EVENT DETAILS
- Dates: February 20–22, 2026
- Who: Students in grades 6–12
- Location: Camp ToKnowHim — Pisgah, AL
- Speaker: Jake Deshler, College Pastor at Whitesburg Baptist Church
- Worship: Rivertree Worship
- Cost: $150 — please submit final payments
- Departure: Friday at 5:45 PM from Rivertree Cove
- Return: Sunday at approximately 12:00 PM to Rivertree Cove
PURPOSE OF WINTER RETREAT
Winter Retreat is the biggest weekend of the year for Rivertree Students! This weekend is intentionally designed to help students grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus while building Christ-centered friendships with peers and trusted leaders.
Students will experience worship, biblical teaching, small group discussion, recreation, and intentional space for reflection and prayer.
SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS
Each session will focus on helping students understand who Jesus is and how following Him shapes everyday life.
- Session 1: __________________________
- Session 2: __________________________
- Session 3: __________________________
**We will update this section as session details are finalized.
FINAL DETAILS & CHECK-IN
- Early Check-In:
All students will complete early check-in on Wednesday, February 18th, before MDWK (5:30 PM)
Students will receive their bus bracelet and final instructions at that time - Deadline to register is February 18 and spots are almost gone!
- Winter Retreat arrival – Friday, 02/20 at 5:00 PM at the Rivertree Cove student building. It is imperative you show up on time or we will need to leave without you.
- All final payments are due. Please submit these ASAP.
Early check-in helps ensure a smooth and timely departure on Friday.
FULL WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Please note: times are approximate and subject to minor adjustments due to travel, weather, or group needs.
Friday — February 20
- 4:30 PM — Check-in at Rivertree Cove
- 5:00 PM — Dinner at Rivertree
- 6:00 PM — Depart for camp
- 7:00 PM — Arrival & luggage drop
- 8:00 PM — Session 1
- 9:15 PM — Small Groups
- 10:15 PM — Late Night (Blackout Night – wear black)
- 11:15 PM — Cabins
- 11:45 PM — Lights out
Saturday — February 21
- 7:00 AM — Wake up
- 8:00 AM — Breakfast
- 8:45 AM — Morning devotional
- 9:30 AM — Session 2
- 10:45 AM — Small Groups
- 12:00 PM — Lunch
- 1:00 PM — Cabin Challenge
- 2:00 PM — Breakout A
- 3:00 PM — Breakout B
- 4:00 PM — Free Time
- 6:00 PM — Dinner
- 7:00 PM — Free Time
- 8:15 PM — Small Groups
- 9:15 PM — Late Night (Neon Night)
- 10:30 PM — Cabin clean-up
- 11:30 PM — Lights out
Sunday — February 22
- 7:00 AM — Wake up
- 8:00 AM — Breakfast
- 8:45 AM — Group photo
- 9:00 AM — Final Session
- 10:00 AM — Free Time
- 11:00 AM — Depart Camp ToKnowHim
- 12:00 PM — Arrive at Rivertree Cove
SAFETY & SUPERVISION
Your student’s safety is a top priority.
- Students are supervised at all times by trained, background-checked adult leaders
- Rivertree maintains a 5-1 student to adult leader ratio
- Rivertree leaders specialized in first aid and administering medications are on site throughout the weekend
- Leaders manage student medications according to submitted forms
- Clear boundaries and structured schedules are maintained throughout the retreat
If a parent needs to reach their student during the weekend, please contact a campus staff member directly.
CELL PHONE POLICY
Students may bring their phones for the bus ride. Phones will be collected upon arrival and returned before departure on Sunday. This allows students to step away from everyday distractions and be fully present with God, their peers, and their leaders throughout the weekend!
STUDENT RULES & EXPECTATIONS
These guidelines help create a safe, respectful, and meaningful experience for everyone:
- Be on time and participate in all sessions and activities
- Respect leaders, peers, and camp property
- Follow all cabin and campus boundaries
- No drugs, alcohol, weapons, fireworks, or illegal items
- No pranks or roughhousing
- No PDA
- No entering cabins of the opposite gender for any reason
- Keep cabins reasonably clean
- Be attentive and respectful during worship, teaching, and small groups
Failure to follow these expectations may result in parents being contacted and, if necessary, early dismissal from the retreat at the parents’ expense.
PACKING LIST
Required Items
- Bible, journal, pen
- Water bottle
- Warm clothing (jacket, sweatshirt, beanie, gloves)
- Athletic shoes
- Toiletries & shower shoes
- Towel, pillow, sleeping bag or twin-size bedding
- Flashlight
- Snacks
Theme Nights
- Friday: Blackout Night (all black)
- Saturday: Neon Night
Pisgah can be cold—please pack layers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the food like?
Three full meals a day prepared by a full team of chefs. Unlimited refills on drinks and each meal includes dessert options. Your dietary needs and/or food allergies have been sent to Camp ToKnowHim.
What is the transportation?
We are using Spirit, a family-ran charter bus company with one of the best safety records of any charter bus company. Each 56 passenger bus is equipped with a restroom, AC, high definition flat screen tv’s, wifi, and power outlets for charging devices. The travel time will be around 1 hours one way.
How are medications handled?
All medications are turned in on departure day and administered by trained leaders according to submitted forms.
What if my student gets sick or injured?
Rivertree leaders who are focused on first aid are on site, and parents will be contacted if care beyond basic first aid is required.
What is the adult leader ratio?
State Law mandates a 12:1 ratio. Most camps recommend 10:1. Rivertree takes a 5:1 ratio. Each adult leader has passed a mandatory background check as well as Rivertree’s leadership development and training process.
Can parents visit the camp?
For safety and consistency, parent visits during the retreat are not permitted.
Will students have free time?
Yes. Free time is structured, supervised, and includes a variety of camp activities designed for rest and fun.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Cove Students
Theo Combos
📞 830-470-1168
📧 theo@myrivertree.org
Downtown Students
Justan Borth
📞 270-943-0081
📧 jborth@myrivertree.org