Run It Back to the Beach!
This newsletter edition has lots of news about a very busy October so please read on, but first let's talk about a huge item of interest: we're heading back to Panama City the week of July 4th, 2023!
Some elements of the trip will be familiar to returning students, while others will be new for everyone! We'll have the opportunity for returning students and leaders to welcome new youth (both those aging into the youth group and those invited by friends) to this place that meant so much to them. New this year, though, will be a dual track approach. In addition to times of learning and fun for everyone together, there will also be times for our (by then) rising high schoolers and up to step further into service and faith formation than last year while rising 7th and 8th graders engage in deeper spiritual formation geared specifically to meet their needs as they settle into their status as youth after graduating from the Bridge. Our youth group will be nearly doubling overnight with the addition of the upcoming Bridge class, and the older youth and youth leaders are so excited to welcome these younger students with open arms so they feel right at home on their first youth summer trip!
More information on trip logistics will be coming soon, but we are thankful for the opportunity to get summer plans on your calendars early for the first time in many years (thanks, COVID). The trip will remain the week of July 4 to honor your students' busy summer schedules, and we will again be staying at Cottages Christian Retreat in PCB Monday, July 3 - Friday, July 7. We are considering adding an additional night en route for a little more time together and to spread out travel time, and we'll share info on that as it is available. We are working to keep costs comparable to last year, and we're thankful for the opportunities advanced scheduling allows for potential fundraising in the spring and for families to plan your summer budget. With that said, please don't ever let money be the reason your student doesn't attend a youth event! Reach out to Geoff and we will figure it out together.
And last but not least, this wonderful event can't happen without the amazing adult chaperones and leaders who support our youth! Grown ups, please prayerfully consider whether you'd like to join us again or jump on board for the first time!
