Who should attend the JOY Retreat?
Any adoptive, foster, 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 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 JOY Retreat?
This year's retreat will be February 24-26, 2023! Can't wait to see you there!
Where is the JOY Retreat?
The Retreat will take place at the beautiful Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Stoney Creek is located in the Kansas City area and is less than four hours away from both St. Louis, MO and Tulsa, OK.
What is included in the JOY Retreat cost?
Attendees will purchase their retreat ticket from JOY and will then book their own lodging directly with the hotel or their choice of other lodging.
Your retreat ticket is $250.
The retreat ticket includes the following:
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Conference Admission
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Two Dinners
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One Lunch
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Snacks, Desserts, and all the Coffee
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Five Breakout Sessions
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Three Main Sessions
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An Evening Worship Experience
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An Awesome Swag Bag - Tickets purchased after Nov. 30th will not include a SWAG bag
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Connection Groups
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Opportunity to Shop with Our Incredible Vendors (part of all proceeds go towards adoption, foster care, first family, or orphan ministry)
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A Unique Opportunity to Connect with Other Foster and/or Adoptive Moms Who "Get It" During the Weekend, as Well as Before and After the Retreat in Our Active 2023 Retreat Facebook Community.
**JOY attendees will book their own lodging. You may choose who you want to room with, how many roommates you would like to have, and where you would like to stay.
You can choose to stay at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center where the retreat will be held. We will have a large block of rooms at a discounted rate of $99 for a room with 2 queen beds or with 1 king bed. More information will be released on how to book rooms soon!
Attendees may wish to stay at alternative hotels, an Airbnb, or even at home if you live in the area.
What is the JOY Retreat theme?
The theme for the 2023 Retreat is Even If...
Daniel 3 tells us, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Even if it doesn't work out the way we planned or want, God is good. God is faithful. God is true. Our circumstances do not tell us who our God is. Welcome to Even If...
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
JOY will not refund any purchased ticket. If you are unable to attend, it is your responsibility to contact us at joyinthejourneyministry@gmail.com as soon as possible. If we have a waitlist at that time, we will help facilitate the transfer of your ticket. You may find a friend or another person to sell your ticket to as well. There will be ABSOLUTELY no transfers after January 15, 2023.
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 COVID-19 measures will be taken?
It is JOY’s desire to maintain our typical level of connection. However we would encourage attendees to take the precautions they feel necessary.
- We are adhering to state and local government mandates. We will update those as the event gets closer.
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We will leave rooming arrangements up to each individual attendee.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We are able to provide “Gluten Friendly” lunch and dinners to those in need. Please mark this on your registration form. We are not able to meet any additional dietary needs, so please plan accordingly. There are mini fridges located in each hotel room at Stoney Creek.
What is the venue like?
Stoney Creek is a beautiful hotel set up incredibly well for the retreat and there are lots of areas to rest, relax, and to connect with each other. If you choose to stay at Stoney Creek breakfast is included and you will have a microwave, Keurig coffee maker, and mini fridge in your room. There is a hot tub, a heated indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, a scenic 1.5 walking/running trail as well.
What if I want to be a vendor?
We have vendors at retreat that sell amazing items with profits that go toward foster care and adoption! If you would like to be considered to host a vendor booth at the 2023 retreat, you may apply for a spot. Please watch for this application to become available shortly after registration. Vendor spots are available for retreat attendees only and are limited.
How do I register for the 2023 Joy in the Journey Retreat?
Registration for the 9th annual Joy in the Journey Retreat will be on October 22, 2022 at 6pm CT. There will be a Register Now button on our website. If you are interested in attending the 2023 retreat, mark your calendars and set your alarm so you are prepared to register and purchase your ticket at that time! In an effort to maintain the smaller, more intimate atmosphere of this event, there are limited tickets available. Each year the retreat sells out quickly (in as little as 27 minutes!) and there is usually an extensive wait list. We don't want you to miss it!
What if I don't know anyone else at Retreat?
You are not alone! We have many ladies every year who come to retreat alone, but they never leave that way! That's because this retreat is designed for connection. These are your people. These are the people who get it. You will be in a connection group where you will be able to connect organically with other amazing women who understand.
How do I know this retreat will be worth the time & cost?
The JOY 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. We pray that you are truly blessed by the Retreat. Click here to see pictures, videos, and what others are saying about our past retreats.
