Winter Connection

Winter Connection is an annual event for middle school and high school youth sponsored by the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM.)

EVENT INFORMATION

Event: 2025 Winter Connection (Camp #800)
Three locations: Fargo, Mitchell, and Rapid City
Dates: January 24-25, 2025
Cost: $40.00 per person
Ages: Youth in grades 6-12 and adult chaperones

Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. Each year there is a focus on a particular theme and scripture along with a unique and important component of service. Our theme for 2025 is : Don't be a Jerk: Love Everyone. Our scripture is John 3:16-17. Don’t take love for granted. Recognize God’s love - which encompasses you and your neighbor. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, weather appropriate clothing, winter jacket, and gear.

REGISTRATION

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Note: Each individual attendee must register. Group registration is not available. However, you may download an individual registration form and then submit them as a group via email to info@dakcamps.org.

CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@dakcamps.org. Per CCYM, cancellations received 11 days or more prior to the start of Winter Connection will receive a full refund of payments made. Cancellations received 10 days or less before the event will receive a full refund minus a $20 cancellation fee per person who cancels unless a replacement attendee is registered. Cancellation fees will be charged to the church.

LOCATIONS

Northeast: Fargo, ND
Fargo First United Methodist Church

Check-in: Friday, Jan 24, 7-8 pm (CST)
Concludes: Saturday, Jan 25, 3:00 pm (CST)
Cost: $40 (includes 2 meals and activity)
Missional Opportunity: Make treats and cards for First Responders
Fun Activity: Sky Zone - Please complete a Sky Zone waiver
Schedule: Northeast Schedule
Worship: Rev. Bryce Blank preaching + Bismarck Legacy UMC Youth Praise Band
Lodging: Church floor (bring your own sleeping bag/bedding)
Contact: Andrea Plueddeman
Welcome Letter: Northeast Welcome Letter

Southeast: Mitchell, SD—
Downtown Mitchell First United Methodist Church

Check-in: Friday, Jan 24, 7-8 pm (CST)
Concludes: Saturday, Jan 25, 3:30 pm (CST)
Cost: $40 (includes 2 meals and activity)
Missional Opportunity: Assemble Hygiene Kits for Home for Now, a homelessness ministry in Mitchell. (CCYM members are asking for church and personal donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths, socks, and deodorant. Thank you for only donating items on this list!)
Fun Activity: Crafts at Your Shop
Schedule: Southeast Schedule
Worship: Dakota Wesleyan Praise Band and Bible study
Lodging: Church floor (bring your own sleeping bag/bedding)
Contacts: Rev. Clay Lundberg or Rev. Seth LaBounty
Welcome Letter: Southeast Welcome Letter

Southwest: Rapid City, SD—
Canyon Lake United Methodist Church

Check-in: Friday, Jan 24, 6-7 pm (MST)
Concludes: Saturday, Jan 25, 3:00 pm (MST)
Cost: $40 (includes 2 meals and activity)
Missional Opportunity: TBD
Fun Activity: TBD
Schedule: TBD
Worship: TBD
Lodging: Church floor (bring your own sleeping bag/bedding)
Contacts: Rev. Paul Lint, Rev. Quaya Ackerman, or Steve Hilton
Rapid City Welcome Letter (Coming soon!)

REQUIRED FORMS

ALL participants, youth and adult alike, are required to have these forms completed in order to attend the Winter Connection event. Health Forms should be kept with the chaperones of each group. The Release of Liability waivers and Winter Connection Covenants should be turned into Winter Connection staff at check-in. If you are attending without a chaperone, please turn in this form when you check in for the event.

Please print the following forms and bring completed to event check-in:

Below are some photos from 2024 Winter Connection! Click here to view all photos.

Happenings

Winter Connection