Westside Kingdom Kids Boys Retreat

We’re excited to invite our 4th & 5th grade boys to a special overnight retreat designed just for them! This will be a fun and meaningful time for the boys to grow in their faith, build friendships, and spend time together learning what it means to step up as young men who follow Jesus.

4th & 5th Grade Boys Retreat

Friday–Saturday | July 24–25, 2026

📍 Location: The White’s Camp on the Pearl River

⏰ Schedule

Friday: Meet at the church at 6:00 PM to leave together

Saturday: Return to the church around 3:00 PM

Dear Parents,

We are excited about our upcoming Kingdom Kids Boys Retreat! This retreat is designed specifically for boys who have completed the 4th or 5th grade and is much more than an overnight event—it is an opportunity for young men to grow in their faith, build friendships, learn practical life skills, and spend time with godly men who desire to encourage and invest in them.

Our theme comes from Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, reminding us that we are stronger when we walk with God and surround ourselves with godly friends.

Throughout the retreat, the boys will enjoy activities such as:

• Learning to make and grill their own hamburgers.

• Basic outdoor and survival skills.

• Knot tying and practical hands-on lessons.

• Team-building games and challenges.

• Campfire Bible studies and worship.

• Conversations about integrity, responsibility, courage, work ethic, and following Jesus.

• Plenty of fun, laughter, and memories together.

Retreat Schedule

Friday, July 24

• Check-In: 6:00 PM at Westside Church

• After check-in, we'll head to camp where the boys will learn how to make and grill their own hamburgers for dinner. Throughout the evening they'll enjoy games, outdoor activities, campfire Bible study, worship, and time with their mentors.

Saturday, July 25

• The boys will help prepare breakfast and lunch, continuing to learn practical cooking and teamwork skills.

• We'll wrap up the retreat with Bible study, team challenges, and a time of prayer before returning to the church.

• Parent Pick-Up: 3:00 PM at Westside Church.

What to Bring

Please label everything with your child's name.

Clothing

• Comfortable clothes for Friday evening

• Clothes for Saturday

• Underwear and socks

• Tennis shoes

• Swimsuit

• Towel

Bedding

• Sleeping bag or twin-size bedding

• Pillow

Toiletries

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

• Deodorant

• Soap/body wash

• Shampoo

• Washcloth

• Any personal hygiene items

Other Items

• Bible

• Notebook or journal

• Pen or pencil

• Flashlight

• Refillable water bottle

• Bug spray

• Sunscreen (optional)

• Snacks (especially if your son is a picky eater)

Cell Phones

Boys are welcome to bring their cell phones. However, all phones will be collected at the beginning of the retreat and securely stored by our leaders. Phones will be returned before dismissal on Saturday. This allows the boys to unplug from distractions, build friendships, and fully engage in everything God has planned for the weekend.

If you need to reach your son during the retreat, you may contact one of our leaders at any time.

Medications

If your son requires medication, please place it in a labeled Ziploc bag with clear instructions and give it directly to a leader during check-in. Please also let us know about any allergies, medical conditions, or dietary restrictions before the retreat.

Please Do Not Bring

• Weapons, fireworks, or anything unsafe (pocketknives are acceptable as long as they let us know they have one and you’ve approved of them having one)

• Expensive valuables

• Energy drinks

Drop-Off Checklist

□ Bible
□ Sleeping bag or bedding
□ Pillow
□ Clothes for Friday & Saturday
□ Swimsuit & towel
□ Toiletries
□ Water bottle
□ Flashlight
□ Snacks
□ Medications (in a labeled Ziploc bag, if needed)
□ Cell phone (optional; will be collected during the retreat)

Our Prayer

Our prayer is that every boy leaves this retreat with:

• A stronger relationship with Jesus.

• Greater confidence in who God created him to be.

• New friendships with other Christian boys.

• Practical life skills that will serve him for years to come.

• Encouragement from godly men who care about his future.

Thank you for allowing us to invest in your son. We believe God has something special in store for this weekend, and we can't wait to see what He does.

If you have any questions before the retreat, please don't hesitate to contact us.

We are praying for your family and look forward to a great weekend together!

Marcus Rosa
Pastor, Westside Church

WestsideBogalusa.com