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Confirmation Retreats

Transform your congregation’s confirmation experience by stepping into the great outdoors. Throughout the weekend, your group will engage with hands-on Discovery Bible study activities, explore the beauty of nature, and have a great time together. Most importantly, they’ll grow in their relationship with God and with each other.

And the best part? We take care of all the details, including meals, activities, and entertainment. That means adult leaders can focus on building connections with youth through outdoor adventures, campfire conversations, and team-building exercises.

Site

HopeWood Pines

Ages

Confirmation-aged youth; student leaders welcome

Cost Range

$93 - $132

Activities

  • Arts & crafts
  • Campfires
  • Discovery Bible study
  • Gaga ball
  • Hiking
  • Music
  • Nature activities
  • S’mores
  • Sports
  • Team builders
  • Worship

Dates & Fees

February 9-11, 2024 (two nights)
March 15-16, 2024 (one night)

 One NightTwo Nights
Students (Confirmation Age)$93$132

Student Leaders (Grades 10-12) 

HopeWood Outdoors affirms the need to develop leadership skills within congregations. We invite your group to bring youth who are in grades 10-12 to be student leaders during your retreat. Student leaders are people who you feel possess leadership qualities and will handle themselves in a way that younger campers will want to emulate (i.e. mature, responsible, fun, safe, etc.). Student leaders still in high school pay the regular registration fee for the retreat they are attending. We hope you will consider bringing Student leaders with your group as a way to strengthen relationships and ministry across the generations of your congregation.

$93$132

Adult Chaperones 

Please provide 1 adult chaperone per gender for every 1-10 youth participants. In order to make confirmation camp more affordable for congregations, we waive retreat fees for adult chaperones. However, adults have the option to contribute $65 to help cover the expenses of HopeWood Outdoors. Adults must register online.

FreeFree
Check-inFri 7:00 pm
Check-outSat 4:00 pmSun 11:00 am

Facilities

Campers will sleep in heated cabins with 8-10 other campers and a chaperone. Shower houses with bathrooms are just a short walk away. Campers will also have access to our dining hall and other amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before campers arrive, you must complete a HopeWood Health Form or a similar facsimile provided by the pastor or adult leader. You can submit these to your pastor or adult leader prior to the retreat. The parent or guardian must sign for youth under the age of 18.

If applicable, communicate special needs and dietary restrictions at least two weeks prior to camp. If you did not specify this information on your registration, or if you have specific questions, contact camp directly at (419) 864-8030.

Your final payment is due prior to the retreat. Participants may make payments by logging into their online account or calling the HopeWood Guest Relations Manager with a credit card or by sending a check (payable to HopeWood Outdoors) to:

HopeWood Guest Relations Manager
2790 State Route 61
Marengo, OH 43334

Congregations will need to provide one overnight adult chaperone per gender for every 1-10 youth participants. We encourage student leaders to attend and help lead and engage the younger students.

Friday

  • 7:00 pm: Arrival and check-in, orientation, games
  • 8:30 pm: Campfire, snack, devotions
  • 10:30 pm: Lights out

Saturday

  • 7:45 am: Wake-up
  • 8:30 am: Breakfast, worship, Discovery Bible study, team builders
  • 12:30 pm: Lunch, activity time, nature hike, crafts, games, Discovery Bible study
  • 5:30 pm: Dinner, congregation group time, 
  • 8:30 pm: Campfire, devotions
  • 10:30  pm: Lights out

Sunday

  • 7:45  am: Wake-up, snacks available, camp store open
  • 9:00 am: Worship
  • 10:00 am: Brunch
  • 11:00 am: Departure

Friday

  • 7:00 pm: Arrival and check-in, orientation, games
  • 8:30 pm: Campfire, snack, devotions
  • 10:30 pm: Lights out

Saturday

  • 7:45 am: Wake-up
  • 8:30 am: Breakfast, worship, Discovery Bible study, team builders
  • 12:30 pm: Lunch, activity time, nature hike, crafts, games, Discovery Bible study
  • 3:15 pm: Congregation group time, camp store open
  • 4:00 pm: Departure

Lodging will be in heated cabins located near a shower house. Everyone will sleep in bunk beds. 

Please bring your own pillows, sheets, towels, and other bedding.

Cabins are chaperoned by a leader from your congregation.

Your adult leaders will be responsible for keeping and dispensing any medications. Your adult leaders must store medications in a locked container. 

Staff members are trained in basic first aid for emergencies. 

Each participant needs to complete a HopeWood Health Form or a similar facsimile provided by your pastor or adult leader. Submit to your pastor or adult leader prior to the retreat.

HopeWood encourages all participants to set aside time free from the distractions of daily life. The use of cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices during free time is at the discretion of each pastor or adult leader. Wireless access is available, although it is not always reliable in the camp setting.

Note that some items are optional or can be substituted.

Bedding

  • Sleeping bag or sheets/blanket
  • Pillow

Health & Medication

  • Medication labeled and in lockable container; give to your adult leader to dispense
  • Health form: Give to your adult leader prior to  camp so they have it on-hand during the retreat

Personal Items

  • Reusable face mask
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Towel(s) for shower
  • Toiletries (brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo, lotions)
  • Sleepwear/pajamas
  • Underwear and socks
  • Jeans/pants and shorts
  • Short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Rain poncho or water-resistant jacket
  • Shower shoes (plastic flip flops)
  • Gym shoes or boots
  • Bible, notebook, pen/pencil
  • Reusable water bottle

Optional Items

  • Money (for the camp store)
  • Sunglasses/hat
  • Garbage bag for dirty clothes
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Camera

Please DO NOT Bring

  • Knives, guns, weapons, explosives, or fireworks
  • Alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Pets of any kind
  • Cell phones and electronic devices
  • Aerosol products of any kind