Information for Families
What is Family Retreat?
U.S. Family Retreats specifically focus on families navigating the challenges of disability. We value each person as an image-bearer of God, worthy of dignity and respect! We strive to create a rich, Christ-centered environment at each Family Retreat that is safe and accepting for every member of the family.
Joni and Friends Family Retreat offers a safe and accepting environment where you will find fellowship with other families who face similar challenges, build lasting memories, and renew your hope in God. All Family Retreats feature unique activities and exciting adventures for the whole family.
Each day there will be programs including age-appropriate worship and teaching, crafts, and recreation. Parents and caregivers will also enjoy small group discussions, relaxing activities, and practical seminars that address family life and issues related to living with disability. During free time, there will be a variety of fun, accessible activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, sports and games, and more! Evening activities are designed for the whole family to participate together and may include entertainment, outdoor BBQ, carnival, bonfire and s’mores, or a talent show.
Family Retreats offer specific programming for typical siblings that consists of separate teaching times, small group discussions, recreation, and fun activities!
Caring volunteers will serve your family throughout the event. Each volunteer has undergone a thorough screening and background check, and has completed training.
Your family’s assigned volunteer, or Buddy, will attend all activities with your child with a disability, allowing the whole family to participate in programming and enjoy times of respite. Additional Support Volunteers will provide assistance throughout age-group programming, recreation activities, arts and crafts, and more. In addition you can count on plenty of friends to support your family during the event.
No, volunteers do not provide personal or medical care. If your family requires such care, it may be necessary to arrange for a Personal Care Attendant to join you at Family Retreat. Your family’s Personal Care Attendant will need to fill out their own application.
Although Joni and Friends does not provide a Personal Care Attendant, our team will assist in connecting families to support resources as needed.
Our team strives to meet the needs of each family regarding any special accommodations, diets, and other requirements indicated on the application. Applicants may discuss any special requests during the approval process.
Application and Pricing
You may apply to the Family Retreat of your choice. You may only attend one retreat per year so that we are able to serve as many families as possible. We recommend attending the retreat closest to your home in order to build friendships with other families, volunteers, and churches nearby.
Check out our upcoming Family Retreats to choose a retreat and apply online. Once your application has been received, you will get an email with next steps. We recommend applying as early as possible. Applications open on different dates based on when the retreat occurs.
Families can add a Personal Care Attendant to their application when they apply for the event. Alternatively, the Personal Care Attendant can apply on their own later by providing the information of the family they will attend with.
The additional person can join your application by entering the family household information on their application.
No, families may only attend one Joni and Friends Family Retreat per year. This enables as many families as possible to experience Family Retreat.
The cost of Family Retreat varies by location and includes lodging, meals, and program costs. The cost does not include transportation to and from the event. Many families attend Family Retreat with the help of their church, friends, family, or other organizations. Joni and Friends offers fundraising resources as well as partial scholarships.
Go to our Joni and Friends Portal by clicking the “Sign-In” button at the top of the page. Once you are approved to attend an event, your fundraising and payment page will be available within the Portal.
Go to our Joni and Friends Portal by clicking the “Sign-In” button at the top of the page. Once you are approved to attend an event, your fundraising and payment page will be available within the Portal. Share this page by copying and pasting this link to an email, text, or your social media platform.
Joni and Friends does not refund payments unless cancellation is caused by an extreme medical situation, or if Joni and Friends cancels the event.
