Winter Camp 2023

Theme: Audible

Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 3

Pitch: “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for ‘Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.’” Romans 10:17-18 NRSV

Our God is alive! As children of God, we are able to hear the voice of the Lord spoken personally to us.  It may not always be an ‘audible’ voice that God speaks to us through, but through uniquely different ways for each of us. What God speaks is the truth and will always be in line with His character of love. Part of building our personal relationship with God is learning to hear and recognize the ways God speaks to us. Whether that is through sound, visuals, or something completely unique. Once God speaks to you as his children, we have to respond, and the only response to a good God is to believe.

This winter, we are going to be diving into the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel. In chapter 3, Samuel hears the voice of the Lord but does not immediately recognize it. Only after learning and guidance does he begin to realize and recognize the voice of the Lord. We are excited to learn more this winter about how we can begin to learn and recognize God’s voice in our own lives. Throughout the weekends, we’ll be practicing different ways that we can learn to hear the voice of God through spiritual practices. Together we’ll start turning the volume down of the world and turning the voice of God up.

Speakers & Bands:

January 6-8

Speaker: Erik Anderson

Band: Dan Raymond

January 27-29

Speaker: Drew Morrell

Band: Desi Robertson

February 10-12 

Speaker: Natalie Swanson

Band: Neil Gowan

Arrival and Departure

Winter Camp will officially start between 7:30-8:30 pm Friday night. Please arrive between 6:30 and 7:30 to allow time to check-in, move in and attend a leaders meeting. Winter Camp will wrap up by 10:00 am Sunday morning. Please schedule your return to church to allow you to fully participate in Sunday morning events at Winter Camp.

Youth Weekend Basic Schedule for Website

Friday

6:30pm: Arrival & Move In

6:30pm-8:30pm: Evening Activities

9:00pm: Welcome Session 

9:45pm: Church Debrief

11pm: Quiet Hours

Saturday

8:30am: Breakfast

9:30am: Morning Worship

10:15am: Church Debrief

11:15am: Activity

12:30pm: Lunch

1:00pm-5:00pm: Free Time

5:30pm: Dinner

6:30pm: Evening Session 

7:30pm: Church Debrief

8:30pm-10:00pm: Activity

10:00pm: Late Night Activity

11:00pm: Lights Out

Sunday

8:00am: Breakfast

9:00am: Closing 

9:30am: Church Debrief/Pack Up

10:30am: Departure

Winter Camp 2023 Pricing:

The $181 price per student includes meals, lodging, program and one adventure activity like the Giant Swing, Indoor Climbing Wall, and Zipline. Students may also add extra activities by purchasing a ticket at $5.00 per person/per activity during the weekend. Students will also have the opportunity to purchase snacks, drinks, special coffee shop items, or merchandise throughout the weekend at the camp store for various prices. We recommend students bring some additional cash with them. 

The $131 price per leader includes meals, lodging, program and one activity like the Giant Swing, Indoor Climbing Wall and Zipline to participate with your students. Leaders will also be given a free treat coupons to be used at the camp store for a snack or drink and access to the Leader Lounge that will have additional snacks and drinks at no additional cost. 

Winter Camp Pack List

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 camp merchandise at the camp store as well as to purchase additional tickets for the Giant Swing, Indoor Climbing Wall and Zip line ($5 per person/per activity). Please leave personal electronic equipment (i.e. cell phones, iPods, game systems, etc.), knives/weapons, and fireworks at home.

Clothing

• Pants, shirts, underwear, socks
• Sweatshirts
• Sneakers
• Warm winter coat
• Snow pants
• Mittens/gloves
• Winter hat
• Snow boots
• Swimsuit (if doing Polar Bear Dip – JH/SH only)
• Pajamas

Cabin

• Sleeping bag
• Pillow
• Towel
• Toiletries

Miscellaneous

• Bible
• Notebook
• Pen
• Face masks
• Water bottle

Optional

• Flashlight
• Camera
• Snacks (no nut products)

***Covenant Harbor cares deeply about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, safe, and accepted. In order to help everyone feel at ease and enjoy the weekend together, please do not bring clothing or other items that could cause discomfort or division, including references to political or social issues. Thank you!

What Not to Bring

Do not bring cell phones or any pets, electronic devices (including cd players, Game Boys, and iPods), personal sports equipment, firearms, weapons of any kind, fireworks, tobacco, alcohol or drugs.

***Please note that peanuts/tree-nuts or peanut/tree-nut products are not allowed.

Registration is Open!

If you are interested in signing up for winter camp and have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Emma Mueller, the Program Director, directly. 

Pre-Retreat Communication

After registering, your church leader will receive a confirmation email detailing the next steps. As the weekend draws near, specific details will be sent out via email. Please pass on all information to all adult leaders.

Health and Safety for Winter Camp 2023

The health and safety of all Covenant Harbor guests and staff continues to be our top priority. We see our role as maintaining standards in common spaces, activities and areas. Winter Camp is a time to come together! We want to create a space for all to feel welcome and safe!

Health Policies and Procedures 

Housing:

We strive to utilize camp resources, including housing, as best as possible. We assign housing based on availability and the number of participants within each youth group. For example, a larger group of students may use an entire cabin, but a smaller group might only require half. Churches will be given separate bunk rooms and bathrooms for guys and girls, but when possible, they will be connected by a lounge/meeting room under the same roof. This shared space between guys and girls will act as the church’s private space that can only be used by them. 

If you would like to ensure that your group has a housing unit on your own, please let us know during your registration. If you do not check that box, your group may be grouped with a different group of students. We will let you know in a timely fashion your group’s housing unit and details before the start of the weekend.

Health Guidance: 

Covenant Harbor takes its guidance from our medical professionals to ensure that we minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. We also keep close tabs on the recommendations of the Center of Disease and Control or CDC so that we can provide a safe and healthy experience for your camper.

Vaccines are not required to attend camp, nor are we asking for proof of vaccination from those that are. The CDC states, “COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and widely accessible in the United States.” We encourage you to consult with your physician when considering vaccination. 

Health Screenings:

We encourage but do not require each church group to do a wellness check of each student and leader BEFORE they get in a vehicle to come to Covenant Harbor. Please contact our registrar if you would like a form.

Please note:

Students attending winter camps with church groups are under the care and supervision of the youth pastors and adult leaders from the church registering the students to attend the winter camp. Should students need medications or medical attention while at the winter camp, it will be the church leaders’ responsibility to care for the student. Your church will need to be sure you have permission and information to provide medical attention for your students. If you don’t already have a form your church uses for this, feel free to contact Jane, our Program Registrar, for a form you can use.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection mandates that records be kept of all medications and treatments administered for youth under age 18.  It is the responsibility of the group leader to ensure these records are kept for youth staying overnight without a parent.  Any treatment and medication administered must be under the supervision of an adult leader provided by the church group that is certified in first aid/CPR or higher.  Upon arrival, Covenant Harbor can provide further instruction and a free Medication and Treatment Log to make record keeping as easy as possible.  If you have any questions, contact Emma, our Program Director.

After Camp:

We ask that you contact Covenant Harbor if your camper becomes ill within 5 days of attendance. We are dedicated to being transparent when cases arrive and want to make sure we follow contact tracing procedures.

Special Covid-19 Notes:

A suspected case at camp will result in clear and timely action and necessary communication in tandem with the youth leaders of each group. If someone has specific symptoms, the Covenant Harbor team will work with you to arrange a plan. 

Saturday Only

Winter Camp 2023 will be a full weekend experience. However, we understand that a Saturday only option might be the only opportunity for your group to attend for other circumstances. If that is the case, please reach out directly to Emma Mueller for additional information and availability. We want to help make camp possible for every group!