Show love and offer hope in Jesus' name to families affected by disability!
Please consider joining our Team and serving the Lord this summer at a

Joni & Friends Family Retreat

What is the Family Retreat Team?

Each year, brothers and sisters in Christ here at Brick Lane Community Church form a Short-Term Missions Team to minister at four separate one-week Joni & Friends Family Retreats. Each one-week retreat is attended by approx. 45 families affected by disability. Most team members serve one week, but some serve multiple weeks.

What is the need?

Families affected by disability are one of the most unloved, unreached people groups. Joni & Friends Family Retreats provide a dynamic and unique opportunity for our volunteers to live out their faith by reaching out in a meaningful and Christ-centered way to these families. They will minister to families that come seeking respite, relaxation, inspiration and support. Through the simplicity of their service, they'll have the opportunity to build relationships and share the gospel, helping others find hope in Jesus.

What will I be doing?

  • Some volunteers assist in the program activities, such as the Children's Ministry.

  • Most volunteers will be paired with a disabled child, teen or adult, or one of their siblings to assist him or her throughout the week.

  • You will not give personal or medical care.

  • You will greet your camper at breakfast and say good night to him or her after the evening program.

  • You will eat meals with your camper and join him or her in their program activities as well as a wide variety of other activities such as swimming, paddle boating, mini-golfing, hiking, zip lining and wall climbing.

  • By spending time with the children and youth, you will allow the parents to attend their programming, hear biblical teaching, and enjoy time together as a couple.

Where is it?

Spruce Lake Retreat Center in Canadensis, PA which is just over 2 hours from Elverson.

When is it?

  • Retreat 1 – Sunday June 15 thru Friday June 20, 2025

  • Retreat 2 – Sunday June 22 thru Friday June 27, 2025

  • Retreat 3 – Sunday July 27 thru Friday August 1, 2025

  • Retreat 4 – Sunday October 19 thru Friday October 24, 2025

How much does it cost?

Team members raise their own support. The costs are:

  • $550 per week for team members 12 and over the day they arrive

  • $450 per week for team members under 12 the day they arrive

  • There is a $50 discount off the cost of the week for those serving a 2nd or 3rd week

What's the next step?