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Making the 2009 Gathering a Family Experience
 The National Camp and Retreat Committee is pleased to offer programming for the children and youth of those who want to make the 2009 United Methodist Camp/Retreat Leaders Gathering a memorable family experience. Programming will use the facilities at Mount Hermon Conference Center, set in a California redwood forest, as well as draw upon the resources of the beautiful Santa Cruz State Parks. Youth will enjoy a trip to The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose.
Children's and youth programs will be offered during all workshop and seminar sessions, freeing parents to take full advantage of the available learning opportunities while their children are enjoying age appropriate activities and experiences. On Wednesday afternoon, all children and youth will join their parents for a grand adventure. The hospitality committee has arranged a trip into the seaside town of Santa Cruz via a steam train. Travel through beautiful redwood forest on the way to the town of Santa Cruz for a day of shopping and sandy beach fun.
Infants to age 3 will be stationed near the main auditorium and attended to by qualified staff Tuesday morning and afternoon, Wednesday morning, and then again Thursday morning and afternoon.
Parents of infants and toddlers will be able to enjoy evening programming even if their little ones are too wiggly to attend worship by using the infant/toddler daycare center where the program will be telecast so that they may supervise their children.
Children ages 4-7 will stay close to "home base" by enjoying the facilities at Mount Hermon. Qualified staff will supervise children while experts within our community share their talents of storytelling, crafting, and environmental education. Children will take full advantage of the beautiful setting by taking hikes to the playground and using Mount Hermon's beautiful trails.
Children, grades 3 through 6, will enjoy experiential learning activities, spending mornings visiting Santa Cruz State Parks with programs led by State Park Rangers. Visit www.santacruzstateparks.org to learn more about Wilder Ranch, Natural Bridges, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks.
Afternoons will be spent enjoying Mount Hermon trails, climbing walls, and the recreational facility with its awesome game room.
 Youth, grades 7 through high school, will begin their time being led in teambuilding activities, building community and preparing them to experience Mount Hermon high ropes in the California redwoods. Staff will be chosen from among our many talented, experienced facilitators. Youth will enjoy hiking the beautiful Mount Hermon trails. Thursday will be spent visiting The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose. And if that's not enough, the youth will be treated to their own workshop offered by the esteemed Bob Ditter on Thursday afternoon.
The National Camp and Retreat Committee understands the importance of making it possible for participants with children to attend the Gathering. Therefore, the children's and youth programming is provided without a program fee. It's our hope that this will make Mount Hermon 2009 an awesome family experience. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact the 2009 Childcare Coordinator, Jodi Shitama at jshitama@comcast.net.
Lodging information:
Housing fees for children, infants to age 3 years -- No additional charge
Children, ages 4-17, will be charged the youth rate (see Lodging options)
Children, ages 18 and over, will be charged the adult rate (see Lodging options).
To register your children, simply provide the requested information about your children on the registration form. A more detailed registration packet will be sent to you prior to the event.
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