Frequently asked questions about our Castaway Retreats

What is SBS's 2009-2010 Fall/Spring Castaway Club camp theme?        

We are excited to host for our 11th year this jr. high retreat!  This year's theme, 'Wild' is a look at just how wild and amazing God's love for us is.  God calls us to an exciting relationship with himself which we are to build our lives around filled with the adventure that only comes from walking with the one who created the entire universe!  What kind of wild are you?

What is SBS's goal for this camp?        

To provide an opportunity for your youth to experience an up-lifting, high-energy weekend that will allow them to look closely at faith in Christ and its meaningful impact on their lives. This weekend will allow you an opportunity to connect with your youth and build meaningful relationships that will last all year! 

What age group can attend this camp?        

This camp is designed for Junior High youth, which includes grades 5, 6, 7, & 8. 

What is Castaway Club?

Castaway Club is one of 25 camps owned and operated by Young Life, a Christian youth ministry headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Because the main purpose of Castaway Club is to support our outreach to adolescents, you can imagine the camp is packed with young people in the summer months. However, during the school year, the camp is available for churches, para-church organizations and other non-profit groups for weekend or weeklong camps, retreats and seminars. Located on Pelican Lake, 13 miles south of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Castaway Club rests on a beautiful wooded bluff 60 feet above the lake and slopes into a six-acre peninsula with a 650-foot sand beach. Castaway Club is easily accessible from Interstate 94 and MN Hwy. 59, just 45 minutes from Fargo, ND and 3 1/2 hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul. Castaway Club is by far one of the best youth facilities in the state of Minnesota. There deluxe accommodations, great food, and housing make it an incredible place for young people to come together. You can find more information about Castaway Club at: www.younglife.org/castaway ~ Castaway Club's Address: Young Life's Castaway Club 51709 County Hwy. 31 Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 56501 

How often does SBS offer junior high camps at Castaway Club?

SBS hosts two junior high camps at Castaway Club.  We offere one camp in the fall and one in the spring. 

What type of housing will we be staying in?

Castaway Club has five dormitory-style buildings that can house a total of 300 campers with their adult leaders or counselors. Dorm rooms have bunk beds that comfortably sleep eight to 14 people in each room. Bathroom facilities vary from community style with individual showers to bathrooms with showers in each room. Linens and pillows are provided as well as a shower towel and a washcloth. Note: No need to bring a sleeping bag. 

What do we need to bring to Camp Castaway?

Beach Towel, Toothbrush, Other Bathroom, Necessities , Bible, weather appropriate clothing, Swimsuit, Casual Clothing, Extra Snacks. $15 T-shirt money (only if you want one, and have not pre-ordered) and $10 for a SBS 'Light' CD.

What about meals?

Castaway Club is known for their incredible food. Meals include a snack on Friday night, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night snack, along with Sunday brunch. All meals are served family style.

What does Castaway Club have to offer for recreational activities?

Outdoor basketball, Sand volleyball, Indoor gymnasium, Climbing wall (seasonal), Two 50-person capacity hot tubs (seasonal), Tennis court, Game room with 6 pool tables, 6 foosball tables, ping pong, dance floor, lounge area, and sound system.

How do I register my group?

Download and fill out the Group Registration form found under the Jr. High Retreat link.  Make double sided copies of the youth/leader participant registration form and the youth/leader general information form.  Mail your registration form and deposit by the registration deadline to avoid late fees.  Student and leaders are more than welcome to sign up after the registration deadline, please keep in touch with updated numbers.

When is the registration deadline?

 

When do I pay my remaining balance for camp?

Your groups remaining balance is due upon arrival at camp. We must receive payment when you arrive to camp.

How do I get to Castaway Club?

Take 94 west to 59 north (exit 50). Travel 26.5 miles on 59 north to County Rd. 31. Go Left on County Rd. 31 for 2.3 miles. Castaway is located on the left hand side. Enter through the second gate to check in when you arrive.

What about transportation to and from Castaway Club?

Each church is responsible for their own transportation. We can assist you in partnering with other churches to help lower these costs. Please call us at (763) 797-0441 or email us at info@sbsyouth.org to let us know of this need.

What is Castaway Club's emergency contact number?

Campers can be reached by calling (218) 532-2662. Voice mail at this number will be checked throughout the weekend by Castaway Staff.

What time should we arrive at camp on Friday night?

Check in time will be from 8:00 - 9:00 PM Friday night. As you arrive we will assist with settling in your group.

What time does camp end on Sunday?

The weekend will conclude on Sunday at approximately 12:00 PM.

What is SBS's policy on permission slips?

Each youth must have a permission slip from Side By Side Ministries to participate. (please note that your church permission slip is not acceptable to hand in, it must be Side By Side Ministries permission slip). We encourage you to have each leader fill out one also incase an emergency may arise. When you arrive and check in at camp, please turn in the Side By Side Ministries permission slips.

What is SBS's policy on student/leader ratio?

Each church needs to bring one leader for every eight students. Male and female leaders are required for groups with male and female students.

What is SBS's policy on conduct?

Participants are expected to treat the camp and others with respect. All conduct problems will be taken up with group leaders and participants parents will be contacted day or night to pick them up. Illegal drugs or alcohol are never permitted.

How do I contact SBS for any questions I may have?

Please feel free to call us at (763) 797-0441 or email us at info@sbsyouth.org with any questions you may have. We would be happy to assist you with any needs or questions that arise.

What is the cost for camp? 

Cost: $135 for youth participants.  Leaders: $115 (please note $10 late fee if recieved after early registration).

 Also, please note that church's may need to add an additional fee for transportation costs for your group.