It was a bit crazy getting out of the church parking lot, but the Camping Retreat was a whole lot of fun. Just check out some of the photos from the weekend.

Are you planning on going on the Fall Camping Retreat? Well, I had set it into the early part of the fall so that we could have it before Brooks showed up.. Oh well for that plan. We are still determining if our leadership is comfortable in making the trip happen. In the mean time, here are two pieces of paperwork that will be crucial for the trip to happen.

1. Whitewater Rafting Release Form : this is for the river guide company. I believe the file says its 2008, but it is what they sent to me & their is no end date on it that I could read.

2. HFUMC Youth 2009-2010 Health & Release Form : this is for everyone in the youth community. It is our release form for the whole year when we do events. It has three parts, emergency information, health insurance info, and a photo/video release. The first two are pretty explanatory, we also ask for a copy of a current health insurance card (hospitals, should we need it ever, like to see cards). The photo/video release is to affirm permissions to use photos/videos taken at HFUMC happenings for website, newsletters, trip updates, etc. If you have specific questions about use feel free to contact me.

We will need both forms for those camping this weekend.

this week in eNewsletter. check this if you want to get our email newsletter.

• Eikon: We are pleased to bring back our multi-generational spirituality and arts exploration Eikon. This year we will have meeting throughout the year on Wednesday evenings. Eikon, Photography, Improv, Writing & Visual Arts. I’m excited to start back our Writing group with a friend and published author Matthew Paul Turner is going to come and share his experience and knowledge with us during the month of August. His most recent book is called “Churched” and it is a funny and poignant memoir of his early childhood growing up in a fundamentalist church environment. He is excited to be with us. Also back for another season is our Improv, Photography, and Visual Arts group. Eikon will be on Wednesday evenings from 630pm till 730pm in conjunction with WNT options. Groups are open to all ages and experiences, just come. We will meet on the 3rd floor youth lounge area follow signs.
• Eikon Arts & Writing start tonight, Improv & Photog will start up next week.
• Newly Minted 7th Graders Pool Party: is this Sunday at the Privitera’s home from 2-4. This is just for our 7th graders to reconnect & have some fun together. We will do a shuttle a little before 4 for those going to NWG Choir.
• NWG Choir: Is back & rehearsal is this week at 4pm. Don’t Miss!
• Parents Meeting: We will have our first Parents Meeting of the academic year this Sunday from 4:10-5pm. We will go over Calendar Items, Permission Forms, Getting Involved, etc. These meetings are packed with info & really quick. So be seated & ready at 4:10pm in the Youth Area. You are welcome to stay and hang for snack supper.
• Fall Camping Retreat: We are heading into the woods & into the water for this years camping retreat. Check the new youth site I’ve been working on for more details.
• Youth & Youth Leader Training: We have our second installment of our leadership trainings August 24th from 530-730pm. This is for those who are Drive Group leaders (student & adults alike) and Coffeehouse or Eikon group leaders. Dinner is provided, you bring the conversation & learning
• Do you want to help with CoffeeHouse worship or other shows? I’m looking for a few good people to teach how to do the video, projection, and what I know of sound & light board. Talk to me!
• I hope everyone enjoyed the music & ministry of Holly Cormier this past Sunday at CoffeeHouse. Check out her site, youtube & facebook, to support a fellow young person.
• I don’t know about you, but this has to be the craziest thing I’ve ever seen. Make sure you double check your math, physics, and weather before you get any ideas for yourself.

Many have asked. Many have wondered. “What will this years camping retreat look like?”

Look no further. August 22nd – 23rd we will set off for Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park for camping & outdoor fun. Sunday the 23rd we will embark on a two hour tour down the middle of the Ocoee River, one of the most world class rafting spots around. Rafting will be with the folks at Adventures Unlimited

Cost: $40, which covers your camping, food, and rafting.

Register: Click here to test our Online Registration, your username is maybe first initial & last name. password is maybe last name.

Pack List: (if you do not have some of the equipment, don’t buy first, ask, we probably have extras)

• Tent (if you have one, don’t go buy one)
• Sleeping Bag & Pillow
• Swim Trunks
• Water Shoes or Shoes you don’t mind getting Wet (for Rafting, sandals/flipflops do not count)
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Camp Chair / Hammock
• Clothes for swimming in natural environment (ie. something a bit sturdier than a skimpier bathing suit)
• Bug spray
• 2 Towels (one bath, one beach)
• Long sleeve shirt or jacket for cooler weather
• Pants for the same cool weather
• Pillow
• Toiletries
• general Clothes for weekend
• Camera
• Raincoat
• Bible (for devotional times, wonder who all will remember)
• Long pants and shirt that you’d be cool getting dirty if we are going caving
• Book you want to read
• Sunscreen
• Shower shoes (it’s a pretty primitive bathouse)
• day hike Backpack
• Flashlight
• Some $ for the Road

Schedule : Saturday

• 8am depart church, be there with all your gear & a bag lunch
• 12/1pm arrive at campsite
• Set Up Camp
• Park Exploration
• 6pm Dinner
• 7:30pm Vespers Service
• 9:00pm Evening Camp Game
• 10:00pm Camfire / Smores

Sunday

• 7am Wake, Start to Break Down Camp
• 8am Breakfast
• 9am Last of Packing & Cleaning
• 915am Depart for Rigger group
• 10am Off to the Rapids
• 12pm Off the River
• 1pm Change clothes, Heading Home
• 3/4pm Arrival Back at Church

Camping Trips Past:

• Pics from 2007 Trip
• Pics from 2006 Trip
• Pics from 2005 Trip