Where is Lighthouse?
The retreats are located in the Florida panhandle between Destin and Panama City Beach. We stay in rented or donated houses in several of the beachside communities like Seaside, Seagrove, Seacrest, Rosemary, Watercolor and Gulf Place. While the retreats are held in Florida, our office is in Norcross, Georgia – just north of Atlanta.
What is the daily schedule?
We have a daily schedule that starts with a morning devotional and then continues with a full morning of kids playing and beach fun. There’s free time after lunch and then an evening activity after dinner. We’ll wrap up before 9pm, so everyone can get plenty of rest. We encourage families to engage in all of our retreat activities.
Can I bring my children to serve with me? How old do my children need to be?
We encourage families to serve together at retreats. Serving at a retreat is one of the best ways to teach your children to serve our Heavenly Father. Children about 5-6 yrs old who can go through the meal line, dress, play independently of you AND are mature enough to understand our mission of “other’s first” are probably the right age to attend. We expect the children to attend our team meeting and be a part of the entire retreat experience. While will provide beds for all adults, space is limited so we ask parents to bring an air matress and/or sleeping bags for your kids.
Serving with a group
School or church groups who are interested in serving with students and leaders cannot exceed 16 students. There must be one leader (21 or older) per 4 students. Students must be rising 10th grade or older. Students must raise $500.00 to serve with a group, Leaders must raise $750.00.
What should I bring? How should I dress?
Our dress is very casual – comfy, beach clothes, shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. We ask all females to wear modest one piece bathing suits and to bring a cover up. We will provide a complete “packing list” in your volunteer manual.
How much does it cost? Do I need money after I get there?
We ask all volunteers to send out 25-30 letters to ask for prayers and financial support. See sample support letter. All adult volunteers are required to raise or personally contribute $750 to attend the retreat. All volunteer children 20 years of age or younger serving with their parents, are required to raise $250 to attend the retreat. All children 21 years of age and older serving with their parents, are required to raise $750. Once the retreat begins, all meals, snacks and activities are provided by Lighthouse.
What if I am afraid the retreat is going to be sad?
This is one of the most common concerns/fears for first time volunteers. While the cause we serve is heartbreaking … who can think of a child going through chemo without feeling sorrow? … our retreat is full of joy, laughter and hope. Our retreat families are longing to laugh and play together. We create environments to foster these joyful opportunities for them.
How do you select the retreat families?
The majority of our families hear about Lighthouse from other families who have already enjoyed the Lighthouse experience. To attend a retreat, families submit applications and must receive a referral and medical clearance from their oncology health care team.
What happens if it rains all week?
We pray for breathtaking sunrises, warm, sunny days, cool ocean breezes, starry nights and mesmerizing sunsets. However, we believe that we will do all that we can to prepare for the retreats and then let God do the rest. Sometimes a rainy retreat is exactly what the families need. It slows things down and provides the pace that some families need to reconnect.
What are the sleeping arrangements at the retreat?
The volunteers stay in houses together (separate from the families) where we cook and have daily activities. If you are serving with your spouse and children, you will stay in one room together. Children should bring sleeping bags/air mattresses for the floor. Individual volunteers will share rooms with other volunteers of the same gender. If you are uncomfortable sharing a bed, please feel free to bring a sleeping bag/air mattress. We will do our best to make sure you are comfortable as you help us serve at the retreat.
What if I live out of state and can’t make the pre-retreat team meetings?
If you are accepted to serve at a retreat and cannot attend the pre-retreat meetings you will be contacted by your Family Partner Coordinator directly for retreat details.
What if I can’t get there during registration or need to leave early?
Because we have our final team meeting right after retreat registration, it is imperative that you arrive on time. Also, please plan to stay at the retreat until we say our “see you laters”. It is an important time for closure for the families.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
To volunteer without your parents, you should be 20 years old.
What is the Tax ID for Lighthouse?
The tax ID that qualifies Lighthouse Family Retreat with 501C-3 status is 58-2509728
