While EQUIP Retreat is primarily designed for students in middle and high school, select college-age students may also participate in the retreat. Many return as leaders, mentors, or volunteers, using their experience and gifts to invest in the next generation of young believers.This intergenerational approach allows older students to grow as leaders while encouraging and strengthening younger students in their faith.

1. The Primary Focus: Building a Strong Foundation of FaithEQUIP Retreats are primarily focused on Christian apologetics and worldview training. The goal is to help students understand why they believe what they believe, not simply what they believe.Speakers address evidence and reasoning that support the Christian faith, including:HistoryArchaeologyCreation scienceBiblical inerrancy and reliabilityLogicPhilosophyEvidence for the resurrectionEvidence for the biblical accountChristian worldviewThe emphasis is on giving students confidence to think critically, ask questions, and defend their faith.2. Teaching Students How to Study the Bible CorrectlyEQUIP isn't only about defending Christianity against outside challenges. We also want students to become responsible students of Scripture.Topics include:Proper biblical interpretationHermeneuticsContextTheologyUnderstanding biblical genresHistorical and cultural contextAvoiding taking verses out of contextDistinguishing what Scripture actually says from what we want it to sayThe goal is biblically sound thinking, not simply memorizing answers.3. We Don't Avoid Difficult or Controversial SubjectsOne thing that makes EQUIP different from many Christian youth organizations is that we don't believe protecting students means keeping them unaware of difficult realities.Students are growing up in a world where they are already encountering difficult questions and subjects.Therefore, we believe they need a safe, Christ-centered environment where those subjects can be discussed thoughtfully, biblically, and appropriately.4. Examples of Difficult Topics We May AddressDepending on the speaker, age group, and retreat setting, students may encounter discussions involving:Anxiety and depressionSelf-harm/cuttingSuicideSexuality and homosexualityAbortionTransgenderism and gender ideologyRace and racismReligion and competing worldviewsSexual abuse and molestationOther difficult cultural, moral, and worldview questions5. Why We Address These TopicsWe aren't trying to shock students.We aren't trying to introduce controversial subjects for controversy's sake.We aren't trying to replace parents in teaching their children.Our philosophy is that difficult subjects are better encountered in a safe, Christ-like environment with trusted adults rather than them hearing things for the first time through peers, social media, television, or the culture around them.Students are already being exposed to these ideas. The question is whether they will have biblical tools and mature Christian adults helping them process what they encounter.Parents have the right to know that EQUIP Retreats may go deeper than a typical Christian youth event. We recognize that some parents—especially parents who intentionally shelter or homeschool their children—may be surprised when their student comes home having discussed a difficult subject. That doesn't mean we believe parents are doing anything wrong. Rather, it means EQUIP takes seriously the responsibility to prepare young people for the real world while keeping Christ and Scripture at the center.6. The Overall GoalKnow what you believe.Know why you believe it.Know how to study God's Word.Know how to think biblically about the world.Know how to respond when difficult questions come.And ultimately, stand boldly and confidently in faith in Jesus Christ.EQUIP Retreats aren't designed to shelter students from the questions they're going to face—they're designed to equip them to face those questions with truth, wisdom, courage, and a biblical worldview.

We are so glad you asked!As a parent or guardian, you play one of the most important roles in helping your student continue growing in their faith after EQUIP Retreat ends. Our hope is that what happens at camp doesn’t stay at camp, but becomes a catalyst for continued spiritual growth at home.Whenever possible, we strongly encourage parents, guardians, youth leaders, or other trusted adults to attend EQUIP Retreat alongside their students. Experiencing the teaching, discussions, and activities firsthand gives you the opportunity to learn alongside your student and makes it much easier to reinforce those lessons when you return home.We also understand that most parents and guardians are unable to make that commitment. If you cannot attend, there are still many ways you can help your student carry the experience home.Before CampEncourage your student to take plenty of notes throughout the retreat. Let them know that you genuinely want to hear what they are learning and experiencing. This simple encouragement can make a tremendous difference in what they take away from the week.When They Come HomeBe excited to hear about their experience! Ask questions such as:What did you learn at EQUIP?What were your biggest takeaways?What did you write in your notes?What surprised you or challenged you?What questions do you still have?How do you want to apply what you learned to your life?How can I help you continue growing in your faith?Take time to listen. Ask your student to explain what they learned in their own words, and invite them to share their notes with you. Celebrate their growth and continue the conversations that began at camp.Keep the Fire BurningOver the years, we have learned an important lesson: the impact of EQUIP Retreat is greatly strengthened when students return home to families and leaders who actively encourage and champion their faith.A powerful week of camp can create momentum, but that momentum needs to be nurtured. Your encouragement, conversations, prayers, and willingness to engage with what your student learned can help turn a great week at camp into a lasting journey of faith.You don't have to be a theologian or an apologetics expert. You simply have to be willing to ask questions, listen, encourage, and walk alongside your student.And remember, you are not alone. EQUIP Ministries USA is here to help. We have resources, ideas, and additional opportunities designed to help parents, families, and leaders continue equipping the next generation long after EQUIP Retreat is over.Our ultimate goal is not simply to give students an incredible week at camp. It is to help equip them with a faith they can own, understand, live out, and confidently share when they return home.

The cost to attend an EQUIP Retreat is $395 per person, although pricing may vary depending on the specific camp location and facilities.Registration includes lodging, all meals during the retreat—including breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and all materials used for the daily teaching sessions. Each attendee will also receive an official EQUIP Retreat souvenir T-shirt as part of their registration.Our goal is to provide families with an all-inclusive retreat experience where students can focus on learning, building relationships, having fun, and growing in their faith without having to worry about additional on-site costs.Click here for two great, time-proven fundraising ideas

If you are registering a group of campers, there are two convenient ways to complete the registration process:Option 1: Mail-In RegistrationYou may print the registration form and have each participant’s parent or guardian complete the required information by hand. Once completed, mail the forms along with check(s) made payable toEMUSAfor the required50% deposit. This deposit secures your group’s bed assignments at the campground.Please keep in mind that mail-in registration takes longer to process than online registration. Because campground space is limited, we strongly encourage you to submit your paperwork and deposits as early as possible to ensure your group’s spots are secured.Option 2: Register by PhoneIf you prefer a more personal approach, you can contactDave Glanderdirectly. Dave will walk you through the registration process step-by-step and help ensure that every participant has everything needed to be fully registered.If you would like to speak with Dave, simply send us an email requesting a phone call, and he will get back to you as soon as possible.We’re here to make the registration process as simple and stress-free as possible!

There are very few additional costs associated with EQUIP Retreat, and any extras are completely optional.EQUIP Ministries USA may offer additional merchandise for purchase, and most retreat locations will have a Camp Store open at designated times throughout the week. Campers may purchase items such as sodas, snacks, apparel, and other small treats.While spending is entirely optional, $20 is generally more than enough for a camper who would like to enjoy a few extra goodies during the retreat.

We strongly encourage churches, youth groups, and organizations to have adult leaders attend EQUIP Retreat alongside their students. Having trusted leaders present provides valuable support, strengthens relationships, and creates additional opportunities for students to receive mentorship, encouragement, and prayer throughout the retreat and beyond.While we highly recommend that leaders attend with their students, we understand that this is not always possible. Up to five students may attend without an accompanying adult leader. Once a group reaches six or more students, at least one adult leader is required to attend with the group.Our preferred leader-to-student ratios are:1 leader for up to 10 students2 leaders for up to 15 students3 leaders for up to 20 studentsAnd so forth as the group growsAdult leaders play an important role throughout the retreat. They help supervise students in the dorms, ensure students arrive at scheduled activities on time, reinforce camp expectations and behavioral guidelines, and—most importantly—spend meaningful time building relationships with students, encouraging them in their faith, and praying with and for them.We believe that when leaders come alongside their students, the impact of EQUIP Retreat extends far beyond the week of camp.

An official EQUIP Retreat T-shirt will be provided to each attendee. Please be sure to bring the following items with you:EssentialsBible (or Bible app)Bedding — sleeping bag or twin-size sheets and blanketPillowTowel and washclothToiletries — shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, brush/comb, deodorant, etc.Bag for dirty clothesRefillable water bottleTennis shoesSportswear and comfortable clothingPajamasWater ActivitiesSwimsuit — dark-colored T-shirts must be worn over swimsuits by both boys and girlsBeach towelFlip-flops (optional)Optional ItemsSunscreenJacketPersonal spending money for the camp store/canteen Please label personal belongings whenever possible, especially clothing, towels, water bottles, and other items that may be easily misplaced or confused with someone else’s belongings.

The start and end dates and times for an EQUIP Retreat vary depending on the specific camp location and schedule. Once you are registered, you will receive the complete arrival and departure information, including the designated check-in and check-out times, well in advance of the retreat.Be sure to review the information provided for your specific EQUIP Retreat so you know exactly when and where to arrive and when to plan for departure.

Activities vary by retreat location, camp facility, and schedule. Depending on the specific EQUIP Retreat, campers may have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of exciting outdoor and adventure activities, including:Zip lines over the lakeWater activities on the lake — canoes, kayaks, and paddle boatsSwimming poolSlip-n-slideArcheryRopes course — low and high elementsOutdoor climbing towerIndoor climbing wall60-foot giant swingPutt-putt golfHummer rides through the mountainsMud holeHorseback ridingDoes everyone have to participate?No. Campers are not required to participate in every activity. While we encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and take full advantage of the incredible activities available, we understand that some activities may not be for everyone. Not every camper is eager to zip across a lake on a zip line or experience the thrill of a 60-foot giant swing!If a camper chooses not to participate in an activity, they should always let their adult leader know and follow the instructions provided by camp staff. Safety and appropriate supervision are always our priority.That said, we strongly encourage campers to try something new, challenge themselves, and make the most of their EQUIP Retreat experience. You never know—you might discover a new favorite activity!

In addition to the scheduled EQUIP Retreat activities, campers will have opportunities to enjoy a variety of recreational activities during designated free time. Available activities vary by retreat location, camp facilities, and schedule, but may include:FishingFrisbee golf — frisbees and scorecards providedHiking trails — trail maps availablePrivate fire pitRecreation field — with a selection of equipment such as footballs, soccer balls, kickballs, and moreGymnasium — including full-court basketball, dodgeball, and other activitiesHuman foosballBasketballVolleyballTetherballGaga ballCornholeFree time is an important part of the EQUIP Retreat experience, giving campers opportunities to relax, have fun, build friendships, and enjoy the camp environment outside of scheduled teaching sessions and activities.

Our goal in establishing a dress standard is to provide guidelines that are modest, practical, and appropriate for an active camp environment. We recognize that conversations about clothing can sometimes be sensitive, but these standards are designed to help create a comfortable, respectful, and distraction-free environment for everyone.EQUIP is committed to protecting the dignity and well-being of every camper while they are in our care. Because campers participate in a wide variety of activities, we ask that everyone arrive prepared with clothing that is both appropriate and practical for camp life.If a camper arrives or participates in an activity wearing clothing that does not meet the EQUIP dress standard, they may be asked to change into something more appropriate. We appreciate parents and campers reviewing these guidelines before arriving so there are no surprises during the retreat.BOYSModest-length, loose-fitting shorts or pants.Shirts with the sides cut out are not permitted.Boxer-style swimsuits that fit appropriately.GIRLSModest-length, loose-fitting shorts or pants. Spandex, yoga pants, and leggings are permitted only when worn with a long shirt that provides appropriate coverage.Modest, loose-fitting tops. Tops should provide appropriate coverage and should not expose cleavage, midriff, or undergarments.Strapless tops, halter tops, and racerback-style shirts are not permitted.GENERAL GUIDELINESDark-colored T-shirts must be worn over all swimsuits by both boys and girls.Tennis shoes are required for many activities. Campers should bring appropriate footwear for active participation.Undergarments must remain covered by outer garments at all times. This includes boxer shorts, bra straps, and sports bras.Clothing should not promote messages or imagery that are inconsistent with the values of EQUIP, including profanity, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or other inappropriate or offensive content.Our goal is not to focus on clothing, but to create an environment where students can have fun, build friendships, grow in their faith, and fully participate in the EQUIP Retreat experience without unnecessary distractions.Thank you for helping us make that possible.