Questions and Answers

This section is designed to answer common questions that you might have. If your question isn't answered here and you'd like more information, don't hesitate to contact your youth leader or the retreat director: Rick Barr; [email] or call 734-8150

Who is invited on this retreat?
Students in 7th-12th grades (6th grades for certain churhes) are invited to sign-up with one of the churches participating in the Reality Factor Retreat. For a list of churches, contact Rick Barr (rbarr@gpcdover.org).

What is this retreat about?
Every year the youth of the Heritage Presbytery take a three day retreat to Harvey Cedars, NJ to spend time away from the world and devote extra time to spiritual growth. Each year we invite a speaker to present to us a vision for spiritual maturity-- whether it be a focused area of spiritual discipline or a topical or ministry area. Throughout the weekend there are four sessions that include singing, preaching, prayer, and fellowship. In between sessions are games, meals, devotion, and more fellowship (that's a Christian term for fun).

What are the rooms like?
It depends on where you are staying. The girls mostly sleep in the main hotel on the upper levels. The guys are spread out among the campus in rooms with locked doors so that they cannot get into the girls' rooms (not really, but that is a rule).

What is the weather like?
It is usually cold, windy, and sometimes slightly rainy. It's the end of October, so don't expect swimming time in the Ocean. However, they do have a pool. Check weather.com before packing so you have a good idea of what to expect.

What should I bring?
See the forms section of the website for a document titled Supplies Guidelines. This document has everything you need to know on what to bring... and what NOT to bring.

How much is the retreat?
Each church adds a certain amount to the base amount to provide ample transportation. This means that the website cannot specifically say how much *your* church is charging. Contact a youth leader at the church you plan on attending with-- they will have the figures.

What is there to do during free-time?
During free time, you can play sports, chat with friends, play games (no electronics), or grab a snack at the Canteen. There is even a bookstore that is open for some of the day on Saturday. Sports include football, soccer, basketball, swimming (indoor pool), volleyball, ping-pong (and yes, we do make it a sport), and anything you can do in a big field.

What if I can't open the documents listed in the forms section?
To open most of the documents, you need something able to read Microsoft Word. For a free MS Word viewer, go here. You can also download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free here.

What is the food like?
Well, this isn't meant to be the Olive Garden. Don't set your expectations too high, but each year the food gets better and better (or we are getting more and more used to it). Allergy-stricken folks need not worry as there are always alternatives. In the end, the food isn't THAT bad.