Winter Fest 2012
Details for Group Leaders
What is Winter Fest?
Winter Fest is a weekend retreat for students in 3rd - 6th grade featuring winter activities like broomball, tubing, ice skating, etc. along with carpetball, Bible-based teaching and worship. Winter Fest is activity driven but we also help kids grow in their relationship with God while creating bonds with their peers and youth leaders.
Our Vision
The purpose of Winter Fest is to create space and opportunity for youth leaders to build relationships with their students so that leaders can better share the love of Christ. Three goals direct our planning for Winter Fest.
1) Fun - Winter Fest is a time to make memories and allow you to experience a variety of activities with your students.
2) Different - Winter Fest is a break from routine and allows students to be free from "normal" pressures of life. We want students to experience things they can't experience at home.
3) Spiritually Challenging - We hire quality, Bible-focused speakers and engaging bands to create an atmosphere where kids encounter God. We carve out small-group time so that leaders can take what's been presented to the large group and help each student connect with that truth.
Typical Schedule |
Activities |
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The retreats include new elements every year, but here's a basic schedule: |
Snow or not the activity options are endless: |
Friday NightLarge Group Session Snack SaturdayBreakfast Activity/Game Large Group Session Small Group Lunch Free Time Dinner Large Group Session Activity/Event & Snack SundayBreakfast Large Group Session
See below for a more detailed description of the schedule. |
- Tubing - Broomball - Ice Skating - Sledding - Indoor Climbing Wall - Bounce Castle - X-Country Skiing - Game Room - Arts and Crafts - High Ropes - Camp Games - Carpetball - Board Games - Camp Store - Outdoor Cooking - Mini Golf |
Registration Instructions
Visit our registration page for instructions, policies, promo and forms. CLICK HERE to visit our registration page.
Housing
Covenant Harbor has a variety of housing that is used for Winter Fest. Housing varies each weekend, based on total number attending. Groups will be housed based on availability and will share housing with other Church groups. CLICK HERE to learn more about camp housing.
Leaders
Groups can bring one leader of each gender for each 6-8 students of each gender at the "counselor rate". Any leaders above that ratio will be charged the "student rate".
Arrival and Departure
Winter Fest will offically start between 8 and 9 pm Friday night. Please arrive between 6:30 and 8:00 to allow time to check-in, move in and attend a leaders meeting. Winter Fest will wrap up around 11 am Sunday morning. Please schedule your return to Church to allow you to fully participate in Sunday morning events.
Pre-Retreat Communication
After pre-registering, your group leader will receive a confirmation letter detailing the next steps. As the weekend draws near, specific details will be sent out via email or facebook. Please pass on all information to all counselors/leaders.
What to Bring
The winter weather provides lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Please be prepared for the weather. All winter housing units are heated and linens are not provided. Students may want to bring $10-$30 for snacks and Harbor merchandise at the camp store. Please leave personal electronic equipment (i.e. cell phones, ipods, gameboys, etc.), knives/weapons, and fireworks at home.
Here's a suggested packing list:
sleeping bag
pillow
towel
flashlight
Bible
toiletries
warm outdoor clothes (hat, gloves, jacket)- we will be outside a lot
BOOTS
What NOT to Bring
Do not bring cell phones or any pets, electronic devices (including cd players, game boys, and ipods), firearms, weapons of any kind, fireworks, tobacco, alcohol or drugs.
Schedule Details
A detailed schedule of the weekend will be made available about 2 weeks before each weekend. However, here is more information to help you understand the different pieces.
Large Group Sessions - All sessions are held in the Jackson Family Activity Center. A sweet stage sets the theme for the weekend and sets a backdrop for great worship, fun games and challenging speakers. Each session includes: Upbeat worship set, silly and/or messy game or skit, announcements, slower worship set and 15-25 minutes for the speaker.
Small Groups - Each large group session is followed by small group time. This is your chance to breakdown what the speaker has presented and make it applicable to each of your students. Speakers will provide questions or discussion starters, which can be used or ignored. 1 meeting space is provided and assigned for each Church group. If your Church would like additional space to break into smaller groups, please let us know 2 weeks in advance and we will try to accomodate your request.
Meals and Snacks - Meals are served buffet style in our camp lodge. Our food service team serves a variety of options at each meal. In addition to a main entree and sides, cold cereal is available at breakfast and a salad bar is available at lunch and dinner. A full beverage bar, including coffee, hot chocolate, soda and juice is available at each meal (excpetion: no soda at breakfast, sorry!) Church groups will have assigned seating to assure adequate space and supervision. Snacks are served Friday night and Saturday night and will provide options for a variety of tastebuds. Students and Leaders must list allergies and dietary restricitons on their registration form. If there are severe restrictions or allergies, please contact our registrar 2 weeks in advance.
Morning Activity/Game - The purpose of our morning activity time is clear: Group bonding. Some years proivde a camp-wide group game, other years will provide a more personalized choice for each group.
Free Time - Free time is the highlight of the weekend for most of our guests. While our staff and volunteers will provide some guidance and leadership at certain activities, students must be supervised by their leaders at all times.
Evening Activity/Event - We end Saturday in style! A thematic event will provide fun, food and memories for your whole group.
