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HOW IT WORKS
Freeze Out is a Lake Ann Camp-run retreat.
We lead the programming — sessions, small groups, worship, and activities. You lead your students.
Most churches start the conversation with us in September or October. We recommend reaching out at least three months before your preferred weekend. Some weekends fill early, and availability is first-come, first-served.
Families register individually online, and your group attends together as a church.
CHURCH CODES
If your church wants to cover part or all of the registration cost for your students, we can set up a church code. Codes are applied at checkout when families register online.
To request a church code, mention it in your inquiry form below or contact our office directly.
REGISTRATION
How families register
All registrations are completed online through CampBrain. Students register as students, leaders register as leaders. Both use the same registration link.
Payment is required at the time of registration. If your church plans to subsidize student costs through a church code, get that set up with our office before students begin registering.
How to start
Fill out the Freeze Out Youth Group Form below. We’ll follow up to confirm availability for your preferred weekend and walk you through the next steps.
LEADERS & BACKGROUND CHECKS
How many leaders do you need?
At least one adult leader per cabin is required, of the same gender as the students in that cabin. If you’re bringing both male and female students, you need at least one male leader and one female leader. Aim to have no more than three leaders per cabin to save space for students.
Background check requirement
Every adult leader attending must have passed a national criminal and sexual offender background check using SSN within the last three years. This is required before your group can attend — not something to sort out on arrival.
You have two options:
- Option 1 — Verify your own: If your church has already run qualifying background checks on your leaders within the last three years, complete and submit our Background Check Verification Form. A church leader signs off, confirming all attending adults are cleared.
- Option 2 — Use our provider: Submit background checks through our provider. Select “church” if the church is paying (we’ll bill you) or “visitor” if the leader is paying online. Cost is $8.00 per leader, paid directly to the provider. Background checks completed through our provider are valid for three years for any future Lake Ann Camp retreats.
HEALTH FORMS
Your church is responsible for collecting signed health forms for every student attending and keeping them with you during travel and on-site at the retreat. Lake Ann Camp does not collect or hold these forms.
Health forms should include:
- Student name and address
- Emergency contact names and phone numbers
- Known allergies or health conditions requiring treatment or accommodation
- For minors without a parent on site: signed permission to seek emergency treatment, or a signed religious waiver
If your church doesn’t have a standard health form, contact our office, and we’ll send you a sample.
MEDICAL CARE
Medical coverage on site
Lake Ann Camp does not have a registered nurse on staff during Freeze Out season. We strongly recommend bringing at least one adult leader who is CPR and first-aid certified. Lake Ann Camp’s protocol is to call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Almira Township Fire & EMS is less than one mile from camp.
Medications
Your church is solely responsible for managing student medications during travel and on-site.
ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN
Upon arrival, please head to the Welcome Center to check in, find your cabin, and get your information packet. Friendly staff will be there to greet you, assist with luggage, and answer any questions.
If you are leading a student group, we ask that only the group leader come to the Welcome Center to check in.
At each retreat, Lake Ann Camp staff will run a brief mandatory orientation for all campers and leaders. Plan for this upon arrival — everyone in your group must be present.
CABINS
Cabins are heated, bunk-style, and close to all programming. After full days outside in the cold, students come back to a warm space with their group.
Linens are not provided. Students should bring a sleeping bag or bed linens, a pillow, towels, and toiletries.
Cabin sharing: Due to the popularity of our retreats, we cannot guarantee that a group will have an entire cabin to themselves. We will always bunk church groups together, but be prepared for the possibility of sharing that space with another church group, depending on our numbers and housing availability.
SEE ALL FACILITIESON-SITE EXPECTATIONS
If you are leading a student group, we ask that only the group leader come check in for the group.
FOOD
Hot, filling meals are served on-site all weekend.
Campers with dietary restrictions or food allergies should communicate those needs in advance during registration. Campers with food allergies participate in camp-prepared meals at their own risk.
The Lake Ann Camp kitchen is nut-free
LEARN MORE ABOUT FOODOTHER DETAILS
- No tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs on camp property.
- No weapons without prior written approval from the Executive Director.
- All vehicles must be parked in designated lots. No driving on pedestrian walkways or parking at cabins.
- Lake Ann Camp staff will photograph and video the retreat. By registering, participants consent to the use of those images in Lake Ann Camp materials.
- No pets. Service animals are welcome, but you must notify the office if you plan to bring your service animal.
FAQs
At least three months out if possible. For Freeze Out, most churches connect with us in September or October. Some weekends fill quickly — the earlier you reach out, the better your options.
Yes. All registrations go through the same CampBrain link. Students register as students, leaders register as leaders.
We can set up a church code before your students start registering. Codes can cover a set dollar amount or percentage of the registration fee, partial or full. We can accommodate up to five codes per group. Mention it in your inquiry form or contact our office to get started.
If your leaders have passed a qualifying national criminal and sexual offender background check using SSN within the last three years, yes — you’re covered.
Just complete and submit our Background Check Verification Form before the retreat. If your checks don’t qualify or have expired, you can run them through our provider for $8.00 per leader.
We can’t guarantee it. We always bunk church groups together, but depending on numbers and housing availability, your group may share cabin space with another church. We do our best to make it work well for everyone.
No. We recommend bringing a CPR and first-aid-certified adult leader. Our protocol is to call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Almira Township Fire & EMS is less than one mile away.
Freeze Out is a fully programmed Lake Ann retreat — we lead all sessions and activities. If you’re looking for a facility rental where you run your own programming, check out our guest group options here.
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