Since 2002, the South Georgia Conference has sponsored an annual Confirmation Retreat at Epworth By The Sea for students in the fifth grade and above (6th grade and above preferred!). This event provides churches of all sizes an opportunity to connect with others through worship, study, and fellowship.
How it works: Payment is required at time of registration in order to be complete. Registrations received without payment will be considered PENDING and payment must be received within 7 days or registration will be dropped. Online payment is preferred; however, mailed church checks only (no personal checks) are acceptable. Make payable to "South GA Conference UMC" and mail to Confirmation Retreat, 3040 Riverside Drive, Ste A2, Macon, GA 31210. (Please specify that the money is for Confirmation Retreat registration). Click here to begin your church group's registration. Deadline is February 24, 2025.
Cost: $190 per person (in South GA Conference UMC) and $210 per person (out of South GA Conference UMC) - includes meals, cabin lodging, insurance, t-shirt and programming.
Church leaders: Click here if you need a helpful form to hand out to gather your student's and chaperone's information. This is not a registration form. Only online group registration is accepted.
Refund Policy: Cancellation PRIOR to the deadline = Total refund less $50.00 (non-refundable deposit). Cancellation AFTER the deadline = No refund. Fees may be transferred to a NEW REPLACEMENT camper of the same gender if the registrar is notified prior to the first day of the retreat. To make notice of cancellation or change, you must contact the Connectional Ministries office at (912) 638-8626 ext 107 and in writing to suzanne@sgaumc.com.
3 Simple Rules - Entering this "Puzzle Room", confirmands will have the opportunity to solve puzzles using logic and creativity to find out the mystery behind John Wesley's 3 Simple Rules. Confirmands will explore what it means to do no harm, to do good, and to stay in love with God in an interactive, fun atmosphere.
Goin' on a Journey - This workshop will have confirmands "traveling" through stations to learn about things they will need on their journey of faith. Confirmands will learn what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus, how to grow in that relationship, and why it is important to serve others because of that relationship.
Adult chaperones are provided by each church group attending. A 1:6 chaperone/camper ratio is required and both genders must be represented in chaperones if represented with campers. The Confirmation Retreat is a Safe Sanctuaries compliant event and all adult chaperones must be certified. Please include the following Safe Sanctuaries form with registrations. Only one form per group is needed. Click here to download the Safe Sanctuaries form.
Participants at the Confirmation Retreat will be sleeping in the cabins at Epworth By The Sea. All beds are twin size. Participants will need to bring their own bed linens and towels (see a recommended list of What to Pack). In most cases, multiple church groups will be assigned to each cabin.
Confirmands will have the opportunity to give an offering during Sunday morning's Communion Service. Offerings can be personal from the confirmand or given as a church group if desired.
Adult Leader Q&A Info Zoom will be held Thursday, February 27th at noon. Information will be sent to registered leaders the week of February 24th.
WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN YOUR CHURCH PACKET AT CHECK-IN
Adult Leader Guide: Everything you want to know about the schedule, Holy clubs, free time and leadership for the event!
*Subject to change
FRIDAY
5:30-7:30 Check-in & Supper line open
7:35 Adult Leader Orientation (Brown 5)
8:00 Opening Worship (Brown Auditorium)
9:15 Holy Clubs
10:30 In Cabins/Lights Out
SATURDAY
7:00-8:30 Breakfast line open
8:30 Worship (Brown)
9:45 Workshop #1
11:15 Workshop #2
12:30 Cookout under the oaks
1:00-4:00 Free Time
4:30 The Amazing (G)Race
5:30-6:45 Supper line open (dining hall)
7:00 Worship (Brown)
8:15 Holy Clubs
9:15 Late Night Fun
10:30 In Cabins/Lights Out
SUNDAY
7:00-8:30 Breakfast Line Open
9:00-9:45 Mission Spotlight (Brown)
10:00 Worship & Communion (Brown)
11:15 Lunch & Depart
For more information, please contact Suzanne Akins, Director of Camping & Retreats at suzanne@sgaumc.com or (912) 638-8626 ext 107.