Poiema Spring 2027
The Christian Experience
Who is it for?
Poiema is for unmarried young adults, ages 18-28.
We will be staying at Hungry Mother State Park, located at:
2854 Park Blvd., Marion, Va
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hungry-mother
What should I pack?
The basics: Clothing (remember you will be spending lots of time outdoors - it never hurts to bring extras!), toiletries, sheets, pillow, towels & washcloths, hiking shoes, rain gear, jacket/coat, clothing/shoes that you are comfortable dancing in, a nicer set of clothes for the final dance on Thursday night, flashlight, snacks, water bottles, Bible, notebook, wallet/cash, etc.
What meals are provided?
All meals will be provided. Be sure to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions when you register.
Is dancing mandatory?
One of our wonderful dance callers will be teaching & calling several contra dances each night, with a more "formal" dance the last night (a good opportunity to dress up!). We're not saying they won't drag you out on the dance floor and make you at least try, but we're not promising they won't, either.
Is this a matchmaking camp?
Nope! Our goal is to challenge you in your faith and connect you with like-minded young adults. If the friendships formed here turn into something more, that is fantastic! But that is not our focus.
Speakers
Laurence Windham
Laurence is the pastor of Saint Peter Presbyterian Church in Bristol, TN. He has worked with teenagers, collegians, and single adults ever since he began training and working in the ministry which included serving as campus minister for Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Central Florida before he moved to Virginia.
David Cooper
David serves as an elder at Providence Church in Lynchburg, VA. He is a graduate of Liberty University and has worked with young adults for years. He has been a welcome addition to teaching, and leading devotions, as well as busting dance moves at our retreats.
Schedule
This is a rough outline of the week (subject to change): Monday 5:00 Orientation 5:30-6:30 Dinner 6:30-7:30 First Talk 7:30-8:30 Q&A 8:30 Dessert 9:00 Dance Tuesday 8:30-9:00 Breakfast 9:00-10:00 Second Talk 10:30 Group Activity 5:30-6:30 Dinner 6:30-7:30 Third Talk 7:30-8:30 Q&A 8:30 Dessert 9:00 Dance Wednesday 8:30-9:00 Breakfast 9:00-10:00 Fourth Talk 10:15-11:15 Fifth Talk 12:00-5:30 Group Activity 5:30-6:30 Dinner 6:30-7:30 Sixth Talk 7:30-8:30 Q&A 8:30 Dessert 9:00 Dance Thursday 8:30-9:00 Breakfast 9:00-10:00 Seventh Talk 10:15-11:15 Eighth Talk 12:00-5:30 Group Activity or Free Time 5:30-6:30 Dinner 6:30-7:30 Ninth Talk 7:30-8:30 Q&A 8:30 Dessert 9:00 Dance Friday 8:00-9:00 Breakfast 9:00-10:00 Farewells & Departures