The Adoption Family Retreat is a time to encourage and strengthen your family in many ways. We are excited about this year's Adoption Family Retreat speaker format. For many years, families have asked us to provide a year when they can hear from multiple families during the main sessions. It has become apparent that one of the most valuable takeaways from this retreat is the networking between families who are in similar situations, but we have limited time to network and hear about other people's adoptive and foster care journey during the retreat itself. This year, we have lined up four different families who have similar, and yet much different, stories. At each session, we will provide time to ask questions, and throughout the weekend, each family will be available to continue conversations. We pray this maximizes the networking time that is so valuable. As always, you can relax during sessions, knowing your children are taken care of by a team of leaders who understand adoptive children.
Horseback riding, ziplines, the climbing wall, tubing hill, broomball, cross-country ski trails, and a warm fireplace are a sampling of some of the activities you can enjoy with your family. This weekend is suited for families who have adopted, are in the process of adopting, are investigating adoption, or are involved in the foster care system. Join us as we encourage each other.
MEALS, HOUSING, AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION
Retreat Speakers
Dan & Gwenn Hovestol – Friday Evening
In their 32 years of marriage, Dan & Gwenn Hovestol have been blessed to share their home with over 20 foster kids. As parents of 8 children (3 biological, 2 adopted, 2 displaced, 1 permanent custody) and 28 years separating their oldest and youngest, God's journey for the Hovestols can best be described as unconventional and beautiful, woven together by the Master's hand.
Pete & Jocelyn Sutton – Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon session
Peter and Jocelyn Sutton have been loving on foster and adopted children for over 18 years. They have 2 biological children, 4 adopted daughters, they have had over 10 foster children, and have navigated the added blessing of two grandchildren. They have experiences with teen adoption, special needs adoption, international adoption, nurturing relationships between birth and adoptive families, and raising adult children, while sustaining a healthy, strong marriage amid the adventure. Life has not been without its unexpected turns, disappointments, and trials, and yet the Lord has remained faithful. Professionally, Jocelyn is an occupational therapist working in functional neurology with a background in special education. She is an affiliate trainer for Trauma Free World, and RMTi consultant, and is working towards her CNSI certification. Pete has been a youth pastor for over 26 years with a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Wheaton College and a passion for integrating discipleship, mental health, and trauma care.
Todd and Ann Marie Vincent – Saturday evening session
Todd and Ann Marie Vincent have 5 children, ages 11 to 27, including a daughter and a son who came to them through private international and domestic adoption. They have experienced both successful and unsuccessful adoptions. Their story is about how God called them to adopt and their dependence on Him through both the challenges and the blessings along that journey.
Daryl & Lori Clapham – Sunday morning session
Daryl and Lori Clapham have 4 children, 2 who were adopted at birth. Numerous failed adoptions along the way didn’t stop them from pursuing God’s plan for their family.
ChildCare and Youth Program
We realize that taking your adoptive and biological children away for a weekend can be a big deal when you know they really need and thrive with stability and a consistent schedule. We also realize that as parents you need a break, and the kids also thrive from being around other adoptive families and children. That is why we have worked very hard to put together a youth program with leaders who have walked the road you have walked, and who understand some of the challenges you face. With that in mind, we introduce to you our childcare and youth program team:
Pete and Jocelyn Sutton / Ken and Jill Shadel
We are very excited to have Pete and Jocelyn return to lead the child and youth care program. Pete is the Student Pastor at The Compass Church in Naperville, IL. Jocelyn is an OT and Trauma Free World affiliate trainer, and they both truly believe in the adoption and foster care system. They have been foster/ adoptive parents since 2005 and have adopted four children. They have been leading the Adoption Family Retreat since its start in 2016. Your children will be in good hands while you are encouraged with Biblical teaching.
Ken and Jill have been amazing leaders from the start of the Adoption Family Retreat Weekend. They have raised adoptive children, and now their adult children have also adopted, so they are second generation adoptive parents. They understand the challenges of raising these precious young kids, and we are blessed to have them taking care of your children.
Calvary Memorial Church and The Compass Church have been partnered with us in providing childcare support for many years and we also thank them.
We are very excited to again partner with Heidi and Crossfire Ranch. During the weekend, we will offer a limited number of spots with Heidi as she uses horses to connect with your child. Heidi is the founder of Crossfire Ranch, an equine-assisted growth and learning facility located in Reedsville (Manitowoc County), WI. The Lord provided for Crossfire Ranch to swing its doors wide open in 2017. Heidi is currently in the process of becoming certified through Stable Moments. She is passionate about sharing God's love, grace, and freedom that we are offered through Jesus as she travels alongside others on life's journey.
Housing
Your family will be in your own private heated cabin/room with private or shared bathroom facilities. Please plan on bringing bedding (sleeping bags, pillows, and towels) and personal toiletry items.
Tentative Schedule
Friday
4:00 pm - Check-In
5:30 pm - Dinner
6:45 pm - Chapel
6:50 pm - Childcare and youth programs
8:00-10:00 pm - Canteen, Coffee Bar, tube hills, broomball, & free time
Saturday
8:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Chapel/Seminar Part 1
9:20 am - Childcare and youth programs
10:30-12:00 pm - Free time options
12:00 pm - Lunch
4:00-5:00 pm - Seminar Part 2 (Childcare provided)
5:00 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Chapel
6:20 pm - Childcare and youth programs
7:30-10:00 pm - Canteen, Coffee Bar, tube hills, broomball, & free time
Sunday
8:30 am - Brunch
9:30 am - Chapel
9:50 am - Childcare and youth programs
10:30 am - Fellowship, pack & depart
Retreat Fees:
Option One – Per Person Fee
Adults: $126
13-17 years: $95
6-12 years: $80
4-5 years: $70
0-3 years: Free
Option Two – Per Family Fee
Parents and Dependent Children: $565
Non-Refundable Deposit (included in fee)
Per Person Option - $35 each family member
Per Family Option - $200