Menno Haven Winter Retreats are a time for:
• Quality worship and Biblically based input
• Meaningful faith development
• Fun times for youth groups and their youth sponsors
• Relaxation with friends

2023 Information 
High School - January 13-15
Junior High - January 20-22

Register Here

High School:
Speaker: Blake Muehlich
Topic: Jesus & Attachment
Worship led by: Menno Haven Band
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Registration Fee: $130 per person ($5 discount until Dec 22nd)

Blake is a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Antioch Group where he specializing in treating addiction, anxiety, and depression. He received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bradley University, and his Master's of Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. As a Tremont native, Blake is passionate about being a part of mental health healing in the greater Peoria area.

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Junior High: 
Speaker: Andy Ross
Topic: Becoming Peace Ninjas to an Anxious World
​Worship led by: Menno Haven Band
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Registration Fee: $130 per person ($5 discount until Dec 22nd)

Andy Ross grew up as a missionary kid in Kenya and has since lived in Tennessee and Illinois. He works as a professional counselor and is the father of three boys. He loves helping people experience the living presence of Jesus as well as activities like soccer, time outdoors and chilling with family and friends. ​

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​Young Adult: 
​Due to lack of interest and low registration/participation in this event, we will not be hosting a Young Adult Winter Retreat this year.  If you are a young adult that wants to come volunteer to help out with one of our winter retreats, email program@mennohaven.com .

What is "Winter Retreat"?
Menno Haven's Winter Retreats are an opportunity for youth to experience a weekend of faith and friendship building with other youth in a retreat setting. High School and Junior High Winter Retreats are also a time for individual youth groups to grow closer together and to relate with other youth groups. 

What happens at Winter Retreats?
Time at Winter Retreats is centered around worship, discipleship, and fun. There are 4 times of worship with speakers and time for group discussion. (One on Friday, two Saturday, and one Sunday morning.) Between worship times there is plenty of time for fun. Much of the time is left unstructured for games and outdoor winter adventures. Often youth leaders organize tournaments during this time. We have an indoor climbing wall, basketball, volleyball, and game room, as well as equipment for ice skating, tubing, and cross country skiing, weather permitting.  

Why should my youth group come to a Winter Retreat?
One of our main objectives at Menno Haven, in regards to youth, is to partner with churches to help encourage the faith development of today's youth.. Our speakers for winter retreats are encouraged to speak on topics related to discipleship, deepening faith and Christian identity. And as well as offering a place for spiritual growth, we recognize that as our society continues to become increasingly non-Christian, it can be refreshing for youth to be able to spend time with other youth who share their faith and beliefs. Our winter retreats provide for that opportunity. 

Do I have to be Mennonite to come?
No! For many decades we have been doing winter retreats specifically for churches that have had ties to the "Mennonite" faith tradition, but the content is not necessarily denomination specific. 

Do I need to be with a youth group?
Yes. All youth attending High School or Junior High Winter Retreats must have chaperones or adult sponsors. We ask at least 1 chaperone for every 5-10 youth and that each gender has at least one chaperone.

What should I bring?
You should bring:
- Sleeping bag or bedding, including towels, pillows, etc
- Toiletries 
- Flashlight
- Note taking materials
- Bible
- Warm clothes
- Other items your sponsor recommends