We know that when a student has a growing relationship with Jesus, they have a compass to guide them their whole life. Their faith influences how they treat themselves and others. It helps them know what to truly value in life.
But learning what it looks like to follow Jesus in the “everyday” things of life is challenging.
Students tell us that it’s hard to find time to read the Bible and pray. They shared that they have big faith questions, and they struggle to believe God loves them. They say that their life feels stressful and overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve created a retreat for all 6th–12th graders. We want to carve out space in their busy schedules to focus on what matters most.
Your student will:
• Get away to the river to unplug from the pressures of middle/high school.
• Spend time with people who want to see them grow stronger.
• Create space to reflect and worship.
• Have a TON of fun and create lasting memories with their friends.
-Bible and Pen
-Twin Sheet or Sleeping Bag (or both)
-Pillow
-Swimsuit (one-piece)
-Athletic Clothes for competitions
-Closed-toed shoes
-Bath Towel/Swimming Towel
-Change of clothes for 2 days
-Deodorant
-Sunscreen
-Bug spray
-Any prescriptions needed (these will be collected at check-in and handed to their small-group leaders)
-Bible or Bible App (if you do not have either, we will provide one)
*All items must be able to fit in one suitcase*
Camp Participation:
Anthem Church has partnered up with Beachside Community Church (Fort Walton Beach, FL) and Wiregrass Church (Dothan, AL) to pull off this camp together. These two incredible churches are part of our Irresistible Church Network that Anthem is in through our connections with North Point Community Church. This will be a great opportunity for students to make connections with students from other areas while also hearing from various Student Pastors.
Transportation Info:
Your student(s) will be riding with their leader to and from camp. Students are allowed to drive to Anthem but not to drive to or from the campgrounds. We ask that everyone, driving or being dropped off, arrive at Anthem's campus at 5:00pm.
Check-in Info:
Check-in for Vertical Reality '24 will begin Friday, October 11th at 5:00pm at Anthem Church and run until we start packing to leave for camp at 5:30pm. We ask you to arrive during that window of time so your student(s) can enjoy the entire experience of camp. In the event that your student(s) can't check-in during that window, please contact our Interim Executive Director, Annie Tucker (352.226.4334), and she will discuss an alternative check-in option if possible.
Event Guidelines:
We want to offer the safest and most enjoyable environment for your student(s) while at camp. Below is a list of some general important guidelines we ask all students to follow while at camp. This list can also be found on our camp website below. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in removal from camp. We ask that you please go over these guidelines with your student(s) before attending.
-Respect your Leader(s) Guidelines
-Be present and ON TIME for each event including meals
-NO PDA (Public or Private Display of Affection)
-No drugs, alcohol, any form of tobacco, vape materials, TV's, fireworks, firearms, knives, water balloons, eggs, rolling, or water pistols.
-Students must ride with an adult during the camp.
-Students are not allowed to drive themselves or others during the weekend.
Check-Out/Leaving Early Info:
Check-out will begin Sunday, October 13th at 3pm and run until 3:30pm. At check-in, we will ask you to let us know who will be checking your student(s) out. For safety, we will not allow someone not listed to check your student(s) out without prior approval from our Student Ministries Director, Philip Floor. When your student(s) checks into camp, they are to remain at camp (Anthem Church, Real Life Camp) the entire time until check-out on Sunday afternoon. If your student(s) has to leave camp before evening check-out, they will not be allowed to do so without prior confirmation from our Student Ministries Director, Philip Floor.
Behavior/Emergency Protocols:
If there is a behavior issue with your student(s), an emergency involving your student(s), or an emergency that takes place at camp, you will be contacted immediately by our Student Ministries Director, Philip Floor, or our Admin, Erin Stanland to have them picked up (Contact info for both of them can be found on the camp website below). If an emergency takes place in your personal life where your student(s) needs to be picked up, we ask you to contact our Student Ministries Director, Philip Floor so we can have your student(s) ready to be picked up.
Safety:
Keeping every student safe while at camp is of the utmost importance to us. Throughout camp, we will have our security team present and any adult that comes in contact with your student(s) has been background checked. Due to the fact that your student(s) will be traveling by car with our leaders and staff, all of our leaders and staff that will be driving have also had a DMV report run on them.
Camp Provided Activity Time:
Students will get to choose from four different activities provided and guided by Real Life Camp. They will be able to select their first preference and second preference upon registration. (Based on the availability space, Real Life Camp staff will do all they can to place everyone in their first or second preference)
-Kayaking Excursion
-Painting Class
-Paintball
-Riverboat Ride & Snorkeling
Free Time:
During our free time period, there are numerous activities on the campground your student(s) can participate in. Please pack accordingly based on the activities your student is interested in. Your student may also back a gaming device (such as a switch) if they want to play during camp. Wifi will be limited if not restricted for student use and students are responsible for their devices
- Blob (on the Blue Springs)
- Pool
- Basketball
- Volleyball
-Rock Climbing Wall
-9 Square in the Air
- Gaga Ball
- Various field games/challenges
- Billiards
- Foosball Table
Production Info:
Throughout camp, we will have various sessions consisting of music, games, and messages. If your student(s) is sensitive to loud noises, we will have earplugs and headphones available for them to wear upon request.
Sunday Student Services:
Camp is going to be an incredible experience for your student(s). We will not have student services Sunday, October 13 as we will still be driving back from camp. If your student(s) volunteers in one of our environments, we ask that you please have them notify the ministry area they serve in ahead of time that they will not be able to serve that Sunday.
Student Ministries Director: Philip Floor 678.787.8560
Admin: Erin Stanland 353.235.4181
