Walking the path in front of us can include us just talking about how we are going to love and care for people, or our path can consist of actually doing something and getting ourselves in the middle of the mud in order to love another. What will we choose to do? Remember actions talk!

Walk The Path

What does the path of a disciple look like?

How can our actions speak along side our words?

So many times we believe that standing up through an on-line post is enough. And while it’s good to speak up in all venues, if all we do is speak but nothing else accompanies our actions, what good then are our words?

This fall retreat we are taking a look at what it means to walk a path where our actions speak louder or as loud as our words.

We are excited to present Spring Retreat. Know that as we move forward with this retreat we will stay on top of what the medical world is saying, we will take proper pre-cautions (PPE, temperature checks, washing hands), and will stay in communication with families about plans. Due to COVID-19 our 2021 Spring Retreat will not be overnight. Camp Merriwood is local and so we will gather students in a similar fall retreat schedule but have students going home by 11:30pm at the latest. We have reserved the camp so no other groups will be utilizing the facilities during our weekend. Majority of our time together will be outside, as well, students and adult leaders will be required to be masked. We will also welcome back the band from DNOW 2020. We are excited about their leadership in worship throughout the weekend.

Cost: $125 per student ($75 for sibling)

SCHEDULE

Friday
5:30pm Check-In (payment and forms check)
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Weekend Introduction
8:00pm Brief small group gathering
8:30pm Bon Fire & Making S’mores
10:00pm Parent Pick Up

Saturday
7:45am Arrival at Camp Merriwood
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Large Group: session one
9:45am Small Group: session one
10:45am Break Time
11:00am Large Group: session two
11:45am Small Group: session two
12:30pm Lunch
2:00pm Camp Activities (high ropes course, gaga ball, 9 square, etc.)
4:00pm Free Time
5:30pm Dinner
7:00pm Large Group: session three
7:45pm Small Group: session three
8:00pm Break Time
8:15pm Reflective Experience
8:45pm Prep for Night Life
9:00pm Square Dance! (line dancing and more)
11:00pm Student Pick Up

Sunday
7:30am Arrival at Camp Merriwood
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am Large Group: session four/worship
10:00am Small Group: session four
11:00am Closing
11:15am Clean Up
11:30am Student Pick Up

Please know that the schedule is subject to change, with changes communicated

Be sure that you have completed the youth ministry release form and the youth ministry COVID-19 release form. Upon completion of a student/adult fall retreat registration Elizabeth the ministry assistant will e-mail the Camp Merriwood release form.

Students can drive themselves upon earlier written permission given by their parents

• Other questions and/or concerns can be communicated to Dane Martin, Minister with Students at dmartin@ardmorebaptist.org

Day Trip and Overnight Trip Precautions

1. Temperature checks (daily)
2. Mandatory masking (always)
3. Activities outdoors (as available)
4. Promote physical distancing (minimum of 6 feet)
5. Promote hand washing and use of hand sanitizer
6. Use cleaning supplies to daily cleanse high touch areas

Metrics for Cancellation of Activity or Trip

1. Youth Minister is sick or has COVID-19. While many things can go on without the youth minister, it’s important to note that for some events and trips the youth minister being absent would be too much of a strain on adult leaders. The youth minister in being sick will communicate with the leaders participating in the event or trip to determine if it can happen without him, and then communicate accordingly. Majority of trips will not be able to happen without the youth minister due to the youth minister having the responsibility of the health and safety of all participants, as an employee of the church.

2. Not enough adult leaders. Whether adult leaders are sick, have COVID-19, or are simply unable to participate; it’s important to have enough coverage of adult leaders for all of our activities and trips. We keep to a 6:1 ratio and will not sacrifice on those numbers because we believe it’s what helps ensure the safety of the students. We are always looking to add other adults and parents to be leaders for different activities and trips.

3. Re-opening Team Recommends Cancellation. Throughout the pandemic the re-opening has and will continue to re-evaluate in person gatherings and whether they are worth the risk. If the re-opening team recommends that the youth ministry cancel an activity or trip please know that the youth minister has been in conversation with the team and participated in educating them about the trip and safety precautions. But the youth ministry will respect what the team recommends.

4. Community Metrics & School System. We will use the community COVID-19 metrics to determine if it is wise to have a particular activity or trip. We will also utilize what the school system is doing and talking about in order to make the best informed decision. These actions and metrics will be taken into consideration when deciding about canceling an activity or trip.

5. Finances. We know that many activities and trips require students/families to pay some cost. If an activity or trip has to be cancelled we will reimburse families 100% of what they paid. We want to reimburse families so that they don’t have to worry about losing funds. We hope this provides confidence from students and families to register for events.

6. Minimum number of students. For special activities and trips (which are events that aren’t repeating). Each of these events will set a minimum number of students needed for the activity or trip to take place. If those numbers aren’t met by a set date, then the event will be cancelled. The number and date will be set when the sign up is setup on the youth ministry sign up platform.