The Metropolitan Division Youth Department is hosting the first ever Jr. High Retreat on March11-12, 2011, and the time to register has come! We’re sure that there are a lot of questions surrounding this event. That’s why we’ve put this handy guide together for you.

What is the Jr. High Retreat?
The Jr. High Retreat is the only Salvation Army retreat exclusively tailor made for middle schoolers in the Metropolitan Division. It’s an experience made just for them and their unique place in life.

Why should youth attend the Jr. High Retreat?
At the Jr. High Retreat, your middle school youth will receive Biblical teaching in a way relevant to their situations, issues and struggles. Youth will be taught how to live Godly lives in an ungodly world, and will come away stronger in their faith.

Who is the Jr. High Retreat for?
The Jr. High Retreat is only for students in Jr. High / Middle School. Delegates must be in the 6th to 8th grade in the 2010-2011 school year to attend*.

*NOTE: Starting in 2011, Youth Councils delegates will have to be in the 9th grade and up.

When will the Jr. High Retreat take place?
It will take place from Friday, March 11 and end the next day on Saturday, March 12. Corps Officers and leaders will have time to travel home and be well rested for Sunday.

Who is the special guest?
Daniel Wallace (a.k.a. “Ambush”) is a gifted and dynamic speaker and is also the Executive Director of Gull Lake Ministries, a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian family resort and conference center nestled on the beautiful shores of Gull Lake in Hickory Corners, MI. He loves Jr. High Retreats and has seen firsthand how weekends like this can highly impact that age group.

What is the theme?
The theme this year is “EPIC FAIL” based on Jude 1:24: “To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy…” At the first ever Jr. High Retreat, we’re going to talk about how even though we’re pressured to do wrong things every daythings that could result in an EPIC FAILGod can keep us from falling when we rely on Him.

Where will the Jr. High Retreat take place?
It will take place at the beautiful Wonderland Camp and Conference Center (9241 Camp Lake Rd, Camp Lake, WI 53109). Delegates will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, clothes for two days, gym clothes, appropriate swim wear (no bikinis!), a towel and toiletries.

How much will it cost?
The two days will cost only $25.00 per person. That includes all meals, lodging, t-shirt, teaching, a trip to the RecPlex and fun for the weekend. That’s a steal!!!

What is the RecPlex?
The Lakeview RecPlex is the largest municipal recreation facility in America (9900 88th Drive Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158). Youth will be able to ice-skate, play in the gym and go swimming. The cost is included in the $25.00 registration fee for the Jr. High Retreat. For more information about the Lakeview RecPlex, visit www.recplexonline.com.

How do I go about registering my youth for this event?
In order to secure your spot, you’ll need to contact your Corps Officer or Youth Leader so they can fill out a registration form for your Corps and send it in to the Youth Department by Monday, March 1, 2011. Each child will need a release form filled out. You do not need to send these in. Rather, your Corps Officer will bring them with to the retreat for their records. Registrations not cancelled on or before Friday, March 4 will be billed for.

Are officers required to attend?
Yes, this is a one star event. This will be a great way to connect with your youth outside of your weekly programs, and it will also help you get to know them on a deeper spiritual level. In addition, each Corps needs to supply enough leaders for both genders to supervise their youth. If this is a potential issue, please let us know.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us in the Metro Youth Department at [email protected]! We are looking forward to what God will do in the lives of your youth!

Schedule

Friday, March 11, 2011
5:00-7:00pm – Registration
7:00-8:00 – Main Session 1 in Wonderland Chapel
8:30-9:00 – Travel to Lakeview RecPlex
9:00-12:00am – Pizza party and fun at Lakeview RecPlex!
12:00-12:30 – Travel back to Wonderland Camp & Conference Center
12:30 – Lights out!

Saturday, March 12, 2011
8:30-9:45am – Clean up and check out of Village Dorms
9:00-9:45 – Breakfast in the Dining Hall
10:00-12:00pm – Main Session 2 in the Wonderland Chapel
12:00-1:00 – Lunch in the Dining Hall
1:00-3:00 – Main Session 3 in the Wonderland Chapel
3:00 – Go home!

Lakeview RecPlex Info

Make sure you and your youth bring:
-Appropriate swim wear (no bikinis!)
-Their towels
-Their gym clothes
-The release forms for each of your youth

At the RecPlex your youth will be able to:
-Eat pizza
-Ice skate (skates are provided)
-Swim
-Play in the gym