Due to the low number of responses we regret to advise that Family Camp for 2021 has been cancelled.

STRENGHTENING

Relationships with God,
our families, and with each other

UNIFYING

Hearts and minds
​to God's will for our lives

IMPACTING

The world around us
​so others can see God's love

  "We Are Family" Family Camp
Video Review & Testimonials

​Download here a brochure with the projected activity schedule,  price schedule for accommodations, day activity passes, and evening dinner as well as a suggested packing list.

brochure_work-up.pdf
File Size:	2197 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Questions & Answers

WHAT IS "WE ARE FAMILY" FAMILY CAMP?​

We introduced the concept of "We Are Family" Family Camp in 2018 to provide a restful environment for "earthly" families as well as our local "spiritual" family to be strengthened, unified, and impacted in godly ways, ultimately to have an impact on the world around us. ​

when is it?

Campers can begin checking in at noon on Thursday, August 12 and camp will conclude on Sunday, August 15, with everyone asked to be off their sites and out of their rooms by noon.

where will it take place?

Lost Valley Retreat Center, 5724 M-32 West, Gaylord, MI, 5.4 miles (8 minutes) from Gaylord Meijer.

​is there cost involved?

There is no cost to spend the day at the camp. Many people will come out just for the fellowship. Evening chapel is also free as well as any evening specials and the nightly campfires. Some people will come for the evening meal which is priced for participants over 5 and then stay for chapel and maybe take in a campfire. There is a daily pass cost which covers the ropes coarse, climbing wall, go-carts and water front activities. Accommodations are priced according to tenting, RV or cabin/dorm, and include all activities and the evening meal as well as the special Sunday morning breakfast.

How do you register for camp & is there a deadline?

August 8 is the target deadline date. The sooner you register the better.  Space could be limited, so it is better to register earlier rather than later. Early registry also helps up to work with the camp as to food and accommodations.
Here are the options:

• You can register at either the Gaylord or Sault Campuses on Sunday mornings.
• You can register at the Gaylord Church Office, Monday-Friday during normal business hours.
• You can register and pay by credit card online following the instructions on the bottom of this page.

WILL THERE BE ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN DURING EVENING CHAPEL?

Even though we want the majority of time at this retreat family oriented, we believe there is wisdom to provide something special for young children for evening chapel. That was a special request from our last retreat camper feedback. Heidi Savage, one of our Gaylord E-free office staff and co-leader of the M3 Teens Group on Sunday, will be the lead person for an optional activity time for ages up through 3rd grade during the evening chapels. This will not be provided for the Sunday service. 

IS IT TRUE THAT THIS IS A "NO TECH" RETREAT?

We mean this in a fun and positive way. We hope unnecessary technology stays at home. We really challenge these 3 days to be a "get away" from the business and distractions of life. One of the greatest obstacles to family time is so much time spent on technology. Our hope is that this may even capture individuals and families to re-evaluate how much time is spent on technology, including social media.

WHAT SPECIAL THINGS HAPPEN ON SUNDAY?

At 8:30 there is a special breakfast for everyone, followed by a lake front service (weather permitting) of worship, a wrap-up and communion led by Dave Baragrey (worship) & Jack Dutton (wrap-up and communion).

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A FAMILY TO COME and do you have to be a member of e-free church?

No to both questions. Everyone is welcome as a family or as an individual. This is a faith-based retreat and everyone is trusted to be respectful of this. Chapel attendance is an important part of this event. We do request that participants not smoke or drink on camp grounds.

are the grounds handicap accessible and what about older people?

Buildings are handicap accessible. It is a large camp and there are areas that are not easily accessible. However, we are working to provide some type of motorized transportation to help with anyone who may have these kinds of needs. If there is someone you know who has special needs, please let us know and we will do our best to help with this.

What is the family team points about?

This is just a fun motivator for families to have some ideas of things they can do. It does involve a little friendly competition in that we have a fun (but ugly) trophy which is claimed and taken home for the year, as well a family prize for the family with the most total points. We emphasize this is for fun and not intended for hard-core competition. (i.e. Dave Baragrey and the Smith family!)

Register & Pay Options

1. Sunday Mornings at either the Gaylord or Sault Campuses.

2. At the Gaylord Campus at 1649 M-32 East during normal business hours.

3. On-line using 1 of 3 price options. Click on the link and then follow directions.

• Link #1 is for purchasing one or more evening dinners only.
• Link #2 is for purchasing day passes which includes all activities, plus evening dinner.
• Link #3 is for purchasing the whole package: accommodations, all activities, & dinners.​

1. Evening meals CLICK HERE

​2. Day Pass CLICK HERE

3. Three Day Reservation CLICK HERE 

If you have more questions:
Call the Gaylord church office: (989)732-2647
Email Jack Dutton : jackd@miefree.org
Dave Baragrey: daveb@miefree.org
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