5th Annual Winter Retreat

LPA's 5th annual winter retreat will be held January 10-12 at Bethelwoods Camp.

Bethelwoods is uniquely suited for the winter retreat. Its massive Horton Lodge (with fireplace), allows plenty of room for students, staff, and parents in case events have to be brought inside for inclement January weather.

Since last winter's retreat was unfortunately iced out, many new students have not experienced an LPA overnight retreat.

Details and answers to frequently asked questions provided below.

Also feel free to ask more experienced LPA families. Since all situations are different, please contact the school if these responses do not adequately “scratch the itch” for your questions.

See Lodge, click here

See retreat cabins, click here

Directions, click here

WHO: All secondary students with involvement opportunties for teachers and parents 

WHAT: A 2-night, semester break retreat

WHEN:  2:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 10
              through
              1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 12

WHERE: Bethelwoods Camp, Mt. Gallant Road in York
Helpful for winter retreats for its large lodge
      (space for many in cold temperatures)

LPA has held several retreats at Bethelwoods with great success

WHY:     Intentional opportunities for:

• Purposed, inclusive fellowship among students and with teachers and parents
• Spiritual interaction and contemplation
• A chance to enjoy God and each other in a beautiful camp setting  

 HOW:  The event is student-planned and executed to be inclusive  

• The event is LPA staff supervised/chaperoned with assistance / involvement from parents
• Students will be assigned groups to get to know others of various grades/genders
• Johnny Caruso, minister of students at Fort Mill Baptist Church, has been selected by student planners to lead the spiritual focus and to equip discussion groups
• Female students will stay in the newest and largest cabin, "the Providence"
• Male students will stay down the hill in the modern retreat cabins
• Both types of residence cabins are modern (not rustic): heated, modern baths, etc.
• Sleeping is in mattressed bunks: sleeping bags or sheets/blankets are needed
• Meals will be prepared in the main lodge by student/staff groups
  
  REGISTRATION: 
• Sign-up electronically below.
• Cost is $65 per student for room and board
• No student will be excluded for lack of payment.
  Simply pay what you can. We share the base per-student amount so that people will know what the school's-out of pocket costs are. This is not a fundraiser; it is a ministry to students.

IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?
Yes. Students will NOT be turned away for lack of payment. The retreat has proven to be very valuable in the building of relationships and setting an encouraging spiritual tone for the coming semester. LPA steps out in faith in making this event available to all students. We expect incredible results.

We love people infected with the spirit of generosity! In the past, individuals have stepped forward to offer additional money to cover those who lack the funds. 


WHAT IF WE’RE NOT SURE ABOUT OUR STUDENT STAYING AT NIGHT?
This is a tough call, and certainly understandable. Sometimes, students -- especially younger or new ones -- can be a little leery about overnight retreats and camps and so forth. Understandably, previous bad experiences may contribute to this, and some of us fall on the shy and reserved side.

Based upon the program, the leadership, the student body, and past experience, we would encourage students and parents to “take a risk” in a safe setting. It’s often outside the classroom where students discover sides of each other that form friendship bonds that carry over into the academic situations.

Planning for “day attenders” gets tricky, especially with supervision, small groups, and meal counts, which is why we don’t encourage the practice. The prospect of students coming and going for various reasons tends to pull against the program. We do want to consider particular family situations, however. If a student would like to attend the daily program, but feels strongly about bypassing the overnight aspect, please contact the school by phone or e-mail.

WHERE IS THIS PLACE?
Bethelwods is 10 minutes from campus, outside of York.
From LPA, take Highway 274 toward Newport. Turn right at the traffic light at Mt. Gallant.
Cross Highway 161. The camp is on Mt. Gallant, 2 miles on the right after crossing Highway 161.

WHAT ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF SNOW?
Oh, we wish. Four years ago, it did snow, and it was a wintery blast -- especially the snowmen and the football in the white stuff. But last year it iced and cancelled the event. As long as students can safely get to the camp, we'll plan to hold the retreat.

WHY HAVE A STUDENT RETREAT?   
Legitimate question. On the surface, pulling away from the school for some student community time may not seem a direct benefit to the academic program. What we and other schools have found, however, is that building relationships among students (and teachers) outside the classroom can have tremendously positive impact. Having a more cohesive student body generates considerable student momentum for the academic program and in relationships with instructors.

More importantly, since our mission is based upon the centrality of Jesus Christ in our studies, our relationships, and our lives, pulling away to consider the Lord’s calling and the truth of His Word -- together -- is a vital effort. This is an excellent opportunity for students to get closer to God and each other.
 
WHAT’S THE PROGRAM?
Perhaps the most exciting element of these retreats is that most of it is planned by the students for the students. Student Service Council leaders have planned the three days’ activities to include intentional fellowship/community-building as well as spiritual challenge and personal reflection, including:
• Games and activities
• Outdoor exercises
• Small group discussions
• Speakers / teachers to bring God’s Word
• Purposed fellowship opportunities
• Rest, recreation, and relaxation



WHY IS THERE A CHARGE?
The charge of $65 reflects the actual facility-related costs.  This 3-day, 2-night stay is not a fundraiser or profit venture. The event is held inside the county to eliminate travel expenses. Staying at the camp allows us to enjoy nature and be removed from the hustle and bustle without having to travel far.

WHY ARE ELECTRONIC AND COMMUNICATION DEVICES LIMITED?
The focus is upon building relationships with peers/faculty and with the Lord Jesus. So much of modern living pulls away from those purposes -- more proof that we have an enemy. The very name retreat carries the meaning of “pulling back” away from the action to regroup.

The temptation to carry on phone, text, and internet relationships with those outside the retreat will damage the opportunities to relate to others right in front of them. Students are convinced they will “die” if they don’t have cell phones, MP3 players, video games, and internet access. Interestingly, less than 20 years ago, these devices didn’t exist, and now our use can be borderline addiction. Fasting from these items for 48 hours is a trade-off for boosted relationship opportunities -- and a great way to prove life won’t end.