2024 Fall Retreat in Alton, NH
November 8-10, 2024 at Brookwoods Camp & Conference Center
We are so excited for our annual all-ages fall retreat on Nov. 8-10 at Brookwoods Camp & Conference Center on Lake Winnepesaukee in Alton, NH!! The fall church retreat has historically been a very joyful opportunity for our community to connect, get to know one another and form new friendships outside of brief Sunday worship greetings. It's a time to be refreshed and spiritually challenged together as we step back from the city and from some of our normal routines and concerns, to grow in perspective of who God is and what He has done, and in purpose as His treasured children. Seven Hills newcomers and regular attenders alike (all ages!) are welcome. We hope you will join us for some thought-provoking conversations, worship and reflection, good food, great people, cozy cabins, games, and beautiful lakeside woods!
This year, outside facilitators Steve and Tami Resch will be leading us through a weekend exploring the theme of "Voices and Verdicts." This will be an interactive dialogue about the voices that compel us and the verdicts that we struggle to set aside, and how we can learn to hear instead the voice of our loving God, and the verdict that is ours by the Gospel.
Please register by or before October 25.
What to Expect
While the details and programming are still being finalized for the weekend, here's a little info on what to expect this year:
Typically guests arrive as their schedules permit sometime on Friday evening to check in and get settled. Brookwoods Camp is about 2 hrs north of Somerville (we will help coordinate rides). On Friday evening, guests typically arrive as schedules allow between 4pm-8pm, with pizza provided for early guests. On Saturday after breakfast together, there will be structured small group discussions and large group worship together, with childcare & kids' programming provided, then a long stretch of free down time in the afternoon for outdoor adventures, crafting, naps, soccer, reading, or other fun of your own design. In the evenings, plan on some guided group conversations (while kids enjoy a family-friendly movie on Saturday night), some board games or puzzles together, maybe a singalong, stargazing, and a bonfire as weather permits. (Note that Camp Brookwoods is a dry campus, so we thank you for understanding that alcohol is not permitted on the premises.) On Sunday, we’ll enjoy breakfast, some time to pack up, followed by a time of devotion and worship together, lunch and ice cream sundaes, and then head home to Boston.
Health & Safety
COVID tests and first aid will be available on-site at the retreat as needed. We ask that anyone with concerning new symptoms of illness (such as high fever or GI distress) within 24 hrs prior to the retreat please refrain from coming, and contact us ASAP. Refunds will be provided for anyone who is unexpectedly unable to attend the retreat due to illness, injury or family emergency.
Lodging & Meals
Camp Brookwoods features a variety of housing options, including shared bunked cabins and a limited number of private rooms. Private rooms and shared cabins are located near the main building lodge in the surrounding campground (see a map here). Once all registrations are received, leaders will work to assign housing carefully according to individual needs and preferences as best we are able. We look forward to fun new opportunities for community and connection at the retreat!
Shared Cabins - Cabin bunkhouses feature a large open room with up to 14 bunked beds with shared in-cabin bathroom facilities. Some cabins will be organized by sex (women & girls in one, men & boys in another). Other cabins may be assigned, with prior permission from each household, with two families with similarly aged children all sharing one cabin bunk house.
Private Rooms - A limited number of private rooms with a private bath + queen bed, plus additional twin bunks/mattresses as needed (and floor space for a pack-n-play), will be available by request for an additional $50 fee per unit. Those with health/mobility limitations and families with infants/toddlers will be given priority for private rooms as space allows.
Brookwoods provides all meals and is happy to accommodate dietary needs (vegetarian, food allergies/restrictions, etc), so please indicate any special requirements or requests in your registration form. Upon request, guests may also access a refrigerator to store outside food or medicine for health or allergy reasons.
Cost & Payment
As our retreat facility is larger than before with more space, more meals and added activities, our retreat fees have increased this year. Retreat costs will include two nights lodging at Brookwoods (equipped with all standard modern amenities--heat, electricity, plumbing etc), as well as optional dinner + snack on Friday, breakfast, lunch, dinner + snack on Saturday, and breakfast + lunch on Sunday.
Rates
$130 per adult/teen (15+)
$75 per youth (6-14yrs)
Free for children 0-5yrs
Household max: $375 (not including private room fee)
$50 extra per Private Room (payable later upon room assignment)
*If you will not attend the full weekend, please Contact us about an adjusted rate.
Scholarships
We do not want cost to prevent anyone from coming! If the retreat cost is prohibitive to you, we do have scholarships available. Please indicate in the form if you need a scholarship to attend.
Payment Methods & Timing
Payment is available by credit card, or by check to "Seven Hills Presbyterian" ("Fall retreat" in the memo) in the offering basket during Sunday worship. If preferred, we are happy to accept a partial payment to reserve your spot, with the remaining balance due by Sunday, Nov. 5 the week of the retreat. A minimum payment of $25/adult or $50/household is required to reserve your spot.
Refunds & Cancellations
After registration, if you are prevented from participating in the retreat due to any symptoms, illness, injury, or family emergency, we would be happy to provide a refund.
Questions?
You'll find additional information in the registration form. Details including schedule, room assignments and what to bring, will be forthcoming in November. In the meantime, we would be happy to address any of your questions or concerns as we are able--please reach out to any of the staff, or to Holly Wiggin. We hope to see you there!
Testimonials
"I had a blast!!! A big thanks to the group for the tremendous planning and work to make such a great weekend. My soul is full!"
"This was so life-giving for so many, not least of which our kids for whom this continues to be a highlight for the year!"
