WHO:
For GC Youth in 6th-12th grades
Due to lodging & transportation constraints, there will be a limited number of spaces for participants. So, register soon!
Friends outside GC Youth are welcome to join us as long as they are willing to agree to the Participant Covenant (see below).
WHEN:
Friday, February 14 - Sunday, February 16, 2025
• Departure: Check in at GC between 8:30-9:00 AM on Friday, 2/14.
• Return: The bus will be back at GC by 5:30 PM, on Sunday, 2/16.
WHERE:
Gatlinburg, TN
• Winterfest Conference: Gatlinburg Convention Center
• Lodging: Hampton Inn Gatlinburg, on Parkway
WHAT:
Winterfest is an annual Christian Youth conference, attended by over 6,000 middle and high schoolers, who gather to praise God in united worship and to learn how to follow Jesus.
What you can expect:
✴️ Uplifting praise and worship with thousands of voices singing in beautiful a cappella style harmony.
✴️ Four engaging sessions (Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday night, Sunday morning) in which speakers, guests, and entertainers use Scriptures, real life stories, video, drama, comedy, music, and teaching to connect Biblical principles to the lives of teenagers.
✴️ Quality time with Small Groups of same age & sex and adult leaders for meaningful conversations.
✴️ Fun free time with friends. Enjoy spending time together exploring the town of Gatlinburg, eating at restaurants, looking in shops, and playing at attractions, all within walking distance from our hotel.
This free time provides excellent opportunities for young people to learn and practice some helpful life skills - social interactions, money management, time management, group decision making, sharing small space with roommates, etc. In addition to making great memories, these are good character-building and discipleship moments!
WHY:
We believe Winterfest can be a catalytic experience for young people to clearly see next steps of faith to take.
HOW to register:
1️⃣ Read and understand the Participant Covenant and Disciplinary Action Plan (see below)
2️⃣ Complete the online registration form here
3️⃣ Pay online, OR place cash or check (written to Grace Chapel Church) in a marked envelope and drop in one of the Gifts & Offerings boxes hanging in the GC Lobby.
Notes on payment:
Early Registration cost = $250; Registration Cost after 12/8 = $275
• The cost includes transportation on a 56-passenger charter bus, lodging with 3-4 others from our group in a hotel room at Hampton Inn, and a pass to the Winterfest conference. Each person is responsible for bringing additional money for all other personal expenses, including snacks, souvenirs, entertainment purchases, and five meals:
• Two lunchtime meals at a mall food court near Knoxville, TN, on the way there on Friday and on the way home on Sunday
• Friday night dinner in Gatlinburg
• Saturday lunch and dinner in Gatlinburg
• Complimentary hot breakfast is available each morning at the hotel
• Also, keep food costs down by bringing simple snack foods, water bottle(s), etc. to have in the room and even carry with you.
We do not want the cost of this event to prevent any Youth from participating, so we are happy to work with your family to come up with a way to assist you however you need, whether by scheduling a payment plan, deferring payment, subsidizing your payment, or even covering the entire fee in some cases – we have several folks at GC who have generously offered to provide financial assistance when Youth & Families need it to participate. Let us help! Simply reach out to Rocky to talk about options.
PARTICIPANT COVENANT
1. I will show respect for others by how I talk and act – including avoiding hurtful speech and unwanted or inappropriate touch.
2. I will dress in a modest way so that inappropriate attention is not drawn to myself.
3. I will stay with the group and honor the 3-or-more rule (be in groups of three or more people at all times) - if I need to separate from the group for any reason, I will notify an adult leader.
4. I will use personal electronic devices - phones, tablets, game systems, smart watches, etc. - wisely and responsibly.
5. I will NOT bring weapons of any kind (e.g. airsoft guns, fireworks, pocket knives, etc.) that could be used to harm anyone or any property.
6. I understand that harmful pranks as well as illegal substances and behaviors will NOT be tolerated.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION PLAN
3 Steps when acting outside the Participant Covenant guidelines:
Step #1: Initial breaking of the covenant will result in the Participant having a conversation with an Adult Leader.
Step #2: Continued disobedience will result in the Participant and an Adult Leader making contact with Parents/Guardians to have a conversation.
Step #3: Consistent disregard of the covenant agreement will result in the Participant going home. In this case, it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to provide a way home for the participant. Participation in future GC Youth events will be discussed with parents/guardians and GC leaders as soon as possible after returning from this event.
Any illegal activity, possession/use of drugs, alcohol, or weapons, sexual activity, or relentless disrespect for authority will be cause for immediate dismissal. (Same as Step #3 above.)