Avalanche: January 23-25, 2026
Avalanche is designed for youth groups and provides an opportunity for youth leaders to connect with their students without having to worry about the details of programming a retreat, meals, or activities. Students and their leaders enjoy worshipping and playing together, sledding, playing a board game in the Seagull Cafe, hanging out in the art room, challenging another group to broomball, and climbing the rock wall.
We will gather for large group sessions on Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. Each session will include games, worship, and a scripture lesson, followed by small group time to reflect on the teaching with your students.
Groups have the option to arrive either Friday night or Saturday morning. Check in for Friday arrivals begins at 7:30pm. Check in for Saturday morning arrivals begins at 9am. Retreat ends Sunday morning at 11:30am.
Details:
- Register by submitting your pre-registration form and deposit for each student.
- Designed for students in 5th-8th grade church youth groups.
- Early check in on Friday night begins at 7:30pm at the GENEVA Center dining room.
- Check in Saturday morning is 9-10am in the GENEVA Center dining room.
- Retreat ends at 11:30am on Sunday morning.
- Shores and Pines side available for lodging. The completed bridge over Lakeshore Drive makes it super easy to get kids back and forth from one side of camp to the other!
Cost:
- Saturday night only:$to be determined/student, $50/leader
- Friday night option for an additional $ amount per student, no additional cost for leaders
Note to Leaders:
- Please send a $30 non-refundable deposit for each student you wish to hold a spot for, along with the pre-registration form. A link to the form is above or below.
- GENEVA requires a ratio of 1 leader for every 10 students of the same gender and you must have a leader for both male and female students.
- The only additional cost for the retreat is if students wish to bring spending money for snacks and beverages at the store, most of which cost a couple of dollars.
Cancellation Policy:
- All refunds are subject to a $25 cancellation fee.
- Cancellations must be received at least 14 days before camp begins in order to receive a refund.
- If cancellations are received less than 14 days before camp begins, refunds will only be given for medical reasons or a family emergency.
Questions: Call 616.399.3150 or email us.
Typical schedule (weather dependent)
Friday
7:30pm Check in time
8:30pm Leaders meeting
9pm Large group gathering
9:45pm Free time
11:59pm Lights out
Saturday
8:30am Breakfast
9am Check in for Saturday groups
10:30am Session 1
12pm Lunch
1:15pm Free time
5:30pm Dinner
7pm Session 2
9pm Free time
11pm Lights out
Sunday
8:30am Breakfast
9:30 Session 3
11:30 Head for home