**REGISTRATION LINKS OPEN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST @ 8:30PM** Yes, you heard it right! Amazingly, we’ll be camping right on the ocean in the Gulf of Mexico! Now, imagine with me for a moment… setting up your lounge chair, opening up your Bible and having your quiet-time while watching the beauty of one of God’s spectacular sunrises or sunsets over the ocean… now add the tranquil sounds of the rolling waves and ocean birds. Ah Yes! This could potentially be a life changing experience! Thank you, Lord! We have again secured the group site which is only 50 ft off ocean in the beautiful and remote St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Florida. Consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the US, this undiscovered Gem has miles of untouched white sand beaches with some of the highest dunes in the nation, plus one of the last unspoiled natural coastal wildernesses to explore. Biking, boating, canoeing and kayaking are also favorite activities to do, so bring your own or you can rent them there. NEW TO ECHO: Now if you are thinking, “I don’t know anyone and this could be awkward”, I promise you, we will welcome you with open arms, and you will leave the weekend knowing almost everyone and feeling exceedingly blessed. So come join us for an incredible time of fun and fellowship while soaking up God’s amazing wonders. AGENDA: Beach and wilderness hikes, campfire devotionals, great meals, worship music, roasting marshmallows, organized connecting, relaxation and just a beautiful time of community together, and if the Lord allows, some great wildlife sightings and amazing sunrises and sunsets. Also, there is no moon during the time we’re there, and this is one of the darkest places in Florida away from light pollution, so stargazing should be blockbuster! DATE: March 7th – March 10th 2024 3pm is checkout Sunday. WE ARE ON RAIN OR SHINE BATHROOMS: Yes, there are showers in the park! (Extra fee) SPOTS ARE LIMITED AND MAY GO QUICKLY COST: $179.95 (Includes all camping fees, meals, snacks and soft drinks) REGISTRATION LINK: http://tinyurl.com/OceanfrontCamping REFUNDS: Reservations are Non-refundable after Friday, February 23rd. Unfortunately, last minute cancellations have been very hard to refill. THURSDAY LEAVE: We will leave at 5:30am PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE AFTER 6PM!!! GATE IS LOCKED. ADDRESS: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Florida (aka T.H. Stone Memorial) 8899 Cape San Blas Rd - Port St. Joe, FL 32456 HIKING LEVEL- D1-D2. Hiking rain or shine. Some hills and distance and can be challenging hiking in sugar sand. PREPARE FOR BOTH COOL & WARM TEMPS! Possibility of Day temps to be 60-80, Night 40-65. There really is no reason for you to be uncomfortable if you prepare. WHAT TO BRING: Warm jacket/ hat/gloves, 2 pairs of shoes in case one gets wet. Long pants, Longjohns and Shorts, Long and Short Sleeve Shirts, Sleeping Bag, PAD (NO BIGGER THAN A TWIN), extra blanket for around the fire or around sleeping bag if needed, Pillow, Flashlight, Jacket, Rain coat, daypack, towel, toiletries, camera, Bible. OPTIONAL TO BRING: Hiking poles, Camp chair, Bug spray, Sunblock, swimsuit(modest), wetsuit, snorkel, kayak, bike. TENTS: You may bring your own. WHAT NOT TO BRING: Animals and anything that makes noise while we sleep. No alcohol. FOOD MENU: (menu subject to change) •Thursday Dinner: Chili •Friday Breakfast – Cereal, fruit, oatmeal and grits with yogurt and hardboiled eggs. Lunch – Sandwiches with all the fix’ins. Dinner – Burrito’s of your own design with all the fix’ins with beans and rice. •Saturday Breakfast- Wraps with Bacon and Eggs and Grits with salsa and cheese. Lunch – Tuna Salad & Broccoli Salad. Dinner: Spaghetti with meat sauce and salad. •Sunday Breakfast- Cereal, fruit, oatmeal and grits with yogurt and hardboiled eggs. DRINKS/SNACKS: We provide coffee/cream/milk, tea, hot chocolate, Orange Juice, soft drinks, water, fruit, chips and cookies, smores. (All Echo events are non-alcoholic) CARPOOLING: is the best way to meet and get to know people! Parking at someone's house is best. We will coordinate via email 10 days before we leave. LOST: Call the Ranger Station 850-227-1327 KEEP IN MIND: that there are always dangerous elements when out in nature: Cliffs, weather, water, animals, insects, reptiles, falling limbs or rocks, Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac, etc. Trails may be un-maintained, slippery, icy, rocky and have steep embankments. Shoes may get muddy or wet. Many times the woods are your only bathroom. WAIVER: By attending, each person assumes all responsibility and liability for themselves and their actions and hereby releases Echo Ministries, its employees, directors, officers, agents, and volunteers from any and all liability resulting from any loss, injury, illness, damages, or death, while attending, participating or volunteering in this event. If you make payment for someone else, make sure that they receive this information and they understand and agree to all aspects of it, otherwise you’re responsible for them. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregford@echoministries.com 770-316-9200