All four of the Eastern PA Conference Camp & Retreat Centers are springing forward as their activity schedules begin to bloom like vivid spring flowers. They’re inviting United Methodists of EPA and Greater New Jersey to come enjoy April and May weekends with them and also to register for Summer Camp 2023, which starts in June.
Two centers will host inspirational spring confirmation retreats in April. Gretna Glen in Lebanon (April 21-23) still has slots open for church confirmation classes to register. Learn more and register now. Pocono Plateau in Cresco (April 28–30) is filled to capacity with 80 registrants, due to another event the camp will host that weekend.
Gretna Glen’s gathering of confirmands will ask and answer the question, “Are you Ready to Embrace Your Faith?” as they explore being one though many in Christ (from 1 Corinthians 12:12). Led by the Revs. Jennifer Freymoyer, Dan Lebo and Mary Jane Kirby, they will explore the five vows of confirmation—prayer, presence, gifts, service and witness—as they participate in hands-on activities, discussions and reflections. Confirmands will also experience a local mission trip, teambuilding, the “trust trail,” and campfire worship as part of this retreat.
Confirmands at Pocono Plateau will explore their “Identity and Purpose in Christ” as “God’s handiwork” (from Ephesians 2:10). The Revs. Jen Miller, Monica Guepet, Nina Patton-Semerod and Mark Salvacion will lead them in study, prayer and worship.
Gretna Glen Director Apryl Miller offers insights on the purpose and value of confirmation retreats at our Eastern PA camps.
Confirmation retreats have an important heritage at our camps, including Gretna Glen. Since the 1990s—which may not seem that long ago to some of us—thousands of confirmands have enjoyed this religious retreat experience with others as a part of their Christian journey.
Confirmation retreats are an excellent tool to help churches shepherd their confirmands into a life of Christian faith and community. And we have remained true to the original vision: Gather youth going through their church’s confirmation process, along with their mentors, and help them to learn, grow and develop Christian values and relationships in community with one another.
These retreats are designed to help young students understand the vows of confirmation and to embrace their faith as their own. To share this experience with youth from other churches helps show them the gift of the body of Christ. There is no better environment in which young people can have this experience than at our Eastern PA Camp & Retreat Ministries sites.
Plenty of positive feedback
Each year youth and adult leaders share plenty of positive feedback about their confirmation retreat experiences.
Former mentors and youth leaders have said:
“A very well done, moving weekend.”
“Great addition to our confirmation journey, as the topics were really good and relevant to our youth.”
“Very engaging and worthwhile camp.”
Former confirmands have said:
“I had a great time connecting with my church and other churches. I joined the body of Christ”.
“I had so much fun learning about Jesus, making friends, and doing fun activities.”
“Confirmation Camp is a place where you can find out more about yourself, God, and the church.”
Other spring fun events planned
All four camps also have other activities planned for late March and April.
Gretna Glen will host its annual Children’s Spring Blast March 31 to April 1, from Friday at 7:00 p.m. to Saturday at 7:00 p.m., “rain or shine.” The 24-hour break from school will help children learn about and experience God, while they enjoy music, games, food and lots of memories. Learn more and register now.
And while it’s hosting the Confirmation Retreat, Gretna Glen will also host its annual Spring Work Day on Saturday, April 22, a great opportunity for families, youth groups and individuals to work together on service projects. RSVP to camp@gretnaglen.org. Check out their website to learn more and for weather cancelations.
Carmen O’Shea, Director at Pocono Plateau, invites all to its Easter Family Retreat March 30 to April 1, a weekend to experience the stations of the cross, an egg hunt, crafts, games and Palm Sunday worship in the peace and sacredness of their mountaintop.
Pocono Plateau will also sponsor several youth-oriented retreats in April, starting with its next Free Youth Social, for 4th-12th graders, April 16, at 2 to 4 p.m. Groups need a chaperone for every 8-10 youth. Youth are encouraged to bring non-perishable food to donate to Mt. Pocono UMC’s food pantry.
“The Dangerous Retreat for Boys,” April 21- 23, is a fathers and sons retreat for 3rd to 8th grade boys and their fathers or father figures. It’s an opportunity them to bond and make memories together while enjoying exciting activities and experiments, eating together indoors and outdoors, hearing from God’s Word, and enjoying God’s creation at camp. Register.
“Love Your Selfie” Mother/Daughter Retreat, also April 21- 23, led by Megan Logan, best-selling author of The Self Love Workbook for Women and Be Kind to Yourself. This retreat helps girls embrace and celebrate their beautiful selves. We will talk about the challenges girls face today that keep them from seeing themselves as wonderfully made in the image of God. Register.
Camp Innabah in Spring City will also celebrate Easter with its free, annual Egg Hunt and Spring Fest for all ages on Saturday, April 1, at 11 AM. Over 4,000 eggs are being prepared. The Spring Fest will feature S’mores, a food truck, a slingshot range, wagon rides, competitive Gaga play, tours, hammocks and ping pong. More information.
April 1 will be a doubly active Saturday at Innabah, as it also hosts its annual Challenge Trail 5K race. Walkers will also receive race T-Shirts and goodies but will not be timed. The tenth annual trail romp and hike will travel the French Creek area’s beautiful hills and trails. The popular pancake and bacon breakfast will also return. All proceeds benefit the summer camping programs and camper scholarships. Register today.
Finally, Carson Simpson Farm Christian Camp in Hatboro will sponsor its annual Camp Info Night April 12, at 5 – 7 p.m. Guests can learn about camp activities, take tours and meet the staff. Learn more.
Look for another, follow-up article soon about other special spring events in May and plans and preparations for Summer Camp season, which starts in June.