Rōp/The Rope When You Want to Hold on Tighter That’S When It’S Time to Let Go

NON PROFIT PAID US POSTAGE EAGLE RIVER WI PERMIT NO 7

/rōp/The Rope When you want to hold on tighter that’s when it’s time to let go

fortwilderness.com

Your Family • p.13 Your Kids • p.16 Your Marriage • p.43

See much more at Fort Wilderness Fort 715 Box P.O. WI McNaughton 54543 2017 PROGRAM CATALOG table of contents Welcome • Page 2 Fall • Page 29 Map & Address...... 3 Men’s Retreat...... 30 Eat Well & Laugh Loud...... 5 Women’s Retreat...... 30 Facilities Custom Retreats...... 30 Main Camp...... 6 TruNorth...... 32 Adventure Outpost...... 9 Creative Arts Weekend...... 34 Leadership Lab...... 10 Winter • Page 35 Summer • Page 12 Winter Family Getaway...... 37 Re-focus...... 13 Youth Group Retreats...... 39 Family Camps & Getaways..15 Youth Camps Spring • Page 40 Kids’ Camp...... 16 Marine Biology...... 40 Boys’ Camp...... 16 Enrich your Marriage...... 43 it's time Girls’ Camp...... 16 Golf Classic...... 44 It makes a difference!...... 19 Custom Retreats...... 44 Step Up...... 21 Israel Trip 2018...... 44 Built To Live...... 23 Volunteer Opportunities...46 InDepth...... 23 Scholarships...... 47 Youth Adventure Trips...... 23 to let go. Leadership Lab...... 24 Summer Staff...... 26 Forms • Page 48 Family Pricing & Form...... 48 Horsemanship...... 28 Youth Form...... 50 Transportation...... 28 Adult Pricing & Form...... 51

Connect with us online at fortwilderness.com • @thefortfamily youtube.com/user/fortwildernessmin Fort Wilderness

8 Rhinelander This is your Story 51 Wausau Do you ever wonder what your life would look like if someone made a movie out of it? How 94 29 St. Paul would you, the hero, overcome your biggest challenges? Whose help would you seek to defeat Eau Claire 29 your greatest foe? Movies are of course nicely edited versions of people whose problems are solved in two hours or less. You and I don’t have that luxury. Think of your story as a rope Green called life. We don't know how long it is or the number of difficult circumstances or knots we 10 Bay might encounter. Certainly there will be memorable events along the way. And from time to 39 time, people and the concerns of the World will pull on your rope and create tension in your life. 94 Always know if you are overwhelmed and need refreshment and renewal, the staff at Fort Wilderness are here for you. Fort is a place where you do not need to compete with the cares of N 41 the World. And where your kids can be kids, and marriages and families can be restored. It's a place to take a deep breath and reset your story in the right direction – God's direction for W E your story. Welcome to the Fort. We look forward to seeing you! S Madison 94 Milwaukee Todd Leyden Executive Director

Chicago Fort Wilderness Ministries USPS Box 715 McNaughton WI 54543 GOOGLE 6180 Wilderness Trail FEDEX Rhinelander WI 54501 UPS local 715.277.2587 toll free 800.338.3678 Time to Fort from: fax 715.277.3928 Chicago — 5.25 hrs Eau Claire — 3.25 hrs Green Bay — 3 hrs Madison — 3.5 hrs Milwaukee — 4.25 hrs St Paul — 4.25 hrs Wausau — 1.25 hrs Connect with us online at fortwilderness.com • @thefortfamily youtube.com/user/fortwildernessmin 2 3 Eat well, laugh loud Come sit at the table - You're not just our guest, you're part of the family! We want your stay at Fort Wilderness to be the highlight of your year, no matter how life may be treating you. That’s why the first thing many get to experience when they step into camp is a big Fort hug. Whether you’re brand new or an old friend, we’re happy you made it. And just like family, there’s plenty of time to sit around, hang out, take some well- deserved naps, eat good food and have lots of fun. You’re also entitled to do nothing if you so choose to! Fort Wilderness doesn’t have to be a crazy roller coaster ride. In fact, we don’t have any roller coasters, except if you count the waterslide (page 12) or the tubing hills (page 38), which are completely optional activities (that you should try, or at least your kids should). You get to decide how much or how little you want to do; and most importantly, how you want to spend time with your family.

Our staff want to get to know you, and we hope you’ll enjoy getting to know us. You’ll interact with missionaries and volunteer staff throughout camp during activities, meals and various gatherings. Some will serve you, some will sit with you and some will even pray with you. Let us know how we can make this the best week of your year! Fort food is food for everyone - Gluten-free or gluten-full, dig in without fear! Food is one of the best parts about camp! Primarily because you don’t have to cook it or do the dishes; that’s our gift to you. Fort food is also really tasty, and not just because we put a lot of love into it. The Fort buffet of delectable goodness is friendly to many dietary needs and allergies. We can accommodate most common food allergies such as gluten, dairy and nuts (note: we are not a nut-free facility). Please bring your own gluten-free bread and desserts, as these are not provided. There is a salad bar available at lunch and dinners every day. We provide a shared refrigerator in the Dining Hall to store your food if needed.

For all food allergies and dietary restrictions, mild or severe, you must email Food Service Manager Janet at [email protected] no less than two weeks before your stay.

4 5 A • The Inn • ALL YEAR hotel-like rooms E • Pop-up*/Tent Sites • SUMMER ONLY for up to 6 people. A/C. Private bath for those on a budget or wanting to rough Stay a while! and shower. Queen-size and single beds. it a little, we have 25 sites perfect for your Linens included. Community fire ring. pop-up or tent. Short walk to central bath Main Camp - For families & groups of all sizes & budgets! facility. Fire ring at each site. You don’t have to break the bank to have a good night’s sleep. Main Camp is our year-round B • Modern Cabins • ALL YEAR up to 10 site that offers the most options for families and groups on a budget. You can sleep under people. Naturally cool with lots of space F • Eagle's Roost (not pictured) • SUMMER the stars, camp or choose a more modern facility. Pricing starts on page 48. to spread out. Private bath and shower. ONLY Premier Facility, newly remodeled Heated floors (in the winter). Fire home with 5 rooms and 3 private baths for ring nearby. up to 16 people. Great for reunions. Very private. Linens included. Private fire ring C • Rustic Cabins • ALL YEAR up to 12 people. and chairs included. A/C. Short walk to central bath facility (recently renovated). Fire ring nearby. * RENTALS AVAILABLE LOCALLY: Rent Pop ups and RVs from our friends at Shoeder's! D • RV Sites* • SUMMER ONLY includes Rentals are delivered clean and ready before electric, septic and water hookups. Can you arrive and picked up after you leave. handle large RVs. Short walk to central Join multiple Fort Families who utilize this bath facility (recently renovated). easy option each week throughout summer. Fire ring at each site. Go to shoedersmarine.com for more info. Arrange your rental with Shoeder's directly!

See more pictures of our facilities at fortwilderness.com/aboutus/virtualtour/maincamp

C Our central bath facility has been recently D renovated and is cleaned daily E

6 7 Adventure Outpost - Leave the pavement There’s not a day that goes by at Adventure Outpost (AO) without some dirt, laughter and great memories being made. I’m Katie Lutz and I have the privilege of directing our summer youth camps at AO (page 16). Every week my staff and I welcome up to 60 campers for a time to get out into the woods, make some new friends and work towards meaningful growth. As a parent or guardian, you may be wondering what AO looks like for your child. Will they be safe? Will they be cared for? Will they have fun? Is there indoor plumbing? We can answer all these questions. If you have a specific concern that is not covered here or on our website, please contact us at [email protected]. Scholarships are available for those in financial need (see page 47). A Adventure Outpost is located two miles from Main Camp on our private and pristine Blair Lake. The camper to staff ratio is close to 2:1. Facilities at Adventure Outpost are a mix of rustic and newly renovated accommodations: B A • Cabins • There are six well-maintained camper cabins for up to ten campers and F two counselors. These rustic cabins allow for a completely unplugged adventure. B • Dining/Pavilion • Fort has a certified Food Service Manager who oversees meals. A trained cook and staff prepare meals that kids like. A brand new state-inspected Kitchen is attached to the Pavilion where campers eat and enjoy activities.

C • Infirmary • (not pictured) There is an infirmary on site with trained medical staff available on duty 24/7 in the event that your child gets sick. A sick camper has access to a dedicated sleeping area with regular care. In the event of an emergency, EMS is on site within ten minutes, and a modern hospital is only 25 minutes away. Fort also has a trained Safety and Security Team on call.

D • Blair Lake • Certified lifeguards supervise all water activities. Only Fort Wilderness campers can swim or boat on our private 19-acre Blair Lake.

E • Bathrooms • AO has modern bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers.

F • The Ridge & Bleachers • Surrounding a fire pit, these two areas are the place for memories, sharing praise songs, campfire stories and Bible sessions.

See more pictures of our facilities at fortwilderness.com/aboutus/virtualtour/adventureoutpost

8 D 9 Leadership Lab - Dig Deep Does your teen have big questions? Questions about life, faith, purpose or identity? In 1974, Fort Wilderness developed Leadership Lab to help teens navigate these big questions. I’m Chad Rich and I am the Director of Leadership Lab. Your high school teen is coming into adulthood and is starting to make some challenging decisions. They want to know what they believe and why they believe it. They want to find purpose. They want to find answers for themselves. Three weeks may be too short to find your lifelong purpose, but it is enough time to get equipped to face the journey ahead. As a parent or guardian, you may wonder how Lab can prepare your teen for their next step and what camp looks like. For more details about the Leadership Lab program, go to page 24. For details about our facilities, A keep reading. If you have a specific concern that is not addressed in this catalog or on our website, please contact me at [email protected]. Scholarships are available for those in financial need (see page 47).

Leadership Lab is located two miles from Main Camp on our private and pristine Blair Lake. D Lab can accommodate up to 20 campers and 12 staff and counselors. Because of its small size, Lab operates similar to a large family. Campers live life together: they eat, play, pray, study, and learn together. Facilities at Lab have been updated in the last few years to offer a safe and ideal space for community living.

B A • Cabins • Two newer camper cabins and newer staff housing create a comfortable setting.

B • Bathrooms • Brand new bath facilities with flush toilets and hot showers give the new generation of Labbers a more modern experience. The facility is also a severe weather shelter.

C • Dining Hall • Our brand new state-certified Kitchen and Dining Room.

D • Blair Lake • A certified lifeguard oversees swimming activities. Only Fort campers C and staff can swim or boat on our private 19-acre Blair Lake.

E • Campfire Circle • This unique circle built into a hill and overlooking Blair Lake is the place for rest, group reflection, Bible sessions and singing. E See more pictures of our facilities at fortwilderness.com/aboutus/virtualtour/leadershiplab

Learn more about the Leadership Lab program on page 24. Register for Leadership Lab by filling out and mailing the Youth Registration Form on page 50.

10 11 Re-focus Your family matters - The most important investment A few summers ago, a father approached our then Executive Director Tom, and expressed how camp became an important part of his family’s story. “I could spend money on a car or on a house,” he said, “but this week at Family Camp is the most important investment I’ll make this year.” This father, like many others, understood the value of time away at Fort Wilderness. It costs money to come to camp and it may be the only trip you can afford this year, but Fort gives back in meaningful ways. For some, it’s an unexpected opportunity for personal growth: “By staying in a camper instead of a cabin, I needed to use the Moonbeam (Central Bath Facility) for cleaning up. It became a place of great opportunities to share and encourage younger wives in their roles as mothers.” For others, it’s the joy of seeing their family bond for the first time: “This was just an incredible week for me and my four foster-soon to be adopted kids! They’ve never done anything like this before! They were seeing God in so many other people’s lives!” And still for others, it’s time off from life’s busyness: “Family Camp to me is a much needed retreat disguised as a vacation.”

Summer/’sә mә r/

"Fort continues to play a significant role in our family... 4 generations now!"

Breathe Deeply – It’s time to pause and reset You will have your own reasons for coming to Fort. If it’s your first time at a Christian Camp, you may not be sure what to expect. Fort Wilderness was made for families to come as they are; there are no screenings or tests to qualify for a week at Fort. Your family may be in a good place or it may be in a not-so-good place. Either way we hope you decide to make Fort a part of your story.

12 13 Family Camps & Getaways - June to September We offer two types of family programs during the summer: Camps and Getaways. Family Camps are a weeklong experience (6 nights) for your family to disconnect and break the regular routine. Family Getaways are a weekend-long experience (3 nights). Family Camps do have significantly more opportunities than Getaways, but a Getaway may be more affordable and less overwhelming for a first-timer. Or you can do both for the full experience!

Family Camp begins on Saturday. You will check-in at the Inn and get information about your stay (and a Fort hug!). Our camp Photographer will then take your family picture to hang in the Dining Hall (and take home when your week is done). If you are a first-timer, our program staff will give you a tour of camp and make sure you find your accommodations. Campers receive an Information Guide and can always ask our staff for help (easily spotted with nametags and blue wristbands). During the week, you will have opportunities with your family to experience the outdoors, build stronger relationships and dig deeper in your faith. Take a look at our Basic Schedule on page 15 to see what adventures you can expect during your Family Camp. You can also view pictures of past Family Camps at fortwilderness.smugmug.com. See accommodation options on pages 6-7. If you have any additional questions about Family Camps and Getaways, contact us at [email protected]. Family Camps - 6 nights Family Camp 1 June 17-23 Family Camp 6 July 22-28 with Mike Bellanti, Sr. Pastor with Dan Farm, Associate Pastor at Nothbrook Church - Richfield, WI at Autumn Ridge Church - Franklin, WI Family Camp 2 June 24-30 Family Camp 7 July 29 - Aug 4 (Private) with Steve Carter, Associate Pastor Autumn Ridge Church - Rochester, MN at Willow Creek - Barrington, IL Family Camp 8 Aug 5-11 Family Camp 3 July 1-7 with Jason Webb, Sr. Pastor with Keith Ogorek, Board Member, at Elmbrook Church - Brookfield, WI Author & Discipleship Leader - IN Family Camp 4 July 8-14 Family Getaways - 3 nights with Jonathan Misirian, Sr. Pastor Family Getaway 1 Aug 12-15 at Southbrook Church - Franklin, WI Family Getaway 2 Sept 1-4 (Labor Day) Family Camp 5 July 15-21 with Norman Hubbard, Navigators Check out Winter Getaways on page 37! Campus Ministry - Oshkosh, WI

Basic Schedule 1:30-4:00 PM Check in and move in. New Register by filling Camper Tour and Orientation. Great Dinner. Opening Day out and mailing the Welcome Sessiona and then our famous Fry Bread. Family Registration Form on page 49. Breakfast. Morning Session: Childcare and age-appropriate Teaching Sessions. Activities Open: swimming, boating, craft shop*, archery & riflery*, horses*, nature Day 2 to last full center, volleyball, coffee shop*, goodies day of camp store*, shotgun range*, & so much more. *some extra cost Lunch. Activities Opens. Dinner. Varying Activities, campfires & night fun. Last Day Breakfast. Pack up & head out by 10:00 AM

14 15 Kids' Camp - June 24 to 30 Register online at Age • Grades 3-4 fortwilderness.com Location • Adventure Outpost (see facilities page 8-9) or by filling out the One Step at a Time Speaker • Erica Gustafson - long-time Fort Friend, YWAM Missionary Dear Parents & Youth Leaders - You're not alone! Youth Registration Cost • $499 or $459 earlybird special through Feb 15. Form on page 50. After Feb 15, see website for details. Childhood is not what is used to be. At one time, at least in our memories, being young was a time to get dirty in the mud, make forts with sticks, create secret handshakes and more. Technology, Boys' Camp - July 8 to 14 Icon Key concerns about our kids’ safety along with other influences have changed our outlook. Is there a Age • Grades 5-7 place for your kids or students to succeed and grow? Whether you’re a parent or Youth Leader, Location • Adventure Outpost (see facilities page 8-9) • Horsemanship Program Available. Extra Cost. - 20 years of working with youth, the challenge to develop the next generation is real and exhausting. But, you are not alone. Fort Speaker • Jason Barwick Page 28 for details. Wilderness is an ideal resource for your children and students. Our programs are designed to married with two kids Cost • $499 or $459 earlybird special through Feb 15. • Scholarships Available. allow campers to experience independence and responsibility and take age-appropriate steps of Page 47 for details. maturity in a caring and safe environment. Youthful games and running around are encouraged. After Feb 15, see website for details. • Transportation Available. Learning to tie knots replaces the video game console. Fire building – with staff supervision – Girls' Camp - July 15 to 21 Extra Cost. is a great training activity. Jumping in the lake holding friends’ hands is special; even twenty times Age • Grades 5-7 Page 28 for details. in a row as laughing girl campers have proved! And tied in with everything is spiritual teaching Location • Adventure Outpost (see facilities page 8-9) that makes a week at camp eternally valuable. Speaker • Sarah Gonzalez - Fort Camper from early on with a passion See the Youth Camp Basic to help girls take their next faith step Schedule on page 19 Cost • $499 or $459 earlybird special through Feb 15. After Feb 15, see website for details. 16 17 It makes a difference - Be affirmed! After children reunite with their parents or get back on the bus toward home, the impact of camp starts to be seen. One parent sent us a picture of her daughter doing her devotionals on her own! Another parent saw change in their son’s behavior and maturity. And yet another story came from this mom:

“Dear Fort Staff,

Below is a copy of an answer my daughter wrote to a question assigned by a teacher. The question was “What defines you?” Please be encouraged by her words! She has spent many summers at Fort. Thank you for the work that you do! Thank you for the influence you have on my daughter’s life!!”

Here is the answer her daughter gave her teacher to the question “What defines you?”

“I am a daughter of the one true King. This earth does not define who I am because I am loved by my Father. I am sinful but saved. Wholly forgiven and redeemed. I am strong and beautiful because I was purposely made by God for his good will. My worth is not measured by the standards of humanity. So, who am I then? I am a tool for the kingdom of Heaven: purposeful and wonderful and saved by His amazing Grace.” Basic Youth Camp Schedule 1:30-4:00 PM Arrive by bus, van or carpool. Meet your counselor & cabin mates. Move Opening Day in. Take Swim & Hors Tests. First Dinner. First all camp activity. Breakfast. Service Time. Sign up for staff-led activities & adventures: swim, craft shop, archery, field games, horses*, nature classes, team building, goodies store*, & so much Day 2 to last full more. Morning Session and Cabin Time. Register online at day of camp *some extra cost fortwilderness.com Lunch. Staff-led activities. or by filling out the Dinner. Nightly group activitiy, Group Youth Registration Session & campfire. Form on page 50. Breakfast. Pack up & Check out into Fort Last Day Transportation or Parent Pick-up at 10 AM.

18 19 Step Up! - June 10 to 16/23 By Junior High, your kids aren’t kids anymore. Or that’s what they might be saying to you. They’re wanting more independence and more freedom, but still want to have fun like when they were kids. Step Up is a one or two week experience where your tween or teen can expend a lot of energy with a purpose. Approximately130 kids are split into cabins with counselors seeking to build meaningful relationships. Cabin life lets campers build a diverse group of new friends and a supportive community. In addition, our week-long speaker teaches from the Bible in a way that relates to the questions they have. Throughout the week, campers can sign up for different activities and adventures, try something new or develop a skill. Activities range from sailing, crafts, group games, archery, horsemanship, creative writing…and much more.

The first week of Step Up takes place on Main Camp (page 6) with 130 campers. The optional Register online at second week of Step Up is exclusive to grades 8 and 9 and moves to our Adventure Outpost fortwilderness.com location (page 8) with no more than 60 campers. You can view pictures of past Step Up Camps or by filling out the at fortwilderness.smugmug.com. Youth Registration Form on page 50. Age • Grades 7-9 (wk 1), Grades 8-9 (wk 1+2) Location • (wk 1) Main Camp (see facilities page 6-7) (wk 2) Adventure Outpost (see facilities page 8-9) Speaker • (wk 1) Speaker TBA; Music - The Chabros are back! (wk 2) Jon Anderson - Youth Pastor and long-time Fort Friend Cost • (wk 1) $499 or $459 earlybird special through Feb 15. (wk2) $946 or $896 earlybird special through Feb 15. After Feb 15, see website for details. 20 21 Find your Adventure Built To Live - July 1 to 7 Built To Live is our specialty program where campers can choose one of three concentrations: Horsemanship, Art or Adventure. Horsemanship teaches campers riding and wrangler skills. Art lets campers explore different mediums like printmaking and clay to express their creativity. The adventure track includes a wide range of outdoor activities and skills training. Built To Live is limited to 40 campers. Age • Grades 7-9 Location • Adventure Outpost (see facilities page 8-9) Speaker • Andy Barber and Cassie Smith - long-time Fort Friends, leaders and speakers Cost • $596 or $556 earlybird special through Feb 15. After Feb 15, see website for details. Icon Key

• Scholarships Available. Page 47 for details. • Transportation Available. Extra Cost. Page 28 for details.

InDepth - July 1 to 7 If your high schooler is interested in spending more time outdoors unplugged, InDepth Register online at is the perfect introduction to adventure tripping. Campers and staff go out canoeing for a fortwilderness.com time of wilderness camping and community building. Campers are first trained in proper or by filling out the canoe paddling and camping guidelines before setting out onto the river. Each day brings Youth Registration a new challenge. Staff lead and teach throughout the week as campers work through their Form on page 50. questions and new experiences. InDepth is limited to 20 campers. Age • Grades 9-12 Location • Adventure Outpost (see facilities page 8-9) Cost • $499 or $459 earlybird special through Feb 15. After Feb 15, see website for details. Youth Adventure Trips - Late July to August Are you a Youth Leader that’s looking to add a new tool to your ministry? Our Adventure Outpost Staff are at your service. Katie Lutz, our AO Director, can help you craft the best adventure for your group. Contact Katie at [email protected] to find out more.

22 23 Leadership Lab - 3 Sessions Age • Grades 10-12 Lab 1: June 10 to June 30 Location • Leadership Lab (see facilities page 8-9) Lab 2: July 1 to July 21 Speaker • Fort Missionaries & Leaders Lab 3: July 22 to Aug 11 Cost • $1,299 or $1,199 earlybird special through Feb 15. LAB 3 SPECIAL: $1,099 through Feb 15. Icon Key After Feb 15, see website for details.

• Scholarships Available. Page 47 for details. • Transportation Available. Extra Cost. Page 28 for details.

Own your faith - Build a strong foundation High School can be an exciting and anxious time for your young people. They’re growing independent and want to figure out things on their own. Yet many, including those from strong church backgrounds, don’t always feel comfortable expressing their biggest questions. For over 40 years, we have been walking with teens at Leadership Lab as they wrestle through these questions. Through a small community and leaders invested in their growth, they learn to communicate better. Our staff and counselors respectfully open the door for them to get satisfying answers from God’s Word. Tied in with the spiritual lessons and mentoring are Register by filling adventures such as an extended canoe trip and a low ropes course to allow campers to out and mailing the experience God and Christian community in many ways. Youth Registration Three weeks this summer might just be what your teen Form on page 50. needs to take a step of growth in the right direction. If you have more questions or want to learn more about Leadership Lab, contact our Director, Chad Rich, at [email protected].

24 25 For Greater Purpose Summer Staff - Commit, serve and lead Summer Staff are the heroes of summer camp. Without them, there would be no camp. They are the first ones up in the morning and sometimes the last ones out at night. They help run daily activities, cook for camp, develop faith in kids and lead other volunteers. Applying for Summer Staff is making a commitment to give and serve your best everyday. It’s making a commitment to lead along-side Missionary Staff in the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20). Serve 1 to 12 weeks - Be the difference you want to make Our Summer Staff consists of 100+ dedicated, hard-working high school (ages 15 and up) and Download the college students who invest 1 to 12 weeks of their summer, living in community and serving summer staff campers with all their hearts! Volunteers can commit 1 to 9 weeks. Paid leaders (post-high application at school only) must commit 9-12 weeks. If serving more than one week, volunteers can offer fortwilderness.com/ their skills to more than one area. Dish Crew, Cooks, Maintenance, Counselors, Craft Shop, serve/summerstaff Baristas, Lifeguards and many more are needed to make this summer successful. Paid leadership staff are responsible for one area of service and lead, train and develop younger volunteers and leaders alongside our Missionary Staff. Opportunities for personal and spiritual growth in this supportive environment are many as staff explore and use the gifts God has given them.

Note: Fort has limited availability for retired adults or those with open summers to serve. To find out more about summer staff positions, contact June Connelly at [email protected] or call 715.277.2587 or 800.338.3678. Transportation available. See page 28 for details.

26 27 Horsemanship - For Youth Camps Horsemanship Classes and Lessons are an optional add-on for Kids’, Girls’, Boys’ and Step Up 1-Week Camps. Our Horsemanship Director – Jonathan Brood – is a certified instructor of the Certified Horsemanship Association. We follow their standards to promote a fun, safe and educational experience. Classes are 4 days, weather permitting.

Barn & Ring Class ($119) • This class offers campers spiritually-based application of basic horsemanship principles divided into one hour of riding lessons and one hour of classroom lecture per day, with a lot of hands on experience. Western riding fundamentals, such as position and technique, will be taught to allow the rider to develop control of their horse at each gait. Kids' Camp only. Fall/fôl/ Trail Class ($85) • Designed for the weekend rider, campers are on a horse for approximately 45 minutes per day in God's Creation. Some riding instruction is given, such as crossing trail obstacles, controlling your horse at different gaits and basic horsemanship knowledge. It's all done in a laid back, fun Fort way! Step Up (week 1), Kids' Camp, Girls' Camp, Boys' Camp.

Rodeo Class ($119) • Cowboy up! This class offers a chance for campers to learn about the fun sport of rodeo. Each class is divided into one hour of mounted games and one hour "Fort is a safe haven of learning skills needed for rodeo life such as barrel racing skills, roping and much more. Step Up (week 1), Girls' Camp, Boys' Camp. for my soul."

Transportation - For Youth Camps and Summer Staff We welcome your family to drive up to Fort, take a tour and meet your child’s counselor. Or you may also utilize our transportation. It is available for our summer youth programs, with pickups on opening Saturday and drop-offs on closing Friday of camp. Stops are located in Fond Du Lac, West Bend, Brookfield and Kenosha-Pleasant Prairie. We use a coach bus and/or vans, all chaperoned by a trained Fort Staff.

View and download the bus schedule at fortwilderness.com/bus

28 29 Register online or by filling out and mailing the Adult Form on page 51

Men's Retreat - Sept 7/8 to 10 Location • Main Camp (see facilities pages 6-7) Speaker • Dr. Rick Marks - Adult & Marriage Speaker Let's grow together See more at livethelife.org Cost • Starting at $190 per person Ministry is connected - Your group is welcome here See Adult Registration Form on page 51 A woman rose early one morning – at Women’s Retreat – to go and watch the sunrise. She might for full pricing have expected to be there alone with her thoughts. But something a little different happened; “I met a very special lady at one of the Lord’s beautiful sunrises. We found out we share in the Women's Retreat - Sept 21/22 to 24 pain of having sons who are dealing with the same issues.” Ministry happens unexpectedly. Without Fort providing the place, these two women might not have been able to encourage Location • Main Camp (see facilities pages 6-7) Speaker • Dr. Lina Abujamra - Pediatric ER Physician & Speaker; has been each other. Many other men and women bring their adult children, friends and church groups inspiring women for years livingwithpower.org to Fort for this exact reason: to find a safe haven to grow closer together. It happens around Cost • Starting at $190 per person evening campfires, during horseback rides and over lattes. We encourage your adult group to See Adult Registration Form on page 51 attend our Men’s or Women’s Retreat or find a date for a custom-made retreat. Let us handle for full pricing the work so you can minister. Custom Retreat - Call for dates! Location • Main Camp (see facilities pages 6-7) Cost • Email [email protected] or call 715.277.2587 or 800.338.3678 30 31 Download the application at fortwilderness.com/ trunorth

Get equipped TruNorth Gap Year - September to May If you are between the ages of 18-22 and have questions about your purpose, identity and faith, TruNorth was made for you. The program allows you to step back and assess your spiritual gifts and God’s calling for your life. You will refine your biblical world-view through in depth study of God’s Word. You will get to rub shoulders with and be mentored by the Fort staff while gaining skills through real camp work and serving guests. TruNorth will grow your understanding of the body of Christ, prepare you to engage culture and teach you how to ask great questions and dialogue about the answers. TruNorth is designed to help you navigate through God’s design, purpose and order for your life. You will apply daily what you know about God. You will Justin and Kelly are our TruNorth Directors. be challenged physically on a Wilderness Trip, meet other church leaders on a Church History If you have questions about the program, connect Exploration Tour and explore the global church on a cross-cultural mission trip. All of this packed with them at [email protected] or call into 8 months with 5 to 8 other students. What better way to invest in your life this next year? 715.277.2587 or 800.338.3678. Application for Location • Main Camp (see facilities page 6-7) TruNorth can be downloaded at fortwilderness.com/trunorth. Cost • $9,574 or $8,999 earlybird special - save $575 through May 1st! 32 33 Have some fun Creative Arts - Nov 9/10 to 11/12 We’ve talked about growing deep and meaningful relationships at Fort. We also like to take a break and just have some fun. Creative Arts is a new retreat with less programmed activities than typical Fort retreats. This weekend is designed for the more creative types in life who need a space to relax and craft. Bring a project or sign up to one of our instructional tracks and learn something new! Bring your quilting, knitting/crocheting, beading, watercolor, scrapbooking or other unfinished art projects. Share your work with other artists and finish it within the weekend! Instructional Tracks will be posted later this year. Visit fortwilderness.com/creativearts for more! Winter/’win(t)ә r/ Location • Main Camp (see facilities page 6-7) Instructional Tracks • TBA Cost • Starting at $143 per person, see Adult Registration Form on page 51 for full pricing along the way...

"I was just sitting here at breakfast thinking this is what heaven must be like, but heaven won't make you tired!" 34 35 Wind,The sleet orTime snow - Connectis togetherNow no matter the weather Don’t let the weather rain on your family time. At home, the cold might mean Netflix, social media and video games. At Fort, cold means time to get connected and make memories on the broomball court or on your favorite horse! Indoors or outdoors, your family is in for a treat! Register by filling out and mailing the Family Form Winter Family Getaways - Dec 26 to 29 or Dec 29 to Jan 1 on page 49 You look down the steep hill lit by colorful lights this evening. A hand tugs at your arm. “Can we go down one more time?” an excited little voice says. You grab your tubes and speed down the hill. As you come to a stop on the frozen lake, your child points to the sky. You look up to the see a blanket of stars. It’s breathtaking. It’s peaceful. And you are both in awe of God’s Creation. A conversation ensues on the trek back up the hill. Does that sound like something your family needs? Winter Family Getaways can be a powerful time for families to come back together before the New Year. Whether it’s on the broomball courts, ice skating rink or around some delicious food and a campfire, your family can find a place here at Fort. Location • Main Camp (see facilities page 6-7) Speaker • Michael Lane - Education and Nature Center Director at Fort! Cost • Starting at $118 per person See Family Pricing on page 48 for full pricing 36 37 In unexpected places Youth Group Retreats - January to March If you are a Youth Pastor or Youth leader, the pressure on your ministry is high. Your students are working through some tough questions facing their faith, families and communities. When do you find time to pour into them while preparing an exciting program and space for growth? Fort Wilderness wants to be your partner in ministry all year long (see pages 16 through 27 for summer youth opportunities). During the winter months, we can take care of your program needs so you spend less time planning and more time with your students.

A youth retreat at Fort is custom-made to fit your group’s needs. Our team will help you build a program and schedule that meets your ministry’s goals. Whether you bring 10 students or 100 students, we believe the time and care you put into them is important. Our team can assist you with registration materials, marketing tools and program needs, including speaker, music and technical assistance. The food is excellent and the missionary staff and volunteers to facilitate your weekend are trained. All you need to do is give us a call this winter season!

Call us today at 715.277.2587 or 800.338.3678 to plan your custom retreat!

No nickel and dimin’ you! At most retreats we give the following to you at no additional charge because we want you enjoying creation: horseback rides, sleigh rides, cross country skis, ice skates, snowshoes, brand new tubes, lantern and nature hikes, great speakers and music for your group and much more! Location • Main Camp (see facilities page 6-7) Cost • 2 or 3 night retreats start at $105 per person. For a competitively-priced custom retreat that suits your needs, contact Jean Robertson at [email protected] or call 715.277.2587 or 800.338.3678. Some scholarships are available. Limited openings. 38 39 Spring/spriNG/

I want to keep coming back!

Marine Biology - April 11 to 23 Picture this: the temperature is a balmy 85 degrees and a light breeze comes off the ocean. You don your dive mask and your fins. Then comes the signal from your group leader to jump in and begin observing and collecting marine life. Through your dive mask you see a kaleidoscope of living colors in the form of fish and marine invertebrates. Off in the distance a barracuda swims by, curious of the expedition.

Sounds like a Discovery Channel video? Well, this is an average day for those enrolled in the Fort Wilderness Marine Biology Trip. Each Easter season, for the last 30 years, Michael Lane has chartered a bus with around 30 students and adults to travel to the only local reefs you can drive to in the USA. Once there, you move into a hotel and convert it into a biology research station for 9 days. With the help of Michael’s expertise and other instructors, you encounter hands on laboratories; participate in responsible collecting, snorkeling, chemical analysis of water, excursions to habitats, lectures on the beach and more! Included in this 9-day adventure is visiting the world famous Theater of the Sea (or similar adventure depending on availability) and the opportunity to swim with stingrays!

The Marine Biology program is open to high school and college students as well as adult researchers. College credit can be applied if arranged with your college or university. Location • Florida Keys Speaker • Michael Lane Cost • Starting at $2,250 per person; some scholarships available Apply at fortwilderness.com/marinebiology

40 41 To bring hope Marriage Enrichment - April or September You rotate your tires and change the oil in your car. You replace the dead light bulbs with new ones in your house and fix the water heater when it breaks. You buy new clothes when the ones you own wear out. You track your income and spending to stay within your budget. You maintain all these areas in your life to stay on track, but when was the last time your marriage had a tune-up? Has life’s busyness caught up to you, leaving you and your spouse at a place in desperate need of some time together?

Marriage isn’t always easy. Maintaining a thriving marriage can sometimes feel challenging. That’s why Fort Wilderness and Dr. Rick Marks have developed a weekend for you and your spouse to get away, reconnect and move forward together in a healthy direction. Whether your relationship needs a major or minor tune-up, Dr. Marks and his coaches will help you and your spouse wherever you are at. We’ve hosted Dr. Marks for a number of events, including staff and camper retreats. His wise and humorous counsel has helped rebuild and revitalize marriages and families. Find out more about his work at marriageforlife.org.

Register online or We believe that more people need to hear what he has to share. With completely by filling out and modern, private housing for 30 couples, this is a great opportunity to get away mailing the Adult together, grow together, and learn to live better, together. Form on page 51 This weekend is for married or engaged couples only. Married couples have private housing while engaged couples have separate housing. The weekend begins with a session at 7:00 PM on Friday night (most come for dinner at 6:00PM) and winds down after lunch on Sunday.

Location • Main Camp (see facilities page 6-7) Speaker • Dr. Rick Marks Level 1 • April 21-23 Level 1 • April 28-30 Level 2 • September 15-17* *Must have attended a Level 1 retreat in the past to register for level 2 Cost • Starting at $470 per couple; scholarships available See Adult Registration Form on page 51 for full pricing

42 43 GolfWhere Classic - May hope 22 is needed Do you enjoy golfing with your friends? Have you, your kids, grandkids and friends been impacted by Fort Wilderness? Do you want to give back and have some fun doing it? Every May the Fort Family gets together for a day of fun, golf, stories and helping others. Our friends, at Abbey Springs in Lake Geneva, WI, host our Annual Golf Classic. We raise scholarships for children in need to attend a life-changing week at camp. Sometimes the kids who need camp the most are the ones who can’t afford it. This day of golf has become a special tradition for around 100 Fort Friends from all over the Midwest. We invite you to join us and be the difference these kids need! Find out more at fortwilderness.com/golfclassic Location • Abbey Springs (Lake Fontana WI) Cost • $125 per person / $500 per foursome Custom Retreat - Call for dates! Fort Wilderness wants to be your partner in ministry. If your group is in need of a place to retreat, reconnect and grow together, and you need help preparing, Fort has a team ready to serve. We offer custom-made weekends during the fall, winter and spring. Call us at 715.277.2587 or 800.338.3678 to see what we can do for your group. Israel Trip - May 21 to June 2, 2018 Fort Wilderness is exploring the feasibility of partnering with Emmaus Education Services on another Israel Trip with our own Michael Lane. The potential dates are May 21 to June 2, 2018. Contact Michael with questions at [email protected]

Stay up to date on the Israel Trip at fortwilderness.com/ israel Register online for the Golf Classic at fortwilderness.com/ golfclassic

44 45 The Power of Camp is Real - Scholarships We believe in the power of camp. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the camp experience This is the Fort Family simply due to financial hardship. If your child, or someone you love, desires to go to camp but Project Serve & Transform Team - Give back with your can’t afford the fees, let us know. Our Scholarship Committee will work with you to find a way. Eligible youth campers can receive partial or full scholarships to Fort camps. hands and feet! Contact Jackie at 715.277.2587 or 800.338.3678 or [email protected] to start Fort Wilderness is excited to provide Project Serve – a unique and free program for families, the scholarship process. All information is kept confidential. adults, youth groups and teams wanting to give to others by serving in a life-changing ministry. During each retreat weekend in the fall, winter and spring, we utilize crews of 8 to 20 people to Similarly, you might be someone who has a desire to help more kids get to camp. God has blessed help in various areas around camp like the kitchen, accommodations and Canteen. These crews you financially, and you want to make it possible for someone less fortunate to attend. You believe of all ages become the hands and feet of Jesus as they serve our campers. For Project Serve in what God can do when a young person takes time away at Fort. Please consider a gift to the opportunities contact Molly Braband at [email protected] Scholarship Fund. Your gift will make an eternal mark and you will feel the blessing of impacting others. Men and women with skills in the building trades can also make a big impact by helping construct and repair some of our facilities or special projects. They are called Transform Team. Give securely online at fortwilderness.com/give or call 715.277.2587 or 800.338.3678. For more information on how to get involved in Transform Team, contact Paul Ziolkowski at [email protected]

46 47

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DO B DO B Option 1 Option Option 1 Option $ 25 per RV/trailer and $13 per pop-up. sites Add

Add $ 50 per RV/trailer and $25 per pop-up. sites Add $ 329 $ 216 $ 209 $ 145 $699 $454 Email Option 1 Option WFG 2 - 12/29 3 - Rustic Cabin / All Meals 7 - The Eagle’s Roost / All Meals FC 5 - 7/15 O Pop-Up O O O O CDC Tent Be notified and then choose a different camp or package option price Be notified and then choose a different / O O Are you connected with a church? Name: City Street Address for partial weeks. If a camper has to leave early partial If leave will be added for a camper has to weeks. . A 15% surcharge FC 4 - 7/8 WFG 1 - 12/26 Did someone invite you? O O Exp no 12 & up Adult under 12 Child 2 & under free Family Camp Family in summer 12 & up Adult under 12 Child 2 & under free Utility Fee 12 & up Adult under 12 Child 2 & under free Utility Fee O Na me 2 Na me 5 Family Getaway Family in summer Getaway Family in winter Doing so provides you with the best chance of getting your first choice first choice of getting your with the best chance you Doing so provides REGISTER EARLY! of housing in advance. least a week is notified at will be made unless the office no adjustment (enclose a $250 non-refundable / non-transferable registration fee) ($250.00 enclosed)

yes FC 3 - 7/1 FG 2 - 9/1 O Cell Phone By submitting my registration I agree to the policies of Fort Wilderness. the policies of Fort to I agree By submitting my registration O O B B Fax: 715.277.3928 / [email protected] 715.277.2587 2 - Cabin / Private Bath All Meals 6 - Campsite Only O O D D O O FC 2 - 6/24 FG 1 - 8/12 O O Mail this form to Fort Wilderness, Box 715, McNaughton, WI 54543 The Eagle’s Roost & ALL Meals Eagle’s The FC 1 - 6/17 FC 8 - 8/5 1 - Inn / All Meals 5 - Campsite / Dinner Only e-mailPlease way respectfully in the Fort me deals and updates Be list notified and put on waiting Last Name First Name Spouse Name Home Phone Na me 1 Na me 4 Have you ever camped at Fort before? List name and birthday of each person attending. (MM/DD/YY) 2017 Family Registration Which camp do you wish to attend? O O O O For those of you in campsites: what will be bringing? Total non-refundable registration fee O Food allergies? You must email Janet Merkel (Food Service Manager) at [email protected] O Credit Card No. If the Family Camp or price package option is at capacity would you like to: Package Price Option: Fort’s premier family facility, perfect for family facility, premier Fort’s pricing. for Call 16 people. of 4 to reunions Family Prices & Prices Family Options Housing per person. Prices All Option 1 Inn Rooms & ALL Meals 2-6 people with private for Inn rooms and linens. baths & ALL Meals Option 2 Cabin dorm styleOne room, with bunk beds 10 people. up to Fits bath. and private No linens. & ALL Meals Option Cabin 3 Rustic dorm styleOne room, with bunk beds for is separate bath Central 10 people. up to A/C included. No linens. building. from & ALL Meals Option 4 Campsite & Dinner Only Option 5 Campsite Only Option 6 Campsite Option 7

48 Get more forms at fortwilderness.com/forms Get more forms at fortwilderness.com/forms 49 Register online at fortwilderness.com or mail / fax this form. By submitting my registration I agree to the policies of Fort Wilderness. 50

2017 Youth Registration (enclose a $100 ($250 for Lab) non-refundable / non-transferable fee) office use Camper's Name O Male O Female Date of Birth

Get moreGet forms at fortwilderness.com/forms Street Address Age Grade Next Fall Are you connected City State Zip with a church? Name:

Parent / Guardian 1 Relation Home Phone (primary) Cell Phone Work Phone Email Parent / Guardian 2 Relation Home Phone Cell Phone Work Phone Email What program will you be attending? O Kids’ Camp - 6/24 O Step Up (1 week) - 6/10 O InDepth - 7/1 O Leadership Lab 1 - 6 /10 O Boys’ Camp - 7/8 O Step Up (2 week) - 6/10 O Leadership Lab 2 - 7/1 O Girls’ Camp - 7/15 O Built to Live - 7/1 (program option ______) O Leadership Lab 3 - 7/22 Have you ever camped at Fort before? O yes O no Did someone invite you? O yes O no Who? ______Do you want to use Fort's transportation? $59 one way / $99 round-trip O Fond du Lac O No O To camp only O Going home only O To and from camp O West Bend O Brookfield O Kenosha-Pleasant Prairie I would like to take: O 4 Trail Rides +$85 O Riding & Barn Class +$119 (Kids’ Camp Only) O Rodeo Class +$119 (Excluding Kids’ Camp) Space is limited. Weather Permitting. Food allergies? You must email Janet Merkel (Food Service Manager) at [email protected] You may request ONE cabin buddy (within 1 year of your age) NO EXCEPTIONS

$100 / $250 ( Check enclosed (preferred) MasterCard Visa Discover Total non-refundable registration fee ( enclosed O O O O Credit Card No. Exp / CDC Signature O Please e-mail me deals and updates respectfully in the Fort way Register online at fortwilderness.com or mail this form to Fort Wilderness, Box 715, McNaughton, WI 54543 Fax: 715.277.3928 / [email protected] / 715.277.2587

Register online at fortwilderness.com or mail / fax this form. By submitting my registration I agree to the policies of Fort Wilderness. 2017 Adult Registration (total amount due must be sent in with registration) office use

Last Name

Get moreGet forms at fortwilderness.com/forms First Name DOB Phone Spouse Name DOB Email Address City State Zip Which camp do you wish to attend? *Marriage Enrichment: You must have previously attended level 1 (lv 1) to register for level 2 (lv 2) O Men’s Retreat - Sep 7/8 to 10 O Women’s Retreat - Sep 21/22 to 24 O Creative Arts - Nov 9/10 to 12 O Marriage Enrichment lv 1 - Apr 21 to 23 O Marriage Enrichment lv 1 - Apr 28 to 30 O Marriage Enrichment lv 2* - Sep 15 to 17 Package Price Option: Men’s / Women’s Retreat: O Inn w/ Headstart (Thurs, after 6pm) - $270 O Inn (Fri Dinner) - $230 O Inn (Fri No Dinner) - $220 O Cabin w/ Headstart (Thurs, after 6pm) - $240 O Cabin (Fri Dinner) - $200 O Cabin(Fri No Dinner) - $190 Creative Arts: O Inn (Thurs, 11am to Sat) - $191 O Inn (Fri, 1pm to Sun) - $178 O Inn (Thurs, 11am to Sun) - $232 O Cabin (Thurs, 11am to Sat) - $156 O Cabin (Fri, 1pm to Sun) - $143 O Cabin (Thurs, 11 am to Sun) - $197 Marriage Enrichment: O Inn (Fri Dinner) - $560 O Inn (Fri No Dinner) - $540 Room with (men’s / women’s only) O Cabin (Fri Dinner) - $490 O Cabin(Fri No Dinner) - $470 If the camp or price package option is at capacity would you like to: O Be notified and put on waiting list O Be notified and then choose a different camp or package price option Total amount due must be sent in with registration O MasterCard O Discover O Visa O Check (payable to: Fort Wilderness Ministries) Credit Card No. Exp / CDC Signature

Food allergies? You must email Janet Merkel (Food Service Manager) at [email protected] O Please e-mail me deals and updates respectfully in the Fort way 51 Register online or mail / fax this form to Fort Wilderness, Box 715, McNaughton, WI 54543 Fax: 715.277.3928 / [email protected] / 715.277.2587 / www.fortwilderness.com Fort Friends are forever Friends.