Winter Retreat 2022-Gulf Shores, AL
This was the second year the Oakland Baptist Church youth group loaded up and headed south for a winter retreat in Gulf Shores, AL. It was a great time spent drawing closer to Jesus as we worshiped together as a group, spent quiet time in His Word, and talked together in small groups. We also enjoyed the typical beach and amusement park fun with a water park added this year.
DAY 1- Bus / Buc-ee’s / Worship / Group Time
The weather caused a 3 hour delayed start on December 27th. We loaded up the bus and van at 11:00 a.m. and left Corinth with a group of 39 teenagers and adults. We ate lunch before arriving at the church making the first leg of our trip seem really long. The kids were pretty quiet and just chatted or slept. By 2:30 we had to make a quick pittstop to use the bathroom in Meridian. Travis took over and drove the bus to give Bro. Brad a break.
Turn RIGHT!!!
Of course, Travis driving meant that I had to become the navigator. Amazingly enough, we made it with only one small detour. Nobody would have even known if Travis had not been so loud as we “discussed” it. We don’t fight honey. We just have loud discussions…TS
Next Stop BUC-EE’S !!!!!!
We only spent about 50 minutes in Buc-ee’s this year. That is a record. It usually takes longer to get everyone rounded up and back on the bus. If you have never been to a Buc-ee’s then you should definitely go. Once maybe! TS
It is almost like going to the mall. You can buy hot prepared food, snacks, souvenies, clothes, and soooo much more! Bro. Brad is NOT A FAN so he usually just stays with and gases up the bus. The sacrifices you make for the kids.
So Graceful and Kind…
Due to our late start on Day 1, we were off the original schedule. Upon arrival, we all got our suitcases into the rooms then met upstairs in the worship area with Bro. Brad. This ended up being at 7:15. He handed (TOSSED) the books to the students and assigned us to our small group leaders with loving care. Then he sent us back downstairs to eat.
Recharge
Our theme this year was Recharge. Bro. Brad created workbooks that we completed/discussed in small groups and worked through during our personal Quiet Times.
Food Time Fun
Doug and Kalah were our fantastic camp cooks and Wal-Mart runners at times. By 8:00 pm they were ready for us to eat spaghetti and chicken alfredo with a lovely side salad. Meals the whole trip were always ready right on time and tasted fantastic. The strawberry cookies were the adult favorite.
Worship Time
After dinner, we all headed back upstairs to worship together. Singing was lead by Bro. Brad, Shannon, and Brooke. I love the sound of the guitars and more acapella style worship where you can hear the kids singing and worshipping together. Clapping became a bit of a struggle but we managed to overcome in the end. Some people just struggle with rhythm. (NO NAMES) Not taking it personally honey. I can sing. I can clap. Just can’t sing and clap! TS
Hang Out and Chill time…
By 10:00 it was nice and COOL outside. That did not slow down the brave or slightly goofy students who decided the pool looked inviting. Yep, one student changed into a swimsuit and boldly jumped in. One student tested the water by dipping his head into the pool. And last but not least, the student who accepted a dare (bribe) and jumped in fully clothed. I was cold just standing beside the pool in dry clothes, but I am typically cold most of the time.
The other students just hung out together talking or playing ball on the volleyball and basketball courts until the end of free time.
DAY 2- Fun at OWA / Worship / Group Time
We had a little of a delay entering the park this year due to a glitch on the OWA scheduling/administrative end of things. The students made good use of their time taking a group photo, perfecting the piggy back rides, and just hanging out together in the unusually chilly air. Bro. Brad kinda looked like he was hawking tickets by this point. He was actually gifting/blessing people with the extra tickets that we had.
OH THE THINGS YOU CAN FIND
As Travis and I were walking around the stores outside of the park entrance, we found several unique things. Our main goal at this point was to find Auntie Anne’s and get a cinnamon roll and pretzel. First, I had to refrain from eating the flavored roasted cricket snacks. It was a tough choice but the cinnamon rolls won out.
OWA Indoor Water Park and Tropical Falls Amusement Park
(Their Description) Tropic Falls is a combination unlike anything the Gulf Coast has ever seen before! Enjoy 23 rides and attractions at the Tropic Falls Theme Park and explore a year-round tropical paradise in the Tropic Falls Indoor Waterpark with 75-foot-tall slides beneath a convertible glass roof!
It was so much cooler this year as compared to last year that I wimped out and did not ride the rides. Travis and I walked around outside watching the kids then sat by the indoor pool where it was nice and humid. If I come again, I will definitely bring a swimsuit. The slides looked so fun and the kids had a blast. There were different levels of slides and even a lazy river. For the non swimming parents, there were lots of large screen tv’s with ballgames playing.
Something for Everyone
Right outside the gates of the park are stores, restaurants, water views, souvenir shops and just a good place to walk and stretch your legs. I purchased 2 different teas that were really good and a bar of soap.
OWA at Dusk
When Travis and I made it back into the water park area, it looked totally different. We stayed inside until about 5:45 then went to get the bus for everyone. Since it would be my first time driving the new bus, I drove around the large parking lot getting used to the brakes and turns. It is such an easy bus to drive considering it’s size.
Dinner
Arriving at the Beach Retreat about 6:30 pm, we had chili, chicken noodle soup, salad, and cookies waiting on us. Thanks Doug and Kalah. It was yummy!! 8:00 saw us back upstairs worshipping together. We practiced our clapping again. Better, but not quite there yet… 9:45 and the kids are hanging out all over the resort with their friends and the adults. I learned to play spoons (sort of).
Day 3-Beach / Tanger Mall / Group Time / Worship
After breakfast and quiet time (no pictures during quiet time), everyone walked to the beach. Some stayed a shorter amount of time than others due to the cooler weather. The wind was really strong. If you looked down the beach it looked hazy due to the sand in the air.
Brave Souls
Some really brave (or really goofy) students went into the water. There was a red flag out due to the strong waves so no swimming. Travis had kept his perch and made sure everyone was safe.
Borrowed Phone Maybe
Yep, some of these were on my phone when I started pulling pictures for the blog. I think I lost contact with my phone at some point. Cutie pies!!! Olivia, Alice, and Sarah shared theri pictures of the Adventure Park rides. I hope you asked their permission honey. TS
Day 4 – Headed Home
We left camp and headed home after breakfast, packing up, and one last group time around 9:00 a.m. Bro. Brad decided to stop in Meridian at Cook Out to eat. They did pretty good with everyone’s order except Maddi. POOR MADDI. She was one of the first to order and the last to get her food. I think she waited almost an hour. BUT, she got a free milkshake out of it. She was a great sport as always.
GREAT TRIP
Even though it was quite a bit cooler in Gulf Shores this Christmas, Jesus still showed up and blessed us with His true saving grace. It doesn’t matter if you are on a beach, in the mountains, at school, in your home, or at church. We should always praise Jesus for what he did on the cross for each of us.
We would love to have you visit us at Oakland Baptist Church in Corinth, Mississippi if you are looking for a bible believing, Jesus loving church.
Check us out at: https://oaklandbaptist.org/
