What to Expect

The Camper Experience

Hope Heals Retreat will be a weekend of respite, resourcing, and relaxation for families affected by disabilities. We holistically serve every member of a family unit, so our programming is built around the unique needs, abilities, and ages of every participant.

Adults campers will enjoy times of worship, teaching, and small group conversation, while kids and teens dive into hours of fun and accessible recreation, arts and crafts, music, and outdoor adventure experiences. Kids age 2 and under will be cared for in the onsite nursery. In the evenings we’ll celebrate together at some amazing parties, eat a lot of good food, and—most importantly—build real-deal friendships with other campers and volunteers.

Each camper with a disability will be paired with a Compassionate Companion (CC)—a new friend to serve as a helper, encourager, and buddy throughout the weekend. All children under 8 (with or without disabilities) will also be paired with a CC, so camper parents and caregivers can rest easy and be fully present during their own programming.

Accommodations

Lodging: Hope Heals Retreat takes place at Camp Twin Lakes, a fully accessible retreat center in Rutledge, GA. Campers will sleep in air-conditioned (or heated, should the weather require) cabins with a mix of twin and double beds and private bathrooms. Family units will be housed together.

Bedding: CampTwin Lakes does not provide bed linens and towels, so you have two options. One, you can bring your own linens for you and your family (sheets, blankets or sleeping bags, pillows, and towels.) Each cabin has six twin beds and a double bed. Or two, you were given the option to request linens when you completed your registration. If you are re-thinking that decision, email us at camp@hopeheals.com today!

Food: We’ll provide all your meals and snacks…and coffee. So much coffee. The Camp Twin Lakes kitchen can accommodate gluten-free (including Celiac), dairy-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan dietary needs. If you have additional dietary considerations, you can store food in a refrigerator in the Main Office. Space is limited, so take into account that our meals will accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan diets.

Internet Access: WiFi is available in all areas of Camp Twin Lakes. No password required!

Laundry: Laundry facilities are located in the Maker Studio and Medical Clinic. Speak to a Hope Heals staff member before using the machines.

Special Sign-ups

Your family will have the opportunity to sign up for a few special activities with limited spots. Consider if you’d like to participate in any (or all!) of these offerings and be prepared to sign up during our Friday night Welcome Party.

Family Portraits (Saturday 4 to 6 PM): Professional photographer Bryan Johnson will be offering free 5-minute portrait sessions for you and your family. 

Talent Show (Saturday, 7PM): We have 20 slots for Campers to show off their unique talents live onstage! Performances should be under 2 minutes. Please come ready with any audiovisual files or music.

High Ropes Course (Saturday Free Time): We have 20 slots available for Campers to brave a ropes course. This activity is adaptable to all abilities. It’s intended for participants age 12 and up and has a weight limit of 250 pounds. It requires closed toe shoes.

Climbing Wall (Saturday Free Time): We have 20 slots available for Campers to scale a climbing wall. This activity is adaptable to all abilities. It’s intended for participants age 6 and up and has a weight limit of 250 pounds. It requires closed toe shoes.