This year at our winter camps, we’ll explore the theme of “Only in Darkness the Light.” There is deep wisdom in recognizing the ways that the earth teaches us about interdependence and movement away from binaries. It is not Dark OR Light or Dark VS Light but rather Darkness AND Light. When we are able to see and acknowledge that winter, darkness, decay, and rest are all a part of God’s good creation, we have a richer and deeper vocabulary to respond to those seasons of growth and change in ourselves and in the world.
For winter youth camps, youth attend as part of a church group. Please provide one adult sponsor for every five youth and for each gender. If you have a small group or individual that needs a sponsor, contact us for help in connecting with another group. Questions can be answered by contacting us at (269) 476-9744 or by email.
Winter Family Camp 2024
February 16–18
Theme: "Only in Darkness, the Light"
Winter Family Camp promises a weekend for rest (we cook for you!), intergenerational play and child-accessible worship. This retreat runs Friday evening through Sunday noon, and is open to all who consider themselves “family” – no matter how you define it.
Weather-permitting, we’ll have fabulously fun winter activities like snow tubing, sledding, cross country skiing, and broomball on the ice. We just might convince you that winter is your favorite season at camp!
Families are housed in their own private accommodation (cabin or lodge room) with a self-contained restroom and shower.
Tara Burch & Nathan Kingsley will provide storytelling and music at our worship sessions for the weekend. They live just outside of Goshen where they enjoy walks in the woods, caring for animals (sheep, goats and chickens), reading and table games. They are both teachers and enjoy spending time with young people learning alongside them. They are part-time attendees of Assembly Mennonite Church and full-time witnesses to the spirit of God in the natural and human-made world. They especially love spending time with their children Alano and Luisa, who make them laugh on a regular basis.
Scholarships are available and can be requested during the registration process.
High School Winter Camp 2024
January 5–7
Theme: "Only in Darkness, the Light" Camp Pastor: Goshen College Parables
A weekend set aside for high school aged youth to retreat together in the peaceful woods of Camp Friedenswald.
Youth attend with church youth groups for a time to reconnect with one another, experience the beauty of the world in winter, worship God, and play!
See a DRAFT schedule for the weekend.
Junior High Winter Camp 2024
January 12–14
Theme: "Only in Darkness, the Light" Camp Pastor: Peter Martin
This winter camp is planned for youth grades 6-8 and their church sponsors or pastor(s). It’s an opportunity for youth across Central District Conference and beyond to gather for a weekend of worship, play, rest, and renewal.
Activities are weather dependent and may include sledding, cross country skiing, tube run, hiking, singing, indoor games, and more.
See a DRAFT schedule for the weekend.