration has concluded. Planning for 100 would be much different than planning for 30.
Will masks be required? We will be outside and it will likely be hot; and some will not have access to air conditioning. Because of this you will not be required to wear a mask.
What about food? Meals will look different, but you will not be forced to cook unless you would like to. Ray and Shawn have been in communication with each other, as well as keeping up-to-date with the latest guidelines. The technique used will depend on the amount of people attending. If you would like to cook your own food, simply don't add the food option.
What about our sing along time and worship? Once again, this question can best be answered once we know how many are attending. Because it is a large area, we should have enough room to spread out for worship. Singing may just come from a person or two who are spread out but amplified.
What if things change in July and we decide not to attend? We want you to be comfortable in your decision to attend. Your signing up helps us to plan for this trip in this difficult time. That being said, if after signing up, things change and you feel that you can’t attend, they your money will be refunded up until July 19.
What are the details for registration? You can begin registering online through Realm this year. Having trouble getting logged onto Realm, or you aren't in Realm? Please contact Rhett. Pricing:
Camping fee for Friday and Saturday night: $25
Food for child (6-12) (Friday dinner-Sunday breakfast): $10
Food for adults (13+) (Friday dinner-Sunday breakfast): $20
Come early on Thursday (no food provided): $20
Deadline: July 4
What if we want to stay longer? This year you will be able to come Thursday instead of Friday. You will be on your own for meals until Friday at dinner, but you'll have an extra day to hang out in the lake and on the peninsula. If you would like to stay this extra night, simply select it as an addition when you are registering. It will cost $20.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION WHEN REGISTERING! When you register, don’t select all the family members who will be coming, because it will charge you a registration fee for each person. Simply register one person and add all the necessary meals for your family. If you have any issues registering, or you don't have a Realm account, please contact Rhett.
Mission: To fellowship as a community in nature away from normal routines to appreciate God’s gifts, deepen friendships, develop a sense of church family, and help us identify with others who don’t have physical comforts.
Where: Crescent Group Campground on Lake Hartwell: Starr, SC (near Anderson/Clemson, SC)
Cost: $25/site. Food: 13-Adult: $20; 6-12: $10; 5 and under: Free This includes Friday night hot dogs/dessert, breakfast Saturday & Sunday, lunch & dinner Saturday. Full and partial scholarships are available. Please contact Pastor Joanne or Director of Youth and Program Ministries Rhett Eckhardt for more information.
Activities: Lake swimming (no lifeguard), nature walk, playground, bike riding or kayaking/canoeing (bring your own bikes and kayaks/canoes), cornhole, badminton, and cards.
Relive the memories from the 2016 Camping Retreat!
