Retreat Downloads
Arrival & Check-In
Sandy Cove
60 Sandy Cove Road
North East, MD 21901
Check-in begins Friday at 4:00 pm.
Go to the GBC check-in table in the Chesapeake Lodge lobby, just inside the main doors.
Do not go to the Sandy Cove check-in desk, even if you arrive early. GBC will have all room keys.
Parking and a drop-off area are available in front of Chesapeake Lodge. GBC road signs will be out by 4:30 pm.
At check-in, you’ll receive your room key, welcome packet, name tag/lanyard, and retreat booklet if you requested a printed copy. A QR code for the digital booklet will also be available. Both versions include the weekend schedule and maps of meeting and childcare locations.Please wear your GBC name tag/lanyard throughout the weekend. Adhesive name tags will be provided for children in nursery through grade school.
Accommodations & Meals
Rooms are hotel style and include linens, towels, soap, and basic shampoo. Most rooms also have a small refrigerator.
Included meals:
All meals on Saturday
Breakfast on Sunday
Meals on your own:
Friday dinner, unless you purchased the optional Sandy Cove dinner during registration
Sunday lunch
Friday Dinner & First Session
Your welcome packet will indicate whether you purchased Friday dinner at Sandy Cove. Only those who paid in advance may eat dinner there.
If you eat off site, allow plenty of time to return for the first session, which begins promptly at 7:30 pm.
Childcare
Children registered for childcare may be dropped off 10 minutes before each session.
Nursery, toddlers, and preschool: Milburn, Hatfield, and Guistwite Conference Rooms, directly below the Chesapeake Auditorium
Grade school: Water’s Edge Meeting Rooms, below the dining room
Pastor Eupil will email parents additional details and a map before the retreat.
Please pick up your children immediately after each session.
Child Safety
Parents must carefully supervise their children throughout the weekend, especially near the Chesapeake Bay. The grounds are large and facilities are spread out.
For safety questions or concerns, contact James Lee, head of the safety team, or Pastor Eupil, Children’s Pastor.
Drinks & Snacks
Coffee is available 24/7 inside the gift shop by the main entrance.
Ice water, cups, and light snacks will be available at the back of each meeting.
Water bottle filling stations are available on site. Bring reusable water bottles for adults and children.
Additional snacks are available for purchase in the lobby gift shop.
Evening Fellowship: Ramen, Cereal & Games
After the Friday and Saturday evening sessions, join us for fellowship and bring-your-own ramen and cereal.
Provided:
Hot water for ramen
A limited quantity of small cartons of whole milk
Paper bowls for cereal
Plastic spoons, forks, and chopsticks
Bring:
Ramen in its own bowl or cup, rather than packets. Hot water dispensers are available, but there are no stoves or facilities for boiling water.
Your own cereal
A milk alternative if needed
Games to enjoy in the evenings or during Saturday free time
Saturday Afternoon Free Time
Times and locations for optional group activities will be listed in the retreat booklet.
Planned activities include:
Pickleball, volleyball, football, and soccer
Ultimate Frisbee or multi-golf
Bingo
Fishing
If you registered for a paid activity, Chris Choe will contact you with timing details.
Bring your pickleball gear, sports equipment, or fishing gear if you plan to participate. Information about exploring the surrounding area is included in the retreat booklet.
Fishing
Free fishing is available on the Sandy Cove Pier. Register online for your free fishing license and bring your own gear:
Other Free Amenities
Marina, weather permitting
Mini golf
Soccer, basketball, and tennis
Pool and park
Shuffleboard, gaga ball, and ping pong
Sunday Check-Out
Check out of your room before the final meeting. The session will end after Sandy Cove’s checkout deadline, so plan your morning accordingly.
The retreat ends at approximately 12:00 pm. Sunday lunch is on your own.
Packing Checklist
Reusable water bottles
Ramen in individual bowls or cups
Cereal and a milk alternative, if needed
Games
Sports or pickleball equipment
Fishing gear, if participating