Christmas services are here! Time to make your plans. With 14 Minnesota locations and an online community, there's sure to be a good fit for you and your crew.

Take Me To Christmas

Welcome to GZ Retreat!


Get ready for the best weekend of the year—the Ground Zero Retreat! This February, middle schoolers (grades 6-8) are going away to Camp Shamineau for an unforgettable weekend. They'll get to spend time with their friends and grow in their faith—and did we mention they'll have a blast?!

GZ Retreat is packed full of everything middle school students love—amazing food, hilarious games, high-energy chapel sessions, and tons of free time for all the best camp activities. Hop on the zip-line, high ropes course, or the rock climbing wall for some daring adventure. Or have some friendly competition in floor hockey, laser tag, or ping pong. They could even grab a milkshake and take time to relax with friends around a board game.

And best of all, this year, we're talking all about the journey: we want to help middle schoolers choose to walk with Jesus as they journey through life.

The list of awesomeness goes on and on...but nothing beats being there.

See you at GZ Retreat 2025!
Camp Shamineau | Motley, MN

Cost is $195 per student*
includes transportation, lodging, and meals

*discounts available for families registering multiple students.

Weekend 1: Feb. 14-16, 2025


Blaine, Ham Lake, Maplewood, Rochester, Spring Lake Park, White Bear Lake

Camp Shamineau | Motley, MN

Register


Check-In Times:


Blaine
Feb. 14 | 5 pm
*Check-In at Blaine
Directions

Ham Lake
Feb. 14 | 5 pm
*Check-In at Blaine
Directions

Maplewood
Feb. 14 | 5:15 pm
*Check-In at White Bear Lake
Directions

Rochester
Feb. 14 | 3:30 pm
*Check-In at the Rochester Office
Directions

Spring Lake Park
Feb. 14 | 5 pm
*Check-In at Blaine

Directions

White Bear Lake
Feb. 14 | 5:15 pm
*Check-In at White Bear Lake

Directions

Weekend 2: Feb. 21-23, 2025


Anoka, Apple Valley, Brainerd Lakes, Lino Lakes, Red Wing, Wayzata, Woodbury

Camp Shamineau | Motley, MN

Register


Check-In Times:


Anoka
Feb. 21 | 5:15 pm
Directions

Apple Valley
Feb. 21 | 5 pm
Directions

Brainerd Lakes
Feb. 21 | 7:30 pm
Directions

Lino Lakes
Feb. 21 | 5 pm
Directions

Red Wing
Feb. 21 | 4 pm
Directions

Wayzata
Feb. 21 | 5:15 pm
*Check-In at Long Lake Office

Directions

Woodbury
Feb. 21 | 5 pm
Directions

You Might Be Wondering...

What should I bring?
  • Bible and pens/pencils
  • Flashlight
  • Tennis shoes
  • Warm outdoor clothes (boots, socks, hats, gloves, etc.)*
  • Anything needed for the GZ Talent Show
  • Flip flops/shower shoes
  • Sleeping bag and pillow
  • Towel and toiletries
  • Cash for snacks
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Any prescription medication with dosage information (will be turned in and labeled at check-in)
*Be sure to check the weather report for the weekend, as we all know MN weather varies quite a bit*

What Not To Bring:
  • Personal electronics (computers, iPads, gaming devices, etc.)
  • Devices for streaming music are allowed but may only be used on the bus and in cabins at night.
  • Cell phones are allowed, but not recommended and should only be used for emergencies. We will be asking students to leave their phones in their cabins during the day. Eagle Brook is not responsible for lost cell phones.
  • Drugs and weapons
  • IMPORTANT: Any items being used inappropriately will be collected and returned to you at the end of the retreat.
  • Please do not use garbage bags as overnight bags.
How will parents stay updated?

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. We’ll be posting live updates and pictures during the retreat! It’s the best way to stay in touch with what your students are learning and experiencing. Also, join your campus' Facebook Group to stay up-to-date on departure/arrival times.

What do we do in case of an emergency at home or at camp?

If we have an emergency at camp (which is extremely rare), we will contact the parent or guardian listed on the registration form. If there is an emergency at home, please call the church office and follow the prompts to get to our on-call staff person at camp. The phone number is 651.429.9227.

What are the cabins like, and who will I be with?

The cabins are rustic, warm, and cozy. They consist of a large open room with sets of bunk beds. A few cabins have adjoining bathrooms, but most of them just have bathrooms nearby. There are individual showers with curtains, bathroom stalls, urinals for the boys, and sinks for everyone to share.

On your registration form, you have the opportunity to list a friend or two that you would like to have in your cabin. You can also request a specific adult leader. We do our absolute best to make sure those requests are met. Otherwise, your cabin will have other students of the same gender, most likely in your grade. Most cabins have a few leaders and 10-12 students, but a few have up to 20. Your cabin is a great place to create strong friendships

What if I have medical needs at camp?

We always have a nurse along with us at camp. When you arrive for drop-off on Friday, simply check in with the nurse if you have any medications. She can keep them for you and remind you when to take them throughout the weekend. If you are injured or need medical attention at any point throughout the weekend, our nurse will take care of you!

Who is chaperoning the retreat?

Our chaperones are our Ground Zero volunteers. 95% of them are small group leaders, and a few are team leads or directors (those who oversee the small group leaders). All the volunteers are background-checked and go through weekly training throughout the school year, with one special training specifically for the retreat.

What is the food like at the retreat, and what if I have special dietary needs?

The food is excellent and middle-school friendly. You’ll see meals like pancakes, french toast and bacon, macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, chicken fingers and fries, or a pasta bar. If you have dietary restrictions, they are great at accommodating. Just let us know on your registration form what your dietary needs are, and we’ll communicate that to the camp staff. There will be a separate station for you to pick up your food.

What happens if my student gets sick while on retreat?

We have trained leaders and a nurse onsite during the retreat to address any sickness and medical needs. If your child is experiencing any symptoms before the retreat, it is best to keep them home. If your child becomes ill at camp, they will receive prompt care, and we will contact you right away to discuss next steps. Please note that if your child has a fever or is vomiting, we will ask you to pick them up from camp as we are unable to transport them home on the bus.