MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT
Dates & Schedule
FRIDAY, APRIL 17 - 6 PM - Registration
SUNDAY, APRIL 19 - 11 AM - Check out & departure
Location
Hidden Acres Christian Center - Dayton, IA
2026 Theme
This year at MSR, we’re talking about what it means to be Stronger Together. Life is hard to do alone, and God designed us to have real friends who point us to Him. From the Bible we see friends who carried each other, stood up for each other, and reminded each other of God’s truth. Most of all, we see that Jesus calls us His friend—and when He’s at the center, we’re never alone.
Presenters
JOHN MICHAEL HINTON
Speaker
NWC WORSHIP
Band
Registration
Cost:
Partner Groups - $150 / person
Non-Partner Groups - $170 / person
This includes lodging, meals, a t-shirt and all event programming
Registration Timeline
January 21, 2026: Youth Pastors can create their group for registration. (Click YOUTH LEADER INFO button in top right corner to learn more.)
February 2, 2026: Registration opens for partner-group students and adult leaders.
February 23, 2026: Registration opens for non-partner-group students and adult leaders.
March 6, 2026: Registration closes for all participants.
Replacement students (gender-based) for cancelled students are allowed at this time.
No more online participant payments after this date.
March 11, 2026: Payment invoices are sent out to churches.
No refunds available after this date.
March 18, 2026: All final payment is due. NO CHANGES (replacement students for cancelled students) after this date.
No refunds available after this date.
(Refunds for inability to attend the event because of unforeseen circumstances will be dealt with on a case by case basis.)
NOTE: Any late changes/additions will result in a $15 fee per change. This is to help event coordinators communicate final numbers with venues in a timely manner and to be able to plan with accurate numbers!
Steps to Register
Click the Register Now button. This will take you to Brushfire. Then click “Register” at the top of the page.
VERY IMPORTANT: Click “Register as a Group” and then “Join a Group Instead”.
Select your church group.
Type in the passcode for your group.
Type in the Access Code for your group (if applicable) and click the check button.
Choose your Registrant Type, Payment Amount, and Quantity.
Registrant Type: Student or Adult (there should only be one Lead Contact per group)
Payment Amount: If paying by check, choose $1. If you are paying the full partner price, choose $150. If you are paying the full non-partner price, choose $170. If you are paying any other amount, choose $1 (you can make more custom payments once you are fully registered).
NOTE: There will be a processing fee for all card payments.Quantity: Select however many people you are registering.
Fill out the event registration form and look for an email from Brushfire to confirm your registration.
Leader Resources
Adult to Student Ratio
We require one adult for every seven students (1:7) per gender. If you do not have seven students, we still require one adult per gender.
Adult leaders must be finished with their sophomore year of high school and exemplify mature, Christ-like behavior, and have ministry to youth as a primary interest.
Adult Leader & Children Notice: Regarding your family, we do not allow children/infants to attend events. If your child is registered as a participant within the targeted age group, that is totally okay!
Transportation
Each youth group is responsible to plan their own transportation to and from camp.
Promote
Click on the button below for all promotional material available for this event!
Middle School Retreat is a fun weekend for middle school students, 6th-8th grades and their leaders. Cultivate Co-op partners with college students to plan a weekend filled with worship, large group sessions, breakout sessions, recreation and games.