Freshmen Retreat

When is Freshmen Retreat?

Friday September 12 (approximately 3pm leave Christian Challenge building)  

Sunday September 14 (approximately 1pm leave GCNP)

What is Freshmen Retreat?

• a weekend away  to connect with other freshmen and Christian Challenge student leaders

• learning tips and advice to be successful in college

• learning practical ways to grow deeper in your faith

Where is Freshmen Retreat?

• Grand Canyon National Park

  • we will carpool from Flagstaff to GCNP

  • admission into the Grand Canyon National Park is provided

  • we will be lodging in a house in the Grand Canyon Village provided by a local sister church

Cost for Freshmen Retreat?

• we value meeting and connecting with new freshmen.  we want to get to know you and share part of our beautiful northern AZ with you.  

  • admittance to Grand Canyon National Park - provided by Grand Canyon BC

  • meals provided by Challenge Church and Christian Challenge (we cannot accommodate food allergies or preferences, you will need to bring your own food if you have specific needs)

  • Rides-we will carpool to GCNP about an hour and 20 minutes from Flagstaff.  You will need to give your driver $10 (talk to Lainee if you have questions)

What do we do at Freshmen Retreat?

• study God's Word

• participate in guided times of Prayer

• learn practical life skills for being successful in college

• make new friends

• explore the Grand Canyon

• experience community with Christian Challenge

• have downtime to:

  • rest

  • play games

  • hike

  • do homework

  • we will attend church service Sunday morning  with Grand Canyon BC

Packing List

• Clothing for Friday-Sunday

  • Church clothes (can be casual)

  • Closed toed shoes (we have a hike planned if you want to join)

  • hat/sunglasses

• Toiletries

  • Hygiene items (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

  • Shower items (towel, shampoo, etc.) *there are only two bathrooms so you do not have unlimited time * bring a mirror if you need it 

• Bedding (We are sleeping on the floor) *if you need any of this let us know ASAP

  • Sleeping bag

  • pillow

  • bedroll/air mattress (there are a couple of beds, but we need to squeeze a lot of people in to sleep)

  • Blanket

• Other items to bring

  • Bible 

  • Notebook

  • Pen

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Sunscreen

  • Card games

  • Flashlight/headlamp

  • Hammock (if you have one)

*We’ve put together a plan for meals and snacks, but if you want anything else specific, please bring that for yourself. We cannot accommodate specific dietary needs. We will have a menu planned the week before we leave and we will share that with you so you can plan accordingly.