Our winter teen retreats are scheduled during the prime Michigan winter season offering a terrific opportunity for outdoor recreation, fellowship, evangelistic outreach, and spiritual growth. Our winterized facilities, forested grounds, and recreation options provide an ideal winter retreat location. We’ll plan the program (and do the dishes) so you can concentrate on having personal contact with your students.
| Weekend | Age | Speakers | Openings | Waitlist | Register |
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*For waitlist, contact the Registrar at Registrar@campbarakel.org.
Fees • The fee is $95 per person. A $30 deposit is due at registration and the remainder is due when you arrive.
Refunds • The deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Leaders • One leader is needed per 10 students per gender.
Registrations • The main leader of your teen group needs to register everyone under one registration.
Links:
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Ministry Partner Agreement
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Teen Liability Form
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Leader Liability Form
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Sample Schedule
Everyone should bring a Bible, notebook, bedding for a twin-sized bunk bed, pillow, towel, toiletries, boots, gloves, and warm, casual clothing.
Skates, cross-country skis, and snowshoes will be available, but you may bring your own if you’d like.
The hockey rink requires a helmet. We’ll have plenty, but you can bring your own.
Our aim is for you to grow closer to the Lord this weekend, and hearing the Word of God taught is the primary way we accomplish this in the Barakel setting.
We expect that everyone will attend Chapel services, and we’ll do our best to make them a highlight of your weekend.
We designate two times during the weekend for you to meet together as a youth group and digest and discuss what has been taught in Chapel.
We’re looking forward to hosting campers this winter. We have developed this plan to adhere to regulations and keep our guests safe, while enjoying a winter Barakel experience.
Lower retreat attendance. Groups will be considered cohorts, and we will aim to isolate your group from other groups during the weekend. Everyone will wear a mask inside shared buildings (Chapel and Dining Hall). East and West attendees will be completely separate.
Groups will not share housing units. Your group may be assigned to one building (girls on one side, boys on the other). We will work to provide a designated indoor gathering area for each group, since shared areas (Dining Halls) will be closed between meals.
Check-in will be done in separate locations for East and West camps and only one person per group will interact with staff. Groups will sign a Ministry Partner Agreement to ensure clearly communicated expectations.
All staff and guests will complete a health screening process. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout camp. We will regularly clean and sanitize shared areas. There will be clear and prompt post-event communication in the event of any positive COVID test.
We will work to serve you safely and separately. Masks will be required in the dining halls except while eating. Entrances & tables will be assigned.
Activity areas will be scheduled for group use. Equipment will be sanitized between use. Indoor areas in Snow Valley will be closed. We will provide outdoor firepit areas for safe gathering.
We plan to gather together for four chapel sessions throughout the weekend. You will sit with your group, separate from other groups. Everyone will wear a mask while in the chapel building.
Directions • We’re located 5 miles east of Fairview along M-72. A streetlight is suspended over the highway at our access road.
For GPS directions, use 1798 Shear Lake Rd., Fairview, MI 48621. If you have an older GPS device, however, please see our directions page.
Check-in • Check-in begins on Friday at 7:00 pm. We’ll be waiting for you at the camp office (the first building on Barakel property).
If you experience a delay in your travels and will be arriving after 9:00 pm, please call to let us know. The office number is 989-848-2279.
Preview • The fun begins on Friday evening at 7:30 pm, when most of the activites open. No supper will be served on Friday evening, but we'll enjoy a hearty snack at 9:15 pm. Chapel begins at 10:00 pm, which is late enough to allow most groups to arrive and includes a prayer huddle with all of our adult leaders. The rest of the weekend will include activity times, 3 more Chapels, and lots of great food. The last thing is an early lunch on Sunday at 11:30 am.
Balance Due • Your remaining balance is payable at check-in. Cash or check is preferred, but you can also use a credit card.