FAQs
Who should attend the 2023 CA Joy in the Journey Retreat?
Any adoptive, foster, kinship or prospective adoptive/foster mom!
Whether you are interested in adoption or foster care, are just starting out, in the process, in the waiting stage, have just completed an adoption or foster placement, or have been an adoptive or foster mama for years...this retreat is for you!
What can I expect from attending the Joy in the Journey Retreat?
You can expect a weekend full of encouragement and connection with other adoptive and foster moms, where you will be poured into and taken care of. We are an interdenominational ministry. The weekend will include main sessions, breakout sessions, worship times, meals, connection times, and some recreation time. It is a chance to rest, rejuvenate, refresh, and connect with God and other women who are walking similar paths.
When is the 2023 Retreat?
September 29 - October 1, 2023
How do I register?
Registration opens May 13, 2023. Register here!
Where is the Retreat?
The Retreat will take place at Pine Summit Camp in Big Bear Lake, California. Please click here to find out more about this beautiful venue! Welcome to your home away from home.
What is included in the ticket price?
The retreat ticket costs $360 and includes the following:
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Admission, lodging for two nights, and all meals (Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast)
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Main sessions featuring inspiring speakers
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Interactive breakout sessions on a variety of topics
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Meaningful worship
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Opportunity to connect with other foster/adoptive moms who "get it" through intentional small groups as well as before and after the weekend in our retreat Facebook community
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Built-in down time for refreshment and relaxation
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Fun activities and giveaways
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Pop-up boutique
Attendees will stay in lodge rooms (the majority accommodating 4 women). At the time of registration, you can note your sleep habits (early riser, night owl, etc.) and also note if there are specific women with whom you'd like to room; if no requests are made, we will prayerfully assign roommates, aka your new best friends!
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Joy in the Journey is unable to refund any purchased ticket. If your availability changes, it is your responsibility to contact us at joyinthejourneycalifornia@gmail.com as soon as possible. If we have a waitlist at that time, we will help facilitate the transfer of your ticket if possible. We cannot guarantee that a transfer will be available.
In the event that Joy in the Journey, Inc. has to cancel the retreat due to health guidelines, a full refund (minus a handling fee) will be offered to ticket holders.
Can I bring my baby/child?
This is a CHILD FREE event! As much as we LOVE children and babies, this retreat is designed for moms to rest, rejuvenate, refresh, and connect with God and others. Please no children or infants of any age. No exceptions.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We are able to provide vegetarian and gluten free meals. Please mark this on your registration form. We are not able to make special accommodations for any additional dietary needs; however, there will be a limited amount of refrigerator space at the camp if your dietary needs require bringing some of your own snacks or supplemental food.
How do I know this retreat will be worth the trip/registration fee?
The Joy in the Journey team volunteers hundreds of hours praying, planning, and preparing for the Retreat each year. We work hard to offer a weekend that is designed with you and other foster and adoptive mamas in mind. The Joy in the Journey ministry has hosted nine Joy in the Journey Retreats in Missouri and our first California retreat in 2022. We pray that you are truly blessed by the experience. Click HERE to see pictures, videos, and hear what others are saying about our past retreats.
Are there any scholarships available to help cover costs?
Scholarships may be available; please submit your scholarship application for review.
How are speakers selected for the Joy in the Journey Retreats?
It is the heart of Joy in the Journey to align all aspects of the ministry with our mission of connecting, educating, and encouraging foster and adoptive families through a Biblical, God-centered framework. When selecting the speakers for our events, our teams begin with this goal in mind.
Speaker selection is a multi-step process and begins with reviewing the post-retreat surveys from the previous year to gain insight into what the attendees learned and what they felt was lacking in the content of the sessions. That input is considered along with the schedule of the upcoming retreat to determine which speakers will be asked to return as well as what topics need to be addressed with new speakers. For the majority of the years, there is an open call for speaker applications, and those applications are considered based on their topics and framework. Those who fulfill the given need are offered a speaking contract for the upcoming event.