DOE RIVER GORGE
2009 PROGRAM CATALOG
B
www.doerivergorge.com
feel the passion
y opening this catalog you may have embarked on the next step to the most phenomenal journey of your life! Whether you are in elementary school, a teenager, trekking through college, or seeking to engage your family or organized group, Doe River Gorge offers experiences that provide extreme challenges, epic adventures, exhilarating fun, and exponential personal growth and development.
2
This catalog will help you begin to feel the passion, discover the place, and experience the phenomenon that is Doe River Gorge Ministries. Explore these pages to find the program that is right for you and begin a journey that will unleash you to live the adventure that God intended.
feel the “
I really like the people. You feel like you’d be accepted no matter what. Mary, age 14, North Carolina
At Doe River Gorge our passion is people! We believe that people are the pinnacle of God’s creation and the passion of His heart. Therefore, when you come to Doe River Gorge you will be . . .
loved!
Our mission is to glorify God by loving people—people just like you. At Doe River Gorge you will be uplifted and encouraged as you find yourself surrounded by friendly, smiling faces ready to help you have one of the best times of your life. It is a place where no one is bullied or put-down or ridiculed. It is a place where you will be valued, nurtured, uplifted, and encouraged and a place where you are accepted regardless of how you look or what you have.
Doe River Gorge is a place where you will be celebrated for the unique person that God created you to be. Our passion is for you to intimately know your Creator-God who is so passionate about you! As your knowledge and your love for Him intensifies, you will have an increasing desire for personal purity in your life, and you will acquire a Christ-centered vision for your life. Your life will take on new meaning and direction as you increasingly discover and live out the plan He has for you. You will discover that real joy comes from living for Christ and you will be better equipped to take a stand for the values that bring real happiness and meaning. You will gain a new love for people, a love for life, and a new joy in living each day.
passion
TABLE OF CONTENTS
”
Celisha, age 19, Abaco, Bahamas
Feel the Passion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Discover the Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Experience the Phenomenon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Elementary Students •Junior Adventure Quest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Teens •Adventure Quest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 •Expedition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 •Youth Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 •SALT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 •LEAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 College •College Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 •Discover Weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Families •Father/Son Challenge Weekends . . . . . . . . 16 •Mother/Daughter Retreat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Families/Groups •Day Quest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 •Endless Summer Get-A-Way. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 •Customized Retreats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Lodging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Partnership •Letter to Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 •Our Ambition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
423.725.4010
“
This week taught me that you can praise God in everything you do.
your journey to adventure!
Come and be loved! Come and be celebrated! Come and embark on the journey to an intimate relationship with your Creator-God!
feel the passion
celebrated!
3
“
discover the place
This is the greatest place on earth. God and His people in one place, worshipping for God’s glory.
”
James, age 16, Georgia
E
ver longed for a special “place”—a place where you could get away from the normal routine and free your mind from all the clutter; a place where you could meet new people, have fun, and experience some challenging new adventures; a place where you were always encouraged and made to feel special; and a place where great memories would beckon you to return again and again? The campus of Doe River Gorge can be that place. It is three miles of pristine wilderness loaded with fun and adventure where you can experience new challenges, build meaningful relationships, and get to know the God who created it all.
discover th Come discover a place of majestic scenery, fascinating history, exhilarating fun, and extreme adventure.
www.doerivergorge.com
majestic scenery
4
Come away to a place where you will be captivated by the handiwork of God’s spectacular creation. Doe River Gorge is a place of rugged mountains, scenic meadows, vertical rock cliffs, rushing whitewater rapids, and colorful flora. Steep mountain walls surrounded by thousands of acres of the Cherokee National Forest guard this refuge from the outside world, creating a pristine sanctuary for getting to know the God who created it all.
fascinating history In 1866 the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad sought to construct a railway from Johnson City, Tennessee, to Cranberry, North Carolina. To reach Cranberry, however, would require passage through a deep, rugged chasm known as the Doe River Gorge—a feat that many said would be impossible. Using sharp turns, hugging narrow ledges, squeezing through tight tunnels, and crossing the Doe River on high trestles, the ET & WNC Railroad made its first journey in 1882. The Tweetsie, as it came to be affectionately known, ran for about 70 years until it was abandoned in 1950. A portion of this railroad has been restored and provides scenic excursion trips as well as transportation to various sites where you can experience extreme wilderness adventures.
exhilarating fun
”
Challenge your friends to a game of disc golf, sand-court volleyball, or the infamous octaball. Doe River Gorge is a place where you can experience fun and laughter while creating unforgettable memories.
the place
discover the place
Doe River Gorge may be the happiest gathering place on planet earth! Strap on a harness and race down a triple 700-foot zipline where you will splash into a crystal mountain lake. Get catapulted by the blob, play an intense game of water basketball, or soak up some rays on the white-sand beach.
“
Classic adventure, timeless challenges, and epic obstacles, all with a spiritual message…Doe River Gorge has it all! David, age 16, Tennessee
extreme adventure
Saddle up a horse and ride along a quiet mountain trail or straddle a mountain bike and ride deep into the mountains. Regardless of the activities you choose, Doe River Gorge is sure to quench your thirst for adventure.
423.725.4010
Doe River Gorge explodes with adventure! Feel the adrenaline flow as you scale natural rock walls, rappel sheer cliffs, tube whitewater rapids, brave the high challenge course, race down slopes on a mountain board, or engage in a battle of paintball.
5
discover the phenomenon
“
”
Two thumbs up; 5 stars; wins the gold. Joshua, age 17, North Carolina
C
ome encounter the phenomenon of an experience at Doe River Gorge! You are guaranteed to have the time of your life as you enjoy exhilarating fun, face extreme adventures, acquire new skills, build new and lasting friendships, and increase your leadership abilities—all while getting to know the God of all creation. These age-related and sequential programs will take you on a journey of selfdiscovery. You will learn about yourself—your passions, your fears, your dreams; it’s a journey where you learn to live life to the fullest potential and become all that you were meant to be—a journey where you discover that the person who loves you the most is the God who has an extraordinary plan for your life. On this journey you will experience the phenomenon of soaring beyond what you ever thought possible as you observe exponential personal growth and development in the following areas:
experience the
www.doerivergorge.com
social skills
6
As you work with others to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks, you will learn team-building, trust-building, problem-solving, and communication skills. You will learn to depend on others and they will begin to depend on you. You will discover strengths and weaknesses in yourself and learn the value and contribution of other people. You will develop deep bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime.
spiritual foundation In this environment you will grow in your passion to intimately know God. You will discover the joy of living for the glory to God. As you learn God’s Word you will discover the value of truth and establish a firm foundation on which to build your life. Your faith will be strengthened as you learn to articulate your faith. You will know what you believe and why you believe it.
In an atmosphere of acceptance and love, where people are celebrated and “putdowns” are not permitted, you will find refuge from the pressures of your culture. Regardless of what your life experience has been, you will find a place where past hurts and failures can be put behind you. You will discover that you are important, valued, loved, and uniquely created by God for a significant purpose.
new competencies In an environment where successes are celebrated and failures are viewed as stepping stones, you will feel the freedom to move out of your comfort zone and try new things. As a result, you will discover hidden talents and abilities, acquire new skills, have success experiences, and become a more competent and confident person.
“
e phenomenon ”
This is my favorite place in the entire world! God really spoke to my heart in unexplainable, magical ways! Hannah, age 14, Virginia
discover the phenomenon
positive self-worth and identity
Christian character
Throughout your entire experience you will grow in wisdom and knowledge and learn how to conquer temptations and deal with life’s pressures. You will formulate strong Christian values, develop deep moral convictions, and learn to choose the hard-right over the easy-wrong.
You will increasingly gain discernment and decision-making skills and develop the qualities and competencies of a leader. You will know how to make decisions and you will know how to take initiative. Through these experiences you will identify your passions and formulate a vision for your life. You will lead because you will know where you are going.
423.725.4010
leadership ability
7
elementary students www.doerivergorge.com 8
Junior Adventure Quest L A six-day adventure for students entering grades 3-6
“
Doe River Gorge is the best place ever! I wish I could come every day! You will have so much fun!
”
eave behind the video games because you are about to embark on some real, live, action-packed adventures. At Junior Adventure Quest you’ll be hanging from sixtyfoot cliffs, braving the rapids on the Doe River, racing your friends down a 700-foot-long, water-landing zipline, or riding a horse along a mountain trail. And that’s just the beginning of your Doe River Gorge experience.
elementary Lauren, age 12, Tennessee
elementary students
At the lake you can get catapulted by the blob, swim, or play a game of kneedeep water volleyball. When you’re feeling water-logged you can challenge your friends to a game of disc golf or test your skills at the infamous octaball court. Then hangout at the Side Track Café and enjoy some refreshing treats. You will fall in love with our sensitive, caring, kid-loving staff who will be with you 24/7 throughout the week, leading, encouraging, and cheering you on to grow in challenging new ways. In the midst of all the exciting activity you will develop new skills, form lifelong friendships, and begin to discover the adventure of knowing and worshipping the God of the universe. When you return home you’ll be a more confident person and you’ll start counting the days until you can return. You are now part of the DRG family and each year you will explore new adventures, develop leadership qualities, and perhaps, one day, serve as a leader at Doe River Gorge.
students All activity tracks include the 700-foot-long water-landing zipline, the blob, swimming, disc golf, great worship, Bible teaching, the carnival, and much more.
Track One (grades 3-6) • Technical Tree climbing • Caving Ladders • Still-water Kayaking • Guided Horseback Riding • Speeder Rides
Step 2: Select a Date •June 7–12
Track Three (grades 5-6) Track Two (grades 3-6) • Guided Horseback Trail Riding • Dynamic Sweet Chariot • The Rapture • The Way • Rock Climbing • Tandem Rappelling • Mountain Boarding • Whitewater Tubing on the • Unimog Rides Lower Doe •June 21–26
•July 26–31
Step 3: Select a Housing Option HOUSING OPTIONS (see p.21 for housing details)
Gazeepees (for males) Hobo Condos (for females) Mountain Meadows Lodge (for males) Cedar Mountain Lodge (for females)
Step 4: Register www.doerivergorge.com
by March 15
COST by April 15
after April 15
$470
$500
$530
$520
$550
$580
423.725.4010
4 steps to begin your adventure
Step 1: Select an Activity Track
Doe River Gorge has completely and totally changed me forever. 423.725.4010
Makayla, age 12, Missouri
9
teens|adventure quest
AdventureQuest A six-day adventure for students entering grades 7-12
B
www.doerivergorge.com
“
10
”
Doe River Gorge is intense! Megan, age 15
egin a journey that will take you far beyond what you ever thought possible. Outwardly you may be climbing sheer rock cliffs, braving whitewater on the upper Doe River, or leaping from the top of a thirty-foot pole. Inwardly you are going far beyond what you thought you knew—about yourself, your capabilities, your passions, your God.
teen
Adventure Quest is all about discovery. It’s a place where you have the freedom to explore new things, the freedom to succeed, and the freedom to fail without fear of ridicule or rejection. It’s a place where you can express your doubts and find answers to life’s toughest questions. It’s a place that fosters trust, builds confidence, and instills courage. It’s a place where you can build new friendships and renew old ones. Through gut-wrenching, breath-taking adventure, dynamic worship, transformational teaching, loving and caring relationships, small group discussions, and solo time, you will discover truths from God’s Word that will guide you into life’s greatest adventure—the adventure of intimately knowing God and the great plan He has for you. You will come away with new skills, a new confidence, and a new vision to live life to the fullest. Adventure Quest is guaranteed to be one of the best times of your life!
Step 1: Choose Your Favorite “Quest” Every Quest includes team building events, the Adventure Race, the triple water-landing zipline, the blob, knee-deep water volleyball and basketball, white-sand beach, plus free-time electives such as disc golf, octaball, soccer, Unimog rides, and much more.
Quest 1
• High Challenge Course • Mountain Biking • Advanced Tree Climbing • Double Leap of Faith • Paintball
Quest 2
• Horseback Riding • Leap of Faith • Rock Climbing • Mountain Boarding • Paintball
Quest 3
• Via Ferrata • Via Dolorosa • The Way • Rappelling • Whitewater Tubing
ens
“
Doe River Gorge was the most exciting adventure, not only physically, but spiritually. Nothing can ever replace that. Katharine, age 16, Tennessee
“
Step 2: Select a Date
”
teens|adventure quest
4 steps to begin your quest
”
This camp is amazing. I bonded with new people, and had an incredible time.
• May 31 – June 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for students entering grades 7 – 12 • June 14 – 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for students entering grades 7 – 10 • June 28 – July 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for students entering grades 7 – 12 • July 5 – 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for students entering grades 7 – 10 • July 12 – 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for students entering grades 7 – 12 • July 19 – 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for students entering grades 7 – 10 • August 2 – 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . for students entering grades 7 – 12
Dustin, age 16, North Carolina
Step 3: Select a Housing Option Gazeepees (for males) Hobo Condos (for females) Mountain Meadows Lodge (for males) Cedar Mountain Lodge (for females)
Step 4: Register www.doerivergorge.com
by March 15
COST by April 15
after April 15
$470
$500
$530
$520
$550
$580
423.725.4010
HOUSING OPTIONS (see p.21 for housing details)
423.725.4010 11
Expedition
A six-day backpacking adventure for students entering grades 8-12
T
teens|expedition
ighten up your bootstraps because you are about to venture into the magnificent, rugged, awe-inspiring mountains of the Cherokee National Forest.
You’ll backpack through dense forests and through rhododendron thickets. You’ll trek along cool mountain streams that cascade into waterfalls creating refreshing pools for swimming and cliff jumping. At Grindstaff Cave you’ll explore the dark bowels of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. Then kayak on beautiful Watauga Lake where you’ll camp on an uninhabited island.
“
www.doerivergorge.com
Expedition is like personally visiting God, which gives you an intimate relationship with Him.
12
”
Ashlee, age 15
teen
On this journey, not only will you learn the skills you need to succeed in the wilderness, but you’ll learn the skills you need to succeed in life. Through fireside Bible talks, group discussions, and solo times in God’s Word, you’ll experience a fresh, rejuvenating encounter with the God who created it all.
two steps to wilderness adventure Step 1: Choose From Seven Exciting Weeks • June 7 – 12 • June 14 – 19 • June 21 – 26 • July 5 – 10 • July 12 – 17 • July 19 – 24 • July 26 – 31
by March 15
COST by April 15
after April 15
$490
$520
$550
Step 2: Register www.doerivergorge.com 423.725.4010
Expedition is limited to 12 students per week.
teens|youth groups
Youth Groups
A six-day adventure to build unity, teamwork, and spiritual growth
B
ring your group to Doe River Gorge where you and your students can reconnect, refresh, and re-energize as you fall in love, all over again, with the magnificent God of all creation.
During your week at Adventure Quest or Expedition you, as leader, are free to spend time with those whom God has entrusted to your care. Doe River Gorge provides all programming and logistics including team building initiatives, high adventure activities, fabulous food, transformational teaching, passionate worship experiences, and debrief sessions. Your students will soar in their walk with Christ while building unity and teamwork in your group.
ens
Plus, a well-trained, college-aged young person will guide you through the week, to support you, lighten your load, and be a positive role model to your students. This allows you, as youth leader, to be involved in all of the intense activities, or if you prefer, to sit in a rocking chair overlooking the mountains and enjoy some down time to refuel yourself for ministry.
Organized groups receive a $20 per person discount off of published rates, PLUS one person comes FREE for every 15 students you bring. Call 423.725.4010 for more information and to register your group. Can’t wait to see you and your group at Adventure Quest 2009!
“
423.725.4010
Adventure Quest allows you the freedom to play, love, and invest in your students while building memories that will last a lifetime. You and your students will return home as a team of unified, committed disciples, strengthened in your faith, and ready for another year of ministry.
There is something in these hills that lets you truly feel the love of Christ. Ashlee, age 15
13
teens|SALT / LEAD
SALT: Servant And Leadership Training Y
A 19-day work/study adventure for students who have completed the ninth grade ou’re feeling the tug. The things that used to satisfy are beginning to feel empty. You’ve been getting to know God but now you desire to know Him deeper and more intimately. You have questions about your faith and you want to find answers. You’re ready for deeper friendships—the kind that comes from working . . . and sweating . . . and praying together . . . for a common goal. You’re ready to sacrifice so that others can experience what you have discovered. If you’re ready, the SALT program is for you. This Servant And Leadership Training program will help you begin the journey to becoming the servant-leader that God wants you to be. For three exciting weeks you will be one of 16 students who will work, play, study, and pray together, while learning the first quality of leadership—a servant attitude. Together, as a team, you will wash dishes, mop floors, take out trash, work at the lake, and do a host of other activities to help staff the Adventure Quest programs. Although the days are long and the work is hard, you will find SALT to be a refreshing break from the pressures of everyday life. Your days will also be filled with times in God’s Word, passionate worship experiences, fireside chats, great fun, and extreme adventure. As you see your efforts make a difference in the lives of other students, you will discover that true joy and fulfillment comes, not from being served, but from serving others. To begin the registration process, call 423.725.4010 or visit www.doerivergorge.com. You will then be sent an application packet which must be completed and returned to DRG. You will be notified of your acceptance within three weeks after your application materials are received. Session Dates Cost Don’t miss this vital opportunity to continue your journey to intimately knowing God. 1 Sunday, May 31–Thursday, June 18 $895
teens 2009 SALT Dates
2 3
Sunday, June 21–Thursday, July 9 Sunday, June 12–Thursday, July 30
$895 $825
LEAD: Leadership Experience And Discipleship Y
www.doerivergorge.com
A 26-day practicum for students who have completed the 10th grade
14
ou’ve heard the call. You’re tired of mediocrity in your own life and you’re tired of seeing your peers live purposeless and destructive lifestyles. You want to know God’s Word. You want to know God. You want to see God do miraculous things through your life. Yes, you’ve heard the call, and God is calling you to step out and be a leader among your generation.
The LEAD program is the next step to becoming the leader you were meant to be. LEAD is a four week leadership training program designed to stretch you spiritually and challenge you physically. This experience will provide the framework you need to become a leader among your generation: solid character, personal and spiritual disciplines, and leadership experiences. You will learn basic T3 Discipleship Training and Bible study methods as you formulate a Biblical worldview. You will also develop team building skills, high-ropes technical skills, and debriefing techniques. You will discover what it takes to have Godly character, to be a leader, and to make a difference in your world. You will return home with a new confidence, a new resolve, and a new purpose. You will return home and LEAD.
Due to the intense nature of LEAD, acceptance is by application only. To receive an application you must register by calling 423.725.4010 or visiting www.doerivergorge.com. You will then be sent an application packet which must be completed and returned to DRG. You will be notified of your acceptance within three weeks after your application materials are received. Session Dates
2009 LEAD Dates
1 2
Sunday, May 31–Thursday, June 25 Sunday, July 5–Friday, July 31
Cost $1,425 $1,425
College Challenge
An 88-day journey to equip college-aged young people for servant, leadership, and discipleship training
Y
ou are living in a unique period of life. You are free to make your own decisions and free from the responsibilities of a career. But this season of your life is short. You want to invest this time for maximum experience, growth, and impact.
This summer over 2,000 children and teens will be traveling to Doe River Gorge for a week of high adventure fun. You may be one of the ninety college students that God will use to see these young people transformed with the love and message of Jesus Christ.
college
As a summer staff member you will receive 17 days of intense training that will be invaluable to you, not only during your service at Doe River Gorge, but for the rest of your life. You will receive T3 Discipleship Training, certification in “Heartsaver First Aid,” skills for transforming a random group of people into a well-functioning team, technical skills for leading a host of wilderness adventure activities, counseling techniques, safety procedures, and much more. At the end of the summer you will have seen God use you to make an eternal difference in the lives of students. You will leave Doe River Gorge with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, an emboldened faith, and a renewed intimacy with the living God.
Staff Positions Available for Summer ’09 • Food Service • Housekeeping • Health Care • Office Assistant
• Gift Shop & Snack Shop Manager • Videographer • Wrangler • Mountain Bike Instructor
Customized internships to meet a variety of requirements are also available. For more information or an application, visit www.doerivergorge.com or call 423.725.4010.
Staff Member, England
Discover Weekend
A weekend to discover opportunities at DRG.
Undecided about your summer? Discover Weekend, April 3-5, 2009 is a FREE retreat for college-aged students who want to discover more about investing a summer at Doe River Gorge. You will develop new relationships, experience extreme outdoor adventure, eat fabulous food, passionately worship, and learn revolutionary truths from God’s Word. Come for the fun. Come for the adventure. Come for the food. But don’t miss this great opportunity to allow God to work in your life. And what college student can turn down free food? To register for Discover Weekend call Spencer at 423.725.4010
423.725.4010
• Counselor • High Adventure Instructor • General Maintenance • Vehicle & Equipment Maintenance
“ ”
Doe River Gorge gave me a passion for Jesus, a thirst for His Word, and an unshakeable foundation from which to build my life. Zeke Dixon, Summer
college
Doe River Gorge is a place where you can discover your passions, gifts, and abilities. It is a place where you can have new experiences, learn new skills, and form friendships that will last a lifetime. It is a place where you can invest your life in the lives of others and a place where you can be invested in. It is a place where you can be strengthened in your faith and grow in intimacy with the living God.
15
Father/Son Challenge Weekend adventures for fathers and sons
www.doerivergorge.com
families | father/son
A
16
t the Father/Son Challenge you won’t just hang out together, you’ll hang off together—off a ninety-foot cliff, that is, as you seek to climb it or rappel it. You can race each other down the triple water-landing zipline, issue a challenge to be first to the top of the technical tree climb, or shoot each other at the paintball course. You may want to climb the caving ladders, try to catch a trapeze by jumping from the top of a 30-foot pole, go mountain biking, play disc golf, or test your skills on the vertical challenge course. With the new Flex-Time Schedule, you can do as many activities as your energy and time will allow. Whatever you choose to do, you will experience a weekend that is gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, and memory-making. Although you may return home with some sore muscles, you’ll be refreshed, renewed, and your relationship with one another will be at a whole new level. Register now and secure your place in the Father/Son Challenge.
fami
dates September 11–13 (for sons ages 8 and up) October 2–4 (for sons ages 13 and up) cost $200 per person register www.doerivergorge.com 423.725.4010
“
The most intense adventure that I have had with my boys. Encompassing the physical, spiritual, and emotional dynamics. Father, New Jersey
Mother/Daughter Retreat
P
ack up your bags and head to the mountains for a fun, adventurous, unforgettable, memorymaking weekend. During this weekend mothers and daughters will experience incredible fun, brave innovative challenges, and build new and lasting friendships. But most of all, the two of you will build bonds of unity and unforgettable memories that you will cherish for years to come. Imagine racing down a 700-foot-long, water-landing ziplines; catapulting each other from the Blob, or playing a game of knee-deep water volleyball. If that’s not enough adventure, think of working together to scale a 90-foot rock wall or leaping together from the top of a 30-foot pole while attempting to catch a trapeze. And if all of that sounds way more than you can imagine, then choose milder adventures such as horseback riding, disc golf, a train ride through the scenic gorge, or lying on the beach and catching some rays. Regardless of your skills or physical abilities you are guaranteed to have a great time, experience new adventures, and make lifelong friendships.
milies
The weekend will be filled with surprise events, special workshops, worship experiences and times in God’s Word—all designed to build lasting bonds of unity between mothers and daughters. When the weekend is over your relationship with one another will have grown in exponential ways! You will have a new love and appreciation for each other and you will take home memories and stories that you will tell to your grandchildren. It happens only once a year, so register now, before your calendar fills.
date August 28–30 (for daughters ages 8 and up) register www.doerivergorge.com cost $200 per person
“
I understand my mother has more in common with me than our DNA! DRG isn’t just a camp, it’s a way to challenge yourself, reach new goals, and explore outside the box. Melissa, daughter
423.725.4010
”
families | mother/daughter
An unforgettable, memory-making weekend for mothers and daughters
423.725.4010 17
families and groups
Day Quest
B
A day of fun and adventure for families, ministries, groups, and businesses
ring your family, group, or company to Doe River Gorge this summer for a day filled with fun and adventure. On select Saturdays throughout the summer and fall you can zip down a 700-foot-long water-landing zipline, get blasted by the blob, swim in a mountain lake, play on the white-sand beach, or enjoy the NEW water pyramid.
If your adrenaline still needs charging, jump on the Unimog for a wild ride into the surrounding mountains or engage in a battle at the paintball course. Enjoy a guided horseback trip along scenic trails, play a game of sand-court volleyball, or seize the 9-hole disc golf course. When you’re ready to slow down, take a scenic train ride on the historic rails of the former ET & WNC Railroad where you will see some of the most majestic scenery in the eastern USA.
cost
families an
Admission to Day Quest is $16.00 per person for the entire day (10:00am–4:30pm). Children ages 7 and under are FREE when accompanied by parent. Admission includes all activities* except as follows:
www.doerivergorge.com
• Horseback Riding: $20 per person for a one hour ride.
18
• Paintball: Use of the paintball course is included in the admission price. A marker and mask may be rented for $5.00 per two-hour session or you may bring your own. Paintballs MUST be purchased at The Gorge and cost $20 for a bag of 500 balls (friends may buy a bag together and share the cost).
lunch
A delicious buffet lunch is available for $8.00 and includes your choice of a charbroiled black angus hamburger, pulled-pork barbeque sandwich or two hotdogs. PLUS, your choice of potato salad or chips, baked beans, coleslaw, jumbo cookie, and lemonade or tea. A child’s meal (age 11 and under) is available for $4.00 and includes one hotdog, chips, cookie, and drink.
snacks Candy, cold drinks, nachos, ice cream, and other snacks are available throughout the day at the Side Track Café, located at the lakefront. *Age restrictions apply for most activities. Activities may be substituted during inclement weather.
2009 Day Quest dates • June 13 • June 27 • July 11 • July 18 • August 1 • August 15 • August 22 • September 5 • September 19 • September 26
register www.doerivergorge.com 423.725.4010
A weekend escape for families and groups
E
scape for a great weekend with your family or group!! With the Endless Summer Get-A-Way package you can enjoy an entire weekend at The Gorge for an incredibly low price.
and groups the Endless Summer Get-A-Way package includes: • • • •
Admission to Day Quest 2 Nights Lodging 4 Meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch & dinner and Sunday breakfast) PLUS!!! Hiking, disc golf, sand-court volleyball, numerous playing fields, ping-pong, foosball, and a variety of other activities are available during your entire stay.
• Lodging in Cedar Mountain Lodge, Mountain Meadows Lodge, Riverfront Cabins, or a Railcar $91* per person ages 8 and up $75* per child ages 7 and under • Save even more by lodging in a majestic 32-foot-high riverfront Gazepee. The Gazepees are now AIR-CONDITIONED and have a LOFT. Plus the addition of a male and female bathhouse makes the Gazepees available for families. $79* per person ages 8 and up $63* per child ages 7 and under *Cost is based on a minimum of 4 per family and 8 per group
2009 Endless Summer Get-A-Way dates •August 14-16 •August 21-23 •September 4-6 (Labor Day Weekend) •September 18-20 •September 25-27
register www.doerivergorge.com
423.725.4010
cost for the entire weekend
families and groups
Endless Summer Get-A-Way
423.725.4010 19
families and groups
Customized Retreats For ministries, families, businesses & groups
C
ome experience the magnificent scenery, premier facilities, unsurpassed activities, excellent food, and heart-warming hospitality of Doe River Gorge. Secluded from the outside world, it is the perfect environment for your group or family retreat.
Doe River Gorge can host overnight groups from 4 people to over 300. Numerous playing fields, sand-court volleyball, 9-hole disc golf, hiking in the scenic gorge, octaball, and various table games are available for your group. Our staff can also lead your group in team building initiatives or extreme outdoor adventures.
end-of-summer
Plan your retreat while the lakefront is still open. The Endless Summer Get-A-Way package is available from mid-August until the end of September. Your group can enjoy two nights lodging, meals, and all the adventure at the lake for a special low price.
fall
In the fall, The Gorge bursts forth in a kaleidoscope of spectacular colors. Warm days are great for adventure activities and cool nights welcome a roaring fire.
families and groups winter
www.doerivergorge.com
Snow often canvases the mountains during the winter months and the absence of leaves reveals magnificent rock formations. Doe River Gorge is located only 45 minutes from the ski slopes of Western North Carolina making The Gorge a great place for a ski retreat.
20
spring
During the spring, The Gorge comes alive with blooming mountain laurel and brightly-colored wild flowers.
Doe River Gorge can customize your retreat to include: • Lodging (see page 21) • Fabulous Meals • Meeting Facilities • Recreational Activities • Extreme Adventure Activities
• Team Building Initiatives • Gifted Speakers • Praise and Worship Leaders • A/V Equipment
sample weekend retreat package rate • 2 nights lodging and 4 great meals for only $75.00 per person • Save even more with weekday rates
for more information www.doerivergorge.com 423.725.4010
T
he accommodations at Doe River Gorge are designed to facilitate community and group interaction. You will find comfortable, unique, well-furnished, and squeaky-clean facilities that will provide a great environment for your time at The Gorge. All accommodations have large, custom designed, bunk style beds that are complimented with a reading light, shelf, electrical outlet, and individual wardrobe to store your personal belongings.
riverfront cabins Hike over the river and through the woods to Bear Trap, Bear Claw, and Bear’s Den—secluded riverfront cabins where you can cozy up to a warm fire and watch the Doe River flow by. Each cabin is complemented with rockers on the front porch, a wood burning fireplace or wood stove, a complete kitchen, and a gathering room. Bear Trap and Bear Claw each sleeps ten people and has two bathrooms. Bear’s Den sleeps twenty people and has four bathrooms.
Hobo Condos With new, separate bath facilities for males and females, families can now stay in the Gazepees!!
lodging
lodging
Cabin
Gazeepee Village
Riverfront Cabin
hobo condos
Sleep in a charming, authentic railroad car. Each Hobo Condo sleeps eight guests and has central heat and air conditioning, carpeting and hardwood flooring, and a small gathering room. Complete bath facilities in each railcar contains two sinks, two showers, and a toilet. There are five Hobo Condos for a maximum capacity of 40 guests.
gazeepees
Experience the adventure of living in a majestic 32-foot-high deluxe tepee that we call a Gazepee. Gazepees are great fun, are located next to the Doe River and NOW have sleeping lofts and air-conditioning! There are five Gazepees each of which will sleep ten people. Every bed is also complimented with a reading light, shelf, electrical outlet, and individual storage for clothing. Beautiful bath facilities with unlimited hot water are located just a few steps away.
Mountain Meadows Lodge
This beautiful lodge has eight sleeping rooms which are accessed from their own large, covered front porch/deck. Each room houses ten people and has carpeting, central heat and air conditioning, and a large bath containing two showers, two sinks and two toilets. A large gathering room on the lower level is equipped with fireplace, video projection, sound system, warming kitchen and two bathrooms. Maximum capacity for this lodge is 80 people.
Cedar Mountain Lodge
cedar mountain lodge
The focal point of this retreat lodge is the central great room with wood-burning fireplace, second floor balcony and two-story wall of windows overlooking Cedar Mountain and the Doe River. This room is equipped with comfortable furnishings, video projection and sound system. Each of the ten sleeping rooms has carpeting, heating and air conditioning, and a large bathroom with two showers, two sinks and two toilets. This lodge has a maximum capacity of 96 guests.
423.725.4010
mountain meadows lodge
21 Cedar Mountain Lodge
message to parents
Dear Parents, T
he one question that I am most often asked by parents is, “How do I get my child interested in spiritual things?” As Christian parents we want our children to be passionate about their walk with Christ, but how do we cultivate that passion within them? I Peter 2:2-3 provides significant insight to this critical question, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that you can grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (NIV) These verses inform us that before our young people will crave spiritual things, or before they can grow in their spiritual life, they must first have tasted that God is good. Unfortunately, when young people are ridiculed at school, fail to make the team, experience the untimely death of a friend, or go through other negative experiences they often perceive that God does not care for them and, therefore, He is not good. These negative perceptions are often confirmed by the way they see God portrayed in the media and popular culture. Satan has certainly been masterful at diminishing the character of God.
partne
www.doerivergorge.com
But where can young people go to taste that God is good? In an atmosphere of incredible fun, extreme adventures, loving and caring relationships, and transformational training in God’s Word, Doe River Gorge provides an environment where hundreds of young people discover intimacy with the living God.
22
Our desire is to come alongside you, as parents, to help your child know that, in spite of circumstances, God is good. With a sequential, progressive program that builds year-to-year, students grow in their desire to know God and they grow up in their salvation. Skill development, leadership opportunities, and discipleship are all part of this training. Raising a new generation to live for the glory of God is a formidable task. The people, place, and resources known as Doe River Gorge Ministries are here, for the long haul, to partner with you in that effort. As we work together to help our young people taste that God is good, we will observe an increasing desire to live their lives the way God intended, and see them grow to maturity in their walk with Christ. For His Glory,
“
As a formation tool for young people Doe River Gorge is a national treasure.
parent, Kentucky
Terry Maughon, President Doe River Gorge Ministries
Our Ambition D
oe River Gorge desires to be a catalyst for every person to taste that God is good. Therefore, we strive not only to meet the standard, but to set the standard for excellence in ministry. Our ambition is to provide . . .
exceptional staff
health & safety
At Doe River Gorge safety is priority #1. While danger is inherent in any adventure activity, Doe River Gorge seeks to minimize that danger through well-designed courses, top-of-the-line equipment, and well-trained staff. All adventure courses are professionally designed and independently inspected. Summer staff members are certified in Heartsaver First Aid. Doe River Gorge maintains an infirmary that is staffed by a registered nurse. As preparation in case of an emergency, Doe River Gorge maintains a close relationship with the local EMS and Wings Air Rescue.
nership
our ambition
Doe River Gorge Ministries has a committed team of 20 fulltime staff members. During the summer months, the fulltime staff is complemented by 90 of the most hard-working, kidloving, God-honoring, college students that can be found in America. Before beginning service at Doe River Gorge, summer staff members receive 17 days of intensive training.
personalized attention
With a counselor/student ratio of 2:8 and an overall staff/student ratio of 1:2, Doe River Gorge is able to provide personalized supervision, instruction, and attention.
fabulous meals
Doe River Gorge takes pride in serving great-tasting, well-balanced, nutritious meals. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always available and no one walks away from the table hungry. Special diets can be accommodated with prior notice.
exceptional value
Compared to similar programs throughout the country, Doe River Gorge offers an exceptional value. With the quality of programs, property, facilities, and staff, we are often asked how costs can be kept so reasonable. The fact is that revenues generated from all programs at Doe River Gorge covers only about 65% of our operational budget. The balance of operational funds comes from charitable gifts, with a small portion generated from sales at our Outfitters Store and Side Track Café. Browse the Outfitters Store for Doe River Gorge sportswear including hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and Columbia fleeces. You will also find mugs, journals, backpacks, high adventure gear, novelties, postcards, Christian jewelry, and numerous other items.
side track café
The Side Track Café, located at the lakefront, offers refreshing fountain drinks, ice cream cones, nachos, candy, and a variety of snacks to satisfy those after-activity cravings.
support
Join Doe River Gorge in reaching this generation for Christ! Although you may not be physically present, you can play a vital role in sharing the love of Christ with young people. As an independent, non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization, Doe River Gorge relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and churches. In addition, funds must be raised for scholarships and capital improvements. Your tax-deductible, charitable contribution will advance the mission of “cultivating in students a passion to intimately know God.”
423.725.4010
outfitters store
23
Cincinnati
“I enthusiastically endorse the ministries of Doe River Gorge. Their love for young people, cutting edge programming, loving staff, and unshaken belief that God’s Word is the best thing to give today’s youth is making a strategic difference. For all of us who are rooting for the next generation, Doe River Gorge is our kind of place.”
Louisville
Doe River Gorge Nashville
Dr. Joseph M. Stowell President, Cornerstone University
Winston-Salem
Knoxville Charlotte
Little Rock
Memphis
Huntsville Columbia Atlanta Birmingham
Doe River Gorge Ministries P.O. Box 791 Elizabethton, Tennessee 37644-0791 423.725.4010 www.doerivergorge.com
©Jeffrey Stoner www.JWSPhotoArts.com