WINTERFEST 2016 Parent Information

February 19-21st, 2016 – Gatlinburg, TN

It’s time to get ready for WINTERFEST 2016!

Please read the following information packet VERY CAREFULLY and discuss all relevant details with your teen(s). Make special note of all registration deadlines and procedures. We anticipate over 200 people attending with our group, so your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Please enclose all forms (signed) in an envelope with your teen’s name on it marked “WINTERFEST” and turn them in along with a deposit of $48.00 OR your total fee if you choose. PLEASE READ the cost information on the enclosed flier carefully. Make a special note of the EARLY-BIRD deadline (for all money to be turned in) of January 17th. You can pay your deposit anytime before the 17th to secure your spot, BUT ALL money must be turned in by January 17th to get the early-bird rate. If anyone needs to pay in payments, please see SKID.

When will we MEET?

12:00pm at North Boulevard on Friday, February 19th.

This packet includes a letter to give to school officials, coaches etc. to explain the trip. Do NOT return this letter to church. The school needs it-NOT us.

Please stop and grab lunch before you arrive.

You will have time to eat at the church while we are checking everyone in. We will stop on the way up for 35 minutes (at West Town Mall in Knoxville) to grab DINNER before heading into Gatlinburg.

When will we RETURN?

Between 5:00-6:00pm (CST) on Sunday, February 21st

This is always hard to predict due to traffic conditions leaving Winterfest, but your teen(s) will be allowed to call from the bus or church if we are early.

In case of an emergency, we can be reached at the following numbers:

Days Inn-Glenstone Lodge

504 Airport Rd. Gatlinburg, TN 37738

(865) 436-9361

Convention Center #’s: (865) 436-6900 or (865) 436-2392

David Skidmore – Cell phone #615-480-6459

This phone has voicemail, so if for some reason it isn’t answered you may leave a message,

and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for entrusting your teenager to us. We have a loving group of adults going as chaperones, and we all consider it a privilege to have your teen on this trip. We trust that they will have a weekend that will bring them to a greater knowledge and love for our Lord and one another. Please pray for wisdom for the teens and the safety of this group while we are gone.

If you have any questions about this information, please feel free to e-mail me at:

What to Bring

Your teen will need to have enough money for the following:

4-5 meals (plus snacks) $30.00-40.00 minimum

(LUNCH on Saturday IS INCLUDED in your registration cost.)

Winterfest t-shirt (optional) $10.00 if desired

Spending money Your discretion-we have once again reserved the Lazerport facility, but that cost is built in to your registration. There will also be FREE TIME in Gatlinburg on Saturday afternoon.

Teens will be able to SIGN UP at the church on 2/19 for BREAKFAST ITEMS for Saturday Morning AND for PIZZA for FRIDAY and SATURDAY nights

Note: If your teen loses their Winterfest ID Badge (given to them when we register)

they must purchase another one for $10.00.

A collection will be taken up at the Sunday morning worship service to benefit this Years’ special project if your teen would like to contribute. Remind your teen to save some money for this time of giving.

Other things you will need:

-Your BIBLE!

-A Warm Coat and warm clothes (bring layers)

-Gloves, Hat, etc. (optional – but some years have been icy)

-Rain Jacket/Umbrella (optional)

-Comfortable Shoes (We will do a LOT of walking.)

-Toiletries (Hair Dryer)

-Cell Phone (optional) – Teens will not be able to call home from their hotel room phone. Cell phones are allowed so teens can be safe, BUT PLEASE talk with your teens about being respectful with their cell phone use DURING SESSIONS. We reserve the right to take up any phones from those who abuse this privilege.

-A great, willing, cooperative, and joyful attitude (NOT OPTIONAL)

NOTE: We will be driving straight to the hotel BUT WE WILL NOT BE UNLOADING OUR LUGGAGE (or checking into the hotel) UNTIL AFTER THE FRIDAY NIGHT EVENTS. PLEASE DO NOT PACK ANYTHING IN YOUR LUGGAGE THAT YOU WILL NEED FOR FRIDAY NIGHT. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET INTO YOUR LUGGAGE UNTIL AFTER 11:00PM.

Please remember that all forms (signed) AND your total fee are due on Sunday, January 17th!

(After the 17th, the cost will be $155.00.)

Note: All Chaperones are asked to fill out a Medical Release Form

if you have not already filled one out.