November 12-14
"EXTREME MAKEOVER: LIFE EDITION"
2010 Encounter Brochure | 2010 Encounter Registration
What to expect at Encounter 2010
Are you looking for an experience that will ignite a passion in the hearts of your teens for Jesus? Are you seeking something bigger than simply a weekend "mountaintop" experience?
Imagine for a moment, having teenagers come home after a weekend, called and driven to begin Bible studies in their schools and mission projects in their communities. In 17 years of student ministry, I have discovered many events to help reach teens; but few that truly lead students to a deeper commitment in discipleship. For the past five years, the Encounter weekend at Gretna Glen Camp and Retreat Center has provided a space where teenagers from all over the region have come to gather to earnestly seek the Lord; to have an encounter with the risen Christ! Sure, we participate in all of the wonderful activities that make camp fun - campfires, hayrides, and the ropes course but the cornerstone of Encounter is passionate worship, challenging messages, and commissioning for service.
Students from all over the region will gather from Friday-Sunday, November 12-14 for Encounter 2010.
Who can attend the Encounter Weekend?
This weekend is open to all Students in grades 6 through 12. Space is limited. Please register early.
Churches that are sending 5 or more students should arrange for an adult leader/chaperone to stay for the duration of the weekend.
How much does it cost?
Cost for Encounter 2010 is $95, which includes all meals, lodging, and weekend activities!
Checks are payable to "Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center." A deposit of $25 is due when you register. The balance is payable when you arrive for the Encounter Weekend. Checks & Registration Forms should be sent to:
Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center
Encounter 2010
87 Old Mine Road
Lebanon, PA 17042
Are there any scholarships available?
No student has ever been turned away from attending an Encounter weekend because of a lack of finances. Students who are in need of scholarship assistance are asked to consider the following before asking for scholarship assistance:
- Fundraise. A student or youth group can easily raise the funds needed to attend an Encounter weekend by holding a Car Wash or Spaghetti Dinner - or even by simply asking relatives, neighbors and friends of the family.
- Contact Your Pastor. Most pastors can assist in helping you find a way to raise money to attend a retreat weekend. There may even be a scholarship fund established at your church!
After you have exhausted every avenue, contact Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center at (717)273-6525 or Rev. Kris Perry at (570)385-3941 or by email at revkrisperry@yahoo.com.
What should I bring to Encounter?
- completed forms
- sleeping bag or sheet/blanket
- pillow
- pajamas
- towel, wash cloth, soap & shampoo
- toothbrush & toothpaste
- clothing for 2 days (wear layers for comfort)
- coat/jacket, sweatshirt, rain gear
- Bible, notebook, pen or pencil
- flashlight
Please place identification on each item including luggage and sleeping bags. Pillows should be secured with the sleeping bag, or place in a plastic bag labeled with the camper's name.
Please do not bring:Personal electronic equipment of any kind (iPod's, MP3's, PSP's, portable DVD players, laptops, radios, cell phones). Any of these items brought to the weekend will be collected and returned following the final event of the weekend.
Student Testimonies!
This weekend has been a turning point in my life.
This weekend was amazing. I was angry at the world, at the situation my family is in. Saturday night changed all of that. I feel entirely at rest now. The stress has disappeared.
During this weekend I released my sin and grew closer to God.
This weekend has given our youth group an experience to grow in ways that otherwise would have taken years to achieve. God met us here. God was here this weekend.
This weekend was an absolutely amazing experience! I grew closer to God especially through the services. The speakers were able to get to people in a way I have never experienced before. I'm already looking forward to next year.
I rededicated my life to Christ this weekend.
I felt God enter my life for the first time.
This weekend has meant a lot to me! I've learned more about myself and others. I felt a very strong presence of God throughout the whole weekend. I feel renewed and overjoyed. It has given me a better understanding of what I believe.
Encounter was an amazing experience!
This weekend, I let go of the anger that was inside of me.
This weekend has helped me come closer to God. It helped me realize my need to put God first in my life again and not let anything come between my relationship with Christ. I grew closer to Him by renewing my relationship with Him. When we gathered around the altar, I could feel Him bringing me closer to Him.
This weekend meant a lot to me. I have been through some hard times within the last few months. It was a relief to let it all out. I have done things that I regret, but I am now willing to allow Christ to help me through it.
This weekend has helped me to remember what's really important to me and made me realize how I had started to drift away from God.
I actually came here to get away for a while. I wasn't thinking about how God could change my life. I have realized that I was drifting away from God, and I was hurting. I didn't realize how much God loved me. Now I know, and I want to thank you for inviting me to be a part of this weekend. I had a lot of fun!
My experience this weekend has been amazing. I connected with old friends and made new ones. God really has been working through me. Sometimes I feel as though I get disconnected with God, but this weekend has really helped me get closer to Him
This weekend has brought me closer and back to God.
This weekend has been a time of healing and renewing my faith. I realized that I needed to return to my "first love God." This weekend helped to heal some painful hurts. It was amazing!
God always moves at Encounter but this year He moved in ways I did not expect. Watching God move in the lives of the teens was amazing. The healing that has taken place touched my heart in ways that I will not forget.
God totally changed me.