Parish Weekend
REGISTER HERE!
SEPTEMBER 4-6 at Camp McDowell
***Deadline to register is AUGUST 23, 2026***
FIRST TIME TO CAMP? Scroll to the bottom for Helpful Hints about Camp McDowell!
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Please stay tuned for more details about activities for kids!
FRIDAY—SEP 4
4 PM Check-In & Registration at The Camp Store
5 PM Aged to Perfection Cocktail Hour (Lodge TBA)
6 PM Dinner on your own
*you can grab a bite at several restaurants in Jasper prior to arrival or bring food to your lodge: restaurant recommendations—Warehouse 3Nineteen | Johnny Brusco’s | Bayou Fresh Seafood
8 PM Compline in Hall Hall
SATURDAY—SEP 5
8 AM Breakfast in The Doug
9 AM Optional Holy Hike led by St. Stephen’s
9:30 AM Activity Time—Choose your own adventure
11 AM Alabama v East Carolina Watch Party in Hall Hall
Noon Lunch in The Doug
1‐5 PM Activity Time—Choose your own adventure
6 PM Softball/Kickball Game + Pasture Party – Christ Church | St. Stephens
8 PM Compline in Hall Hall
SUNDAY—SEP 6
8 AM Breakfast in The Doug
10 AM Holy Eucharist in St. Francis Chapel w/ St. Stephens
LODGING OPTIONS
Hotel Room Style Options
Parsley Commons Lodge Room – $105/room/night **SPECIAL LABOR DAY WEEKEND RATE**
Two queen size beds and private bath per room. Linens provided. Each lodge features a common space with couches, tables, chairs, full function kitchen and fireplace.
CAMP MEALS (all meals $10 per person ages 4+)
Saturday Breakfast
Saturday Lunch
Saturday Supper – Pasture Party Cookout
Sunday Breakfast
ACTIVITIES
Saturday Activities will be designed for multi-generational participation and may include the following:
Independent and Group Hikes
Canoeing (Sloan Lake)
Bethany Playground
Art or Craft Projects—please bring your own supplies!!!
Pool (St. John’s in Bethany)
Fishing (Sloan Lake)
Pickleball (Rec Hall in Lower Camp)
Outdoor and Indoor Games
Visiting Camp Store
*Possible Farm Tour
ALL activities are optional
PAYMENT
At the end of this form, you will total your lodging and meals and enter payment due. You will be sent a registration confirmation which will include a confirmation on your payment due. Payment can be made by check made out to “Christ Episcopal Church” or via PayPal.
Write “2026 Parish Retreat” on the memo line of your check or type in the “What’s this for” section on PayPal.
For now, you can simply make your $50 deposit using one of the payment methods above, and your balance will be due when you arrive at Camp.
Contact Kathryn Adams or Julia Emrich if you have any questions!
HELPFUL HINTS + PACKING LIST
– Bring a variety of clothing and shoes. It’s often cool in the morning and evening but can get hot depending on what activities you get into.
– Bikes and scooters welcomed (no ATVs)
– Bring food and drink to share! Each lodge has a common kitchen and provides a fun way to get to know others. Shared food and drink are kept there. If you have things you wish to not share, keep them in your room!
– BYOB, wine, liquor, and mixers but keep these in your room. There are stores within driving distance but you won’t want to leave the magic of Camp McDowell!
– Bring any family friendly board games and yard games you like.
– There is little to no cell service in the lodges so take care of business beforehand. There is Wi-Fi in a couple of the buildings but it is spotty at best.
– Camp food is delicious. If you’re on the fence, sign up for meals!
– There is a standard coffee maker in each lodge and Sysco brand coffee, sugar, powered creamer. Feel free to BYOC and your fixins’
– If you like to hike, bring appropriate footwear. There are paths for walking to extreme hiking.
– Bring bug spray and sunscreen.
– Bring a quilt or blanket for the pasture party as well as camp chairs.
– Bring Benadryl, anti-itch cream, and band-aids.
– Bring hammocks (like Eno’s) if you have, there are plenty of trees to tie up and relax.
– Camp McDowell is a beautiful place. Whether you are outdoorsy or not, there is plenty to do for all personalities. If you don’t love the outdoors that is fine too, you aren’t alone. You can relax! Read a book, rock on the porch, explore the beauty in God’s backyard!
