Dear Students,

We are having our first-of-its-kind Student Winter Retreat this January 2025! The purpose is to get out of normal rhythms —to have a specific set of time for us to reset and remind ourselves what really matters. We are going on this retreat to immerse ourselves in the wonder of God’s world—yes, in the winter—and remember why he is the greatest of treasures. Additionally, we aspire to deepen our fellowship with one another as we enjoy what God has made together.

With hope,

Tommy Kraemer

Registration closed.

More Details

This is going to be an incredible weekend for students as we make our way to Camp Shamineau on January 17, through the 19th. Camp Shamineau is located in Motley, Minnesota which is approximately two and a half hours away from Cities Church. 

In addition to great worship and messages grounded in the Bible, students will also get to partake in: 

  • Horse trail rides

  • High ropes course

  • Zip line

  • NEW static ropes course

  • Indoor climbing wall

  • Tournament Games — Volleyball, Dodgeball, and Broomball

  • Rifle Range (Students may participate in airsoft battles, but cannot bring their own airsoft equipment. They must use the equipment provided by Camp Shamineau).

  • Tubing/sledding (Depends upon snow)

  • Campfire Donuts (Delicious treats that students can make during free time)

  • Leather Shop (An activity where students can make projects out of leather)

Whether you have already been to Student Ministry events or this would be your first one, we would love for you to join us January 17-19 for this retreat!

On Friday, January 17, we will all meet at Cities Church at 4:30pm. Students should be dropped off at that time, and then Student Ministry Leaders and chaperones will carpool the crew to Camp Shamineau. We will return to Cities Church on Sunday, January 19 around 3:00-3:30pm.

Further details will be emailed to you once your registration is complete. If you have any additional questions, please see the FAQs below or email Tommy Kramer at (tommy@citieschurch.com).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • $135

    For financial assistance, please reach out to our Student Ministry Coordinator, Tommy Kraemer (tommy@citieschurch.com).

  • Please register by 12:00pm on January 9.

  • Camp Shamineau is located in Motley, MN.

    2345 Ridge Rd, Motley, MN 56466 →

  • Drop-off: On Friday, we are meeting at 4:30pm.

    Pick-up: On Sunday, we expect to arrive back at Cities Church around 3:00–3:30pm.

    • Pillow and sleeping bag or sheets/blankets

    • Warm clothes 

    • Athletic clothes for indoor games

    • Toiletries, towels

    • Flashlight, Bible, Student Ministry Notebook

    • Extra cash for Sunday’s lunch (not provided by Camp Shamineau), or for anything else.

  • Camp Shamineau will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday; and breakfast on Sunday.

    On Friday, consider eating an early dinner or grabbing something to go as we are going straight to Camp Shamineau from the church building.

    Additionally, make sure to have some extra money for the trip back on Sunday. We will be stopping for lunch on the way back. 

    Please indicate through the registration if you have food restrictions. Camp Shamineau has gluten-free and dairy-free options.

  • “Seventh Hour” a youth worship band originally from Ridgewood Church in Minnetonka, MN.

  • Chris Allen — screenwriter for Eagle Brook Church and adjunct professor for Bible at University of Northwestern—St. Paul.

  • Yes, there are multiple times throughout the retreat where students will get discipleship directly from our own team.

  • Potentially, depending on the number of students and needs of the Student Ministry Leaders. If interested, reach out to our Student Ministry Coordinator, Tommy Kraemer (tommy@citieschurch.com).

  • Yes! Invite your friends and have them register by noon on January 9.

Please contact Tommy Kraemer (tommy@citieschurch.com) with any questions.