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

All 2021 Winter Retreats are Cancelled.

2022 Information 
Young Adult - January 7-9*
High School - January 14-16*
Junior High - January 21-23*

* We are planning and preparing for these events
but due to COVID-19 these dates/events are dependent on the
Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC recommendations.

High School:
Speaker: Thavisth Mounsithiraj
Topic: The Me I Want To Be
Worship led by: TBA
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 Register online - currently closed
 Registration Fee: TBA

Thavisith or Mr. T. Mounsithiraj is a school counselor with Concord Community School in Elkhart, IN and a Christian Life Coach. He also serves part-time as Pastor of Connection at Maple City Chapel in Goshen, IN. He and his wife and children have been a member of Maple City Chapel for 28 years.
He was born in Laos and his family of 8 immigrated as political refugees to the United States when he was 11. He received his Bachelor degree in Psychology from Goshen College and Master Degree in Counseling from Indiana University. He is a member of Toastmaster International. He had spoken in front of a 3500 people audience as well as a small group gathering with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. His compelling life story and humor make him a very captivating and inspiring speaker. He is a gifted storyteller that connects very well with his audience. When not spending time with his awesome family and telling story, he can be found pacing sidelines coaching soccer. ​

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Junior High: 
Speaker: Mark & Kelly Thannum
Topic: What Are You Afraid Of?
​Worship led by: TBA
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Register online  - currently closed
Registration Fee: TBA

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​Young Adult: Defined as for anyone post high school and up. This is a great retreat to come and hangout with young people - single or married - and young at heart people!
​There will be 4 worship times with input from the speaker and times for group discussions. There will be a variety of planned activities as well as free time to experience all Menno Haven facilities and outdoors has to offer. 
​
​ Speaker: Cyneatha Millsap
 Topic: Make Me an Instrument of Peace

 Register Closed
 Registration Fee: TBD

What is "Winter Retreat"?
Menno Haven's Winter Retreats are an opportunity for youth  and young adults to experience a weekend of faith and friendship building with other youth and young adults 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 and young adults, is to partner with churches to help encourage the faith development of today's youth and young adults. 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 and young adults to be able to spend time with other youth and young adults 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.

If you are coming to the Young Adult Winter Retreat, you can come on your own or bring a group of young adults with you. 

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