Refresh |
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How do you start your summer off well?
Join InterVarsity Florida for a 4-day retreat to refresh your soul, strengthen your friendships, and grow your heart for your campus. At the Refresh Retreat, we will:
This year we will explore how Jesus meets us in anxiety and brokenness, and how He offers us true hope, peace, and significance. We can't imagine a better way to end your year and start your summer! Register soon to save your spot!
- be Restored through intentional time with Jesus
- Reimagine how to share our faith with others
- Authentically worship and engage Scripture
- Skeptics, seekers, and Christians going deep together
- and PLAY! Fun and recreation every day.
This year we will explore how Jesus meets us in anxiety and brokenness, and how He offers us true hope, peace, and significance. We can't imagine a better way to end your year and start your summer! Register soon to save your spot!
Arrive at Lake Swan
4:30pm-6:30pm Check-in, fellowship, games. Dinner at 6:30pm! Worship & Word. Lake Swan Camp 647 FL-26, Melrose, FL 32666 |
Restored thru Sabbath
Whether Sabbath is new to you or you practice it regularly, God will meet you! We'll experience together the spiritual practice of Sabbath, creating space for rest, retreat, prayer, and play! How might God bring restoration to your soul? Bring your Bible, and a swimsuit! ;) Late Night: Dance Party! |
To Reimagine Witness
Jesus offers peace, hope, and significance to us... AND to our campuses! Witness means sharing what you know to be true with those God has put in your life. On this day, we will learn together how love and courage can help us share our faith with those we care about. Late Night: Bonfire! |
By Living Intentionally
What if you could live in such a way that you were more rested, less anxious, and more connected? It is possible! We'll help you plan to do it, in your real life. Mentoring, Prayer Ministry, and Next Steps Coaching available! Departure around 4pm. |
LeadXperience: Your Small Group Leadership Journey
This year, we're extending a unique chance for you to step into the role of leading a small group Bible study during Refresh. Especially for newcomers or those contemplating leadership, regardless of prior apprenticeship training on your campus, this opportunity is designed to help you explore and grow in your leadership journey. Here's what you'll get:
- Before Refresh:
- Curated training through online courses you do on your own schedule
- An online discussion board with others in LeadXperience
- An orientation meeting with your Coach
- A $50 scholarship to Refresh*
- During Refresh:
- The opportunity to lead 3 Bible studies and make a Call to Faith (don't worry - we'll prepare you well!)
- Coaching from a Bible Study Leadership Expert
- A Daily Check-in to debrief how your Small Group went
- New skills and confidence to lead Bible study!
Space is limited and we will close the cohort on April 15, so sign up soon!
If you are interested in this opportunity, chat with your staff!
If you are interested in this opportunity, chat with your staff!
Register for Refresh now to save your spot!
*$50 deposit due with registration. Deposit applies toward total cost.
Scholarships available based on financial need. Ask your staff!
Scholarships available based on financial need. Ask your staff!
Got a question? We've got answers!
REGISTRATION
Am I allowed to come to Refresh if I didn't register ahead of time?
Yes! We will keep registration open through the day of the event, but the price will increase by $25 for those who register the day of, so don't wait!
Am I allowed to cancel my registration?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund by May 1 at 11:59pm EDT.
If you cancel between the date above and May 2 at 11:59pm ET, we will offer a partial refund, however the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Cancellations later than May 3 will be offered no refunds.
Exceptions will only be made based on family emergency or illness.
If you would like to cancel your registration at any time, contact the Registrar.
I have questions about registration, who can I talk to?
Your local staff or small group leader will be the best person to contact first; but if they do not have the answers, you can email the Refresh Registrar by clicking here.
Yes! We will keep registration open through the day of the event, but the price will increase by $25 for those who register the day of, so don't wait!
Am I allowed to cancel my registration?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund by May 1 at 11:59pm EDT.
If you cancel between the date above and May 2 at 11:59pm ET, we will offer a partial refund, however the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Cancellations later than May 3 will be offered no refunds.
Exceptions will only be made based on family emergency or illness.
If you would like to cancel your registration at any time, contact the Registrar.
I have questions about registration, who can I talk to?
Your local staff or small group leader will be the best person to contact first; but if they do not have the answers, you can email the Refresh Registrar by clicking here.
LOCATION & HOW TO GET THERE
Refresh will be held at:
Lake Swan Camp
647 FL-26,
Melrose, FL 32666
Many campuses will be arranging carpools and traveling together. In addition, students will be traveling from all over Florida, so there might be another campus community you can travel with if you have already gone home for the summer. Register first, then talk to your staff about how to get to Refresh. We will help you figure it out!
More information about facilities can be found on the Lake Swan website.
Lake Swan Camp
647 FL-26,
Melrose, FL 32666
Many campuses will be arranging carpools and traveling together. In addition, students will be traveling from all over Florida, so there might be another campus community you can travel with if you have already gone home for the summer. Register first, then talk to your staff about how to get to Refresh. We will help you figure it out!
More information about facilities can be found on the Lake Swan website.
HOUSING INFORMATION
You will be housed in a dorm-like room that has 8-12 bunk beds. You will be able to choose your room, with your campus or friends once you arrive. All beds are twin-size, and you will need to bring sheets & blankets or sleeping bag, and a pillow. All rooms have a shared bathroom. You will also need to bring towel(s), washcloths, shampoo & conditioner, and soap. We also highly recommend bringing a pair of flip flops for showering.
WHAT TO BRING
- Bible (not on your phone)
- Journal
- Twin-size bed linens (or sleeping bag) & pillow
- Bath towel and washcloth
- Toiletries
- Medications (as necessary)
- WATER BOTTLE (we will not provide water bottles, but there are fountains to refill)
- Rain jacket or umbrella
- Camera (not a phone)
- Flashlight
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Bathing suit
- Beach towel
- Spending money for book table and IFES offering
- Sweatshirt for cool evenings
- Close-toed shoes for some activities
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS & Allergies/Conditions
If you have a medically necessary dietary need and/or allergy/condition that we should be aware of, please inform the registrar at least 7 days prior to arriving at Lake Swan.
Lake Swan needs all requests to be turned in 7 days prior to your camp trip. This will allow them enough time prepare menus and shop for all the ingredients they will need. Lake Swan only responds to Special Dietary Needs that are medically necessary like food allergies, food intolerances, and doctor prescribed lifestyle changes. If you have a food preference (e.g. if I decided to eat gluten-free but I am not allergic to it), you may want to bring your own food substitutes. If it is an allergy/medical need, Lake Swan will do their best to accommodate. Along with the hot menu, there will be a breakfast bar with fruit and cereal every morning and a salad bar at every lunch and dinner.
Lake Swan needs all requests to be turned in 7 days prior to your camp trip. This will allow them enough time prepare menus and shop for all the ingredients they will need. Lake Swan only responds to Special Dietary Needs that are medically necessary like food allergies, food intolerances, and doctor prescribed lifestyle changes. If you have a food preference (e.g. if I decided to eat gluten-free but I am not allergic to it), you may want to bring your own food substitutes. If it is an allergy/medical need, Lake Swan will do their best to accommodate. Along with the hot menu, there will be a breakfast bar with fruit and cereal every morning and a salad bar at every lunch and dinner.
SCHOLARSHIPS & COST
What does the Registration Cost include?
Once you arrive at the Camp, all housing, meals, and program costs are covered by the $200 registration fee. You are responsible for travel and travel meals.
Do I need to bring extra money?
We will collect an offering for IFES students in the Latin Caribbean during the conference. Cash and credit/debit card will be accepted for the offering. We will also offer a book and swag table that accepts cash and Venmo/CashApp.
How do I get a scholarship for the Refresh Retreat?
We think that this experience will be worth the investment you will make in it. But we never want finances and "I can't afford it" to be a barrier for you to attend. Scholarships are available for students with financial need. If you need financial assistance, talk with your InterVarsity Staff!
Once you arrive at the Camp, all housing, meals, and program costs are covered by the $200 registration fee. You are responsible for travel and travel meals.
Do I need to bring extra money?
We will collect an offering for IFES students in the Latin Caribbean during the conference. Cash and credit/debit card will be accepted for the offering. We will also offer a book and swag table that accepts cash and Venmo/CashApp.
How do I get a scholarship for the Refresh Retreat?
We think that this experience will be worth the investment you will make in it. But we never want finances and "I can't afford it" to be a barrier for you to attend. Scholarships are available for students with financial need. If you need financial assistance, talk with your InterVarsity Staff!
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
- We ask that anyone who is feeling ill in the 3 days before Refresh take a Covid test. This will be done on the honor system, although we ask in order to care well for others, that students follow through on this request, and if students feel comfortable report the result to your staff. If there is a positive result, we ask that student to not attend Refresh and that you email the retreat Registrar to let us know. Many campuses have access to Covid-19 tests for students, and we ask that students take advantage of these resources.
- At this point, we will not be requiring everyone to wear masks, but we encourage all participants to take whatever precautions they are most comfortable with.
- We will encourage social distancing as much as possible.
- If anyone develops Covid during the retreat, they will be isolated in a room or allowed to go home at their own expense.
*We will closely monitor the COVID-19 infection rates, and may increase our precautionary practices at any time, leading up to or during the retreat.
Accessibility at LAKE SWAN
Lake Swan welcomes persons of all abilities to their camps. At Lake Swan, all of the main buildings are accessible to strollers or wheelchairs. There are rooms that are designed to be accessible. While most walkways around camp are not paved, we will also do our best to help every guest participate in activities.
Email our Registrar or talk with your staff about any accommodations you may need.
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Email our Registrar or talk with your staff about any accommodations you may need.
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WHAT IF I'M Not a Christian or UNCERTAIN ABOUT JESUS?
We would LOVE to have you join us! InterVarsity conferences and retreats are open to all people, regardless of religious experience or identification. We'll help you explore spiritual questions you are bringing. We'll allow you to experiment with spiritual practices in a judgment free zone. While Refresh will be a distinctly Christian experience, everyone can benefit from time away from the stress of regular life. We believe that true life and true belonging is only found in Jesus. And, your questions, your doubts, your beliefs are welcome in this place. We would love to listen and help you explore answers on your terms! We believe God wants to reveals himself to you and we can't wait to walk with you (at your pace) in your spiritual journey!
Leadxperience details
We think this will be a great chance for you to "try on" leading a small group Bible study within a supportive community and learning environment, so we are excited to offer this opportunity AND a scholarship if you sign up. However, in order for you to succeed (and receive the scholarship), there are a few commitments you will need to make.
If you are a current leader on your campus, we love you and are SO grateful for you, but we really want this experience to be for apprentices or those considering apprenticeship. So, don't be offended, but please don't sign up for this. If you are a leader on a campus that does not have a staff, please DO sign up! We'd love to equip you with more training and coaching!
Got a specific question? Ask your staff or email us at [email protected]!
- Prior to Refresh:
- Complete all assigned online training modules (maximum of 4, approximately 2 hours).
- Attend one 30-min session to meet your coach and get oriented to the Bible studies
- Prepare for leading by doing each Bible study (3 total) yourself
- Once you've completed the training modules and met your coach, we will apply the scholarship!
- During Refresh:
- Work with a co-leader to facilitate 3 small group Bible studies (one per day)
- Be open and responsive to coaching from LeadXperience Coaches and Facilitators
- Attend a 60-minute Orientation on Day 1
- Attend 30-min debrief check-ins each day
If you are a current leader on your campus, we love you and are SO grateful for you, but we really want this experience to be for apprentices or those considering apprenticeship. So, don't be offended, but please don't sign up for this. If you are a leader on a campus that does not have a staff, please DO sign up! We'd love to equip you with more training and coaching!
Got a specific question? Ask your staff or email us at [email protected]!
About Lake Swan Camp.
Lake Swan Camp has a 60-acre campus located along crystal clear, spring-fed Lake Swan in northern Florida. In addition to its natural Florida beauty, Lake Swan has plenty to offer. Our activities include a water recreation area, water trampolines, a water slide, canoes, tubing, fishing, gaga ball, sand volleyball, basketball, a 9-hole putt putt course, game room, and more. Check out www.lakeswancamp.org for more info! |