*REGISTRATION LINK OPENS 4/16 AT 8PM* Join us for a weekend that goes beyond the ordinary—and into the extraordinary! This Memorial Day Weekend, escape to Kentucky’s best-kept secret — Carter Caves State Park! Be ready to be in awe of the largest open caverns and natural bridges in the country! We are talking about off-the-scale scenery of epic proportions! Surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation, this retreat isn’t just about getting away—it’s about drawing closer… closer to a community of believers and closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a special part of our journey, we’ll also visit the GIGANTIC full-sized replica of Noah’s Ark. Come experience The Ark Encounter, where the story of God’s redemption and promise comes alive in a powerful way. It’s a reminder that our faith is built on something real, lasting, and true. This retreat is so unique, because you get to choose whether to camp under the stars, stay in an air-conditioned bunkhouse, or enjoy the privacy of a lodge room with friends. AMENITIES INCLUDE: warm showers, and a big pavilion for campers. Each bunkhouse is equipped with AC, and its own mini-fridge. The Lodge Rooms have two queen beds with a full bathroom, mini-fridge, TV and desk with access to a pool! WHEN: Friday, May 23rd – Monday, May 26th 2025 $169.95 (Tent Camping – four days, three nights) $199.95 (Top Bunk – four days, three nights) $249.95 (Bottom Bunk – four days, three nights) $299.95 (Lodge Room – four days, three nights. Two ladies shared queen bed, four per room) $399.95 (Lodge Room – four days, three nights. One man per queen bed, two per room) *Your cost includes most drinks, snacks and meals* SPOTS ARE VERY LIMITED AND MAY GO QUICKLY REGISTRATION LINK: https://tinyurl.com/EchoRetreatCarterCaves RESERVATIONS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE after Friday, May 9th. Unfortunately, last minute cancellations are very difficult to refill. If a refund is requested, we can refund prior to the deadline. SPECIAL NOTE ON ARK ENCOUNTER: Make sure to get your tickets at https://arkencounter.com/tickets/ We are not doing the Creation Museum since it is near Cincinnati. So, please make sure to select the ticket for just The Ark Encounter! If you are planning on driving, you will have to pay for parking. Also, we are going to add the “Truth Traveler Virtual Reality Voucher” so you may want to add that as well, but it is not required! It is HIGHLY recommended! Tickets are good up to one year from date of purchase. BATHROOMS: Yes ladies, we have warm showers! Woohoo! TENTS: You may sleep in your own tent, but some will have to share. HIKING LEVEL: D2-D3 Depending on trail/ Occasional Steep inclines. Hiking rain or shine. FOOD: TBD – Sunday dinner out (not included). AGENDA: Hiking to remarkable scenery each day, going to the Ark Encounter, cornhole games, facilitated connecting, worship music, challenging devotional, playing cards or board games. GEAR TO BRING: Your own linens or a Sleeping Bag, Sleeping pad, pillow, towel, toiletries, camera, Bible, daypack, headlamps, camp chair, tent (if camping). *If you need any of these, just let us know. ATTIRE: Light rain-coat, 2 pairs of shoes in case one gets wet, shorts. CARPOOLING: We will send out a carpool email the week before to help coordinate rides! We do not want anyone driving alone. ADDRESS: Carter Caves State Resort Park – 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164. KEEP IN MIND: that there are always dangerous elements when out in nature: Cliffs, weather, 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. When hiking, 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 (including coronavirus), 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: Greg Ford at 770-316-9200 or gregford@echoministries.com