West Texas
This retreat is for individuals aged 12 and older with cognitive or intellectual disabilities, their parents and chaperones, and church leaders.
This retreat is made possible by your gifts to the Cooperative Program, Mary Hill Davis Offering, and Texas Baptist Missions Foundation.
Special Entertainment for Special Friends
Bible study, crafts, and a talent show
A hayride and sing-a-long
Special Feature for Parents
Coming Soon!
Program Personalities
- Camp Pastor – Scott Sharman, Alsbury Baptist Church, Burleson
- Worship Leader – Jim DeHoog, Hospice Chaplain for AccentCare, San Antonio
Registration
Registration Fee (includes lodging, meals, snacks, and insurance)
- Motel room: $60 per person
- Bunkhouse: $50 per person (each person must bring linens)
A firm deadline for registrations is August 17, 2023.
After August 17, 2023, registration fee increases to $70 (motel) and $60 (bunkhouse) per person.
Registration is completely online this year!
Online registration must be completed, including medical release forms for all participants, and must be submitted by August 17, 2023.
Invoices will be sent for your church after August 17, 2023 and you can pay online or by check.
Make checks payable to Texas Baptists and send to:
Texas Baptists
Attn: Finance & Accounting
7557 Rambler Road, Suite 1100
Dallas 75231-2310
Scholarships
A limited number of partial scholarships are available. The scholarships include lodging, meals, snacks, and insurance. Please email Sarah Johnson at sarah.johnson[at]texasbaptists.org to request a scholarship form.
Background Checks and Abuse Awareness Training
In order to protect our campers and everyone who attends the Special Friends Retreat, all leaders, caregivers, parents, sponsors, and chaperones will be required to complete a background check and sexual abuse prevention training through MinistrySafe. Background checks and training must be renewed each year. Background check and training costs will be covered by Texas Baptists. Because background checks can take an extended amount of time in some areas, please send a list of all leaders, caregivers, parents, sponsors, and chaperones, including email addresses, to sarah.johnson[at]texasbaptists.org by July 14, 2023.
All background check forms must be submitted no later than August 11, 2023. If a leader, caregiver, parent, sponsor, or chaperone does not submit their background check information by this date, they will be unable to participate in the retreat. Similarly, if a leader, caregiver, parent, sponsor, or chaperone does not meet Texas Baptists standards on their background check, they will be unable to participate in the retreat this year or in subsequent years. For more information on what may disqualify a leader, caregiver, parent, sponsor, or chaperone, please email jennifer.howington[at]texasbaptists.org.
Contact
Sarah Johnson
Childhood Ministry Program Coordinator/Ministry Assistant, Discipleship