Wilderness Trips
One of the goals the Outdoor Ministry Committee set for its 2023-2024 programming is to organize wilderness trips for laity & clergy to serve our mission: to call people into Creation expecting God's transformative incarnation. Join us!
Eco Retreat at Devil's Lake
Hiking, lakefront activities, a cozy cabin, spiritual rest, and beloved community. Sound like heaven?
Join fellow American Baptists for this 3-night retreat to Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI from October 8-11th.
Carpool after Worship
We'll reduce our carbon footprint by traveling together after Sunday worship responsibilities are complete.
Lakefront Activities
We'll spend Monday on the lake canoeing, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, or just enjoying the view.
Cozy Cabin
Our fully-furnished cabin sleeps 14 with single & double beds, hot showers, and a full kitchen.
Paths & Trails
Tuesday we'll explore the trails, reveling in the gorgeous fall colors and unique landscape led by
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Malone of Wilderness Journeys.
Table Fellowship
We'll cook and eat meals together, and there are restaurants and shops within walking distance just in case.
Green Team Summit
All attendees will be co-registered for the virtual Green Team Summit by Faith in Place, offering up to 6 hours of climate justice training for faith leaders.
How Much Does it Cost?
The registration fee is $175 for all three nights. This includes housing, food, some gear, transportation, guides, and programming. It does not include fishing licenses/gear, local restaurants, trip insurance, or travel beyond the ABCMC/ABCWI region areas.
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ABCMC clergy can apply for grants to cover up to half of the registration through the Equipping Clergy Fund. Both clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to ask their home churches for additional support.
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Registration is free for all ABCMC and ABCWI seminarians with proof of Fall 2023 enrollment, in any degree program.
Who Can Attend?
Anyone over age 18 who is in community with an American Baptist church or ministry in the Metro Chicago or Wisconsin regions. Children and youth under 18 may be eligible to attend with a parent or guardian on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to ambern@abcmc.org to discuss your options.
There are no restrictions based on experience or ability. The cabin is accessed by one flight of stairs. Lakefront and trail activities will be scaled to meet the group's interest and abilities.
What Should I Pack?
A complete packing list will be sent to participants after registration, but special gear is not required. The packing list will include things like durable clothing for 4 days outdoors, comfortable tennis shoes, toiletries, a journal or notebook, a reusable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and bug repellant.
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Any special gear needed for lakefront and trail activities will be provided or rented onsite EXCEPT for fishing gear. Any participants who want to fish should bring their own rod, bait, tackle, and license.
How Do I Register?
Spots are limited! There are only 11 spaces remaining for this trip. Email ambern@abcmc.org ASAP to get the registration paperwork (liability and medical forms) and pay your registration fee. Your spot is not guaranteed until payment AND forms have been received.
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Registration closes October 1st.
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Full refunds will be granted for cancellations due to extenuating circumstances until October 1st. After that, refunds are not guaranteed.