Get ready now for a HOTEL TRIP! This trip is no longer a camping/bunkhouse trip! 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. AMENITIES INCLUDE: a pool, continental breakfast, and very nice rooms with a mini-fridge and microwave! ADDRESS: SureStay by Best Western: 501 C W Stevens Blvd, Grayson, KY 41143. WHEN: Friday, May 23rd – Monday, May 26th 2025 PRICING: We have options as cheap as $169.95 to as much as $499.95. Copy and paste the registration link below to determine the different pricing levels! We’ve tried to keep it as affordable as possible, and you’re going to love it! YOU MUST COPY AND PASTE REGISTRATION LINK BELOW: 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. HIKING LEVEL: D2-D3 Depending on trail/ Occasional Steep inclines. Hiking rain or shine. FOOD: All breakfasts and lunches are included in your cost! You will need to cover dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 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: Toiletries, camera, Bible, daypack, and camp chair. ATTIRE: Light rain-coat, 2 pairs of shoes in case one gets wet, shorts, modest bathing suit if you want to get in the pool. CARPOOLING: We will send out a carpool email the week before to help coordinate rides! We do not want anyone driving alone. 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