Apologetics Summer Camp

apol·o·get·ics  \ ə-ˌpä-lə-ˈje-tiks\

a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity

*June 4-9, 2023
Woodland Christian Camp
Temple, GA
SOLD OUT!

*July 10-14, 2023
Higher Grounds Camp
West Harrison, IN

*July 23-28, 2023
Awanita Christian Camp
Marietta, SC

*August 6-11, 2023
South Mountain Christian Camp
Bostic, NC

August 21-25, 2023
Shiloh Bible Camp and
Retreat Center
Hewitt, NJ

*Camps Alex McFarland will be speaking at.

group registration
individual registration
A non-refundable $50 deposit is required in order to reserve your spot.
Space is limited. The remaining balance is due by no later than 30 days prior to the start of your camp.
The EQUIP RETREAT is an annual apologetics-based retreat held across the country at different locations. The retreat is designed to teach young people to own, share, and defend their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. While there will be lots of fun and games, the goal of EQUIP is to plant seeds that inspire a generation of teens to have eternal impact on the Kingdom of God by equipping them to better understand, articulate, and spread the Gospel.

Statistics have repeatedly shown that we are experiencing a mass exodus of young people from the church once they leave home for college, where they are being directly challenged on their beliefs. Often this takes on the form of outright bullying and attacks, not just from other students, but from secular faculty as well. EQUIP was designed for the purpose of giving young people real answers to tough questions that will enable them to truly understand what they believe and more importantly why they believe it.

After all, Scripture pointedly instructs us in 1 Peter 3:15:
"but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;"

To accomplish this there are three informational fun-packed training sessions each day addressing some of the staunchest questions and arguments a teen will face from an unbelieving world when they share their faith. These sessions are led by nationally recognized leaders in the field of apologetics, or defense of the faith.

After a day chock-full of activities such as zip lining, archery, and so much more, the evening will close with a powerful praise and worship service featuring live music and relevant messages from some of the area's leading youth pastors and teachers.


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I officially register for Equip Retreat?

Group Registration: Each group attending Equip MUST completely fill out an online registration form. All fields with an * must be filled out completely. In order to guarantee and lock in your group for EQUIP, you will need to pay a non-refundable $50 deposit per camper that will attend camp; this includes students and leaders. Once you have made your deposits, we lock in the beds for your group and they cannot be given to another group. It is imperative that you make this step as soon as you are able. When deposits have been paid, you will be issued a code to provide to your campers. They will type this code in at their time of reservation and can ignore the deposit prompt individually.

Individual Registration: Each person attending Equip MUST completely fill out an online registration form. All fields with an * must be filled out completely. In order to guarantee and lock in your spot for EQUIP, you will need to pay a non-refundable $50 deposit per camper that will attend camp. Once you have made your deposit, we lock in your bed. It is imperative that you make this step as soon as you are able. If you are attending Equip with a group, please ask your leader for the church code and insert on registration form. This means you will not have to pay the deposit upon completion of the registration form.

Balance Due: ALL balance due MUST be in 30 days before Camp start date. [For instance, if you sign up for South Mountain Camp in North Carolina, camp starts on August 6th, your balance would be due by July 6th.]

What is the age range to attend EQUIP Retreat?

While EQUIP Retreat is designed for students in middle and high school, select college-age students will often also participate and/or return as leader/helpers in order to sow into the next generation of young believers.

What is the cost to attend EQUIP Retreat?

The cost is $375 per person (may vary based on camp), which covers the cost of lodging, and includes all meals for the duration while on campus (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and all materials for the daily teaching lessons. Additionally, each attendee receives a souvenir T-Shirt for EQUIP Retreat.

Are there any additional expenses at camp?

The only additional costs are completely optional and is only applicable to some merchandise from Reasons for Hope, and there is a Camp Store that will be open periodically for campers to purchase things like sodas, snack, apparel, etc. $20 is usually enough for each camper to splurge on some goodies.

Are leaders required to attend Equip Retreat with their group?

While we are absolutely convinced of the benefits of leaders coming with their students for many reasons, we do allow up to 5 students to come without a leader. Once there are more than 5, we require at least one Adult Leader to attend with them. The preferred ratio of leaders coming with their students is 1 to 10, 2 to 15, 3 to 20, etc. Leaders will assist in managing sleeping dorms with the students, as well as making sure students get to their activities, monitoring proper student behavior and rules, as well as spending quality time sowing into and praying with students.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will be provided with an EQUIP T-shirt. Please plan to also bring the following:

  • Bible (or Bible app)
  • Bedding (sleeping bag or twin sheets/blanket)
  • Pillow
  • Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, brush, deodorant, etc.)
  • Towel and washcloth
  • Sportswear
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit (T-shirts must be worn over swimsuit - boys & girls)
  • Bag for dirty clothes
  • Water bottle
  • Beach towel
  • Tennis shoes
  • Sunscreen (optional)
  • Flip Flops (optional)
  • Jacket (optional)
  • Personal spending money for the canteen store (optional)
When is drop-off and pick-up for EQUIP?

This varies based on the camp you attend, but will be communicated prior to the start of each camp.

There will be TONS of daily activities while at EQUIP Retreat. 

EQUIP Retreat Activities include: (varies by location)
  • Zip Lines over the lake
  • Water activities on the 8-acre lake: canoes, kayaks, & paddle boats
  • Swimming Pool
  • Slip-n-Slide
  • Archery
  • Ropes Course (low & high elements)
  • Outdoor Climbing Tower
  • Indoor Climbing Wall
  • 60-Foot Giant Swing
  • Putt-Putt Golf
  • Hummer Rides through the Mountains
  • Mud Hole
  • Horseback Riding
Activities facilitated by EQUIP Retreat leaders: (varies by location)
  • Fishing
  • Frisbee golf (frisbees & scorecards provided)
  • Hiking Trails (maps available)
  • Private Fire Pit
  • Recreation field for games (a bag of recreation equipment provided -- footballs, soccer balls, kickballs, etc.)
  • Gymnasium (full-court basketball, dodgeball, etc.)
  • Human Foosball
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Tetherball
  • Gaga-ball
  • Cornhole
group registration
individual registration
A non-refundable $50 deposit is required in order to reserve your spot.
Space is limited. The remaining balance is due by no later than 30 days prior to the start of your camp.

"The EQUIP Retreat is something that I enthusiastically endorse and urge families and churches to support! At a time when it is critical that young people be won to Christ, and also prepared to defend their faith, the EQUIP team are doing a fantastic job at presenting Christ! EQUIP is doing the best imaginable job at helping kids know how to stand up for their faith! I just wish that the number of youth experiencing EQUIP was in the tens of thousands! I pray that someday it will be!"

Alex McFarland, Bestselling Author & Speaker
North Greenville University, SC
The Center for Apologetics and Christian Worldview

"The EQUIP Retreat is one of the few youth outreaches that is having a serious impact! The youth have a blast but learn a ton. And not just knowledge for knowledge's sake.  The teachers bring out an emphasis on application of their faith in the world. If you have students and want something that will challenge them to stand firm in the face of the craziness we see in the world today, get them to EQUIP!"

Carl Kerby, Speaker & Author
Reasons for Hope

"I love teaching at EQUIP with Pastors Dave and Steve. The week is filled with so much love for Jesus and for others and the apologetic training students get is some of the best in the country. In the age of great uncertainty among young people, I can't stress enough for parents to make sure their kids go to EQUIP. They will love it!"

Jason Jimenez, Bestselling Author & Worldview Expert
Stand Strong Ministries

"Excellence! Of all the camps where I speak, EQUIP stands out for its excellence! These kids are hungry for truth and the balance of teaching, worship, and fun is perfect.  Kids get saved! Questions get answered! And lives are changed!

Juan Valdes, Speaker
Reasons for Hope

Got Questions?  Contact us directly.
Equip Speakers and Alumni

All Equip Camps are brought to you by: