In recent years the WELS/ELS Singles Facebook group has enjoyed unprecedented growth as the singles of our synods have bonded through technology. But connecting via video chats and comments is no substitute for meeting people in person. Following up on the success of the Fall 2022 & 2023 retreat at Camp Philip we are going to do it again. But this time in Texas at Camp Shiloh during the spring of 2024.

The registration fee is $150 and includes lodging, meals, snacks, and activities. An Early bird registration fee of $125 will be available through January 22nd.

Camp Shiloh is located at 3335 FM 21, Pittsburg, Texas 75686 in east Texas. It’s 1.5 - 2 hours from DFW or 4.5 hours from Houston. You can find more information about Camp Shiloh at www.campshilohretreat.org.

The retreat will be open for people to start arriving at 4pm on Friday, April 26th. Dinner will be on your own that day. Feel free to arrive anytime between 4-7pm. We’ll have a devotion and some mixer activities that night to get to know everyone. On Saturday we’ll have meals, devotion, activities & downtime for conversation or your choice of activities: board games or outdoor games (basketball/volleyball or many varieties of games that Camp Shiloh has). There are also water activities such as canoes and kayaks available, fishing (must obtain a fishing license) and depending on the weather - swimming. Plus an evening campfire as the weather allows. On Sunday, we will have breakfast and worship time (TBD). Lunch plans are still in the works as we need to check out by noon. There will be devotions led by group members on Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Saturday evening.

You are welcome to arrive and leave anytime; however, we are only offering either the early bird registration fee of $125 from October 22nd, 2023 - January 22, 2024 or $150 beginning January 23rd, 2024.

We will be more than happy to refund you your registration payment minus the processing fee.

Our WELS/ELS Singles Facebook group has members from all around the country. Feel free to reach out to members and arrange carpools. On the registration form you will have an opportunity to ask for transportation and where you are coming from (or flying in to). We will do our best to help you find a ride.

The past in-person events have had attendees through all age groups. If you're thinking about coming, please do. You'll be in good company.

This will depend on the final count but we currently have options for dorm rooms, motel rooms &/or cabins. The dorm rooms have camp-style twin bunk beds, so bring whatever bedding you would feel comfortable with: pillows, sleeping bags, sheets, blankets, padding, etc. Be mindful that you will be sharing sleeping space with up to 2-6 other individuals. (The mattresses are twin sized.) The motels/ cabins bedding will vary and already will have sheets/blankets. All accommodations are modern with showers, electricity, running water, and heat. If you have a special accommodations request, please include that in the registration form.

Our group activities will happen in the Conference Center and/or outdoors. Our meals will be catered in the Dining Hall.

The focus of this retreat is fellowship with other adult WELS/ELS singles. We ask that you leave your children, pets, and non-single-non-WELS/ELS friends behind.

If you are sleeping in the dorm rooms you will need to bring your own bedding (we will let you know in advance if you need to bring bedding) Please plan to bring a towel and toiletries with you.

April in Texas could be hot or rainy! Please check the forecast and pack accordingly. Remember to include insect repellent and sunscreen.

Feel free to bring games to share, as well as a Bible, journal, book, or other activity for downtime.

Optional things: Flashlight, camera, fishing gear (but you must get a fishing license, contact us for more information) swimsuit & extra towel if you need it!

Let us know if you have special accommodation needs so we can help you to the best of our abilities. There are a limited number of cabins/suites that are ADA compliant.

Currently Wifi is pretty weak in many buildings due to severe storms they had this past summer. The dining hall is currently the only building that has strong wifi. Cell signal will depend on your provider. Otherwise, enjoy the time away from technology!

Thanks for asking! We’re looking for people to assist in the following ways:

• Pastors or male laymembers to lead devotions. You would be given a Bible passage on which to either write your own devotion or resources to devotions on the listed passage.
• Pianists to play for devotions. Music would be selected in advance and provided at least one month prior to the conference.
• Activity leaders – Do you have an activity that you think would be great for the retreat, share it! We need both large group and small group activities.
• Check-in – Can you greet people kindly and check them off of a list?
• Food set up – Do you have the gift of hospitality? Can you set up the snack table?
• Clean up – We are always sad to leave but you can stay longer and help us leave the lodge and cabins better than we found them.
• You have other gifts that are not listed?

Contact us at texassingleswels@gmail.com to volunteer or sign up on the registration form.

You’ll have to come and see ;)

You can contact us at texassingleswels@gmail.com

(We'll try to get back to you within 48 hours and a reminder that we are volunteers. If you don't hear from us, check your spam folder, and feel free to ask us again.)