COMMUNITY. JESUS. FRIENDS. CONVERSATIONS.
2022 SPEAKERS & MUSIC
We are confirming other speakers, so check back every couple days!
2023 SPEAKERS & MUSICIANS
Ricky Bolden
Former NFL Player
Tamrat Layne
Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia
Kevin Singleton
Grammy winning songwriter
Kristi Gustafson
Spiritual Director
Ryan Anderson
Entrepreneur & Musician
Ayric Payton
State of Oregon
Romanita Hairston
Murdock Trust, CEO
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
August 30 - September 2, 2024
The Weekend is an annual gathering of people from different generations, locations, and vocations. We come together to learn from one another and to encounter the person of Jesus through story, friendship, and community.
Who is The Weekend for? Everyone! This is a great opportunity to experience as a family or with a group of friends, neighbors or colleagues.
What to expect:
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Time set aside to help you center your life on the teachings of Jesus.
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A multigenerational community experience.
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Activities: Zip lines, swimming pool, go-karts, basketball courts, frisbee golf and more!
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Building friendships in a variety of contexts.
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Morning and evening sessions, with plenty of free time in between (the basic schedule is below).
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Small groups for teens and adults.
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Kids' Club is available for kids ages 3+.
QUESTIONS?
There is a comprehensive FAQ below. You can also reach out to us at connect@centered.org.
"The Canyon" at Young Life's Washington Family Ranch
Antelope, Oregon
Why come this year?
This year we shift to a new focus: caring for our states, cities and neighborhoods. Together we'll explore a vision of kingdom health that thrives where we live, work and/or go to school. Like-minded friends
from throughout our region (and nation!) are coming to The Weekend
to learn more about personal and community transformation.
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What Can I Expect?A multigenerational community experience with the opportunity to build lasting friendships Morning and evening sessions, aimed to create reflection on the teachings of Jesus and life in the Kingdom Small groups for teens and adults, Kids Club for kids ages 3+ Free time, whether spent in breakout sessions, the prayer room, or at camp activities Camp Activities: lake zip line, swimming pool, hiking, go-karts, soccer field, frisbee golf, and the sports center: skate park, rock climbing, gym, basketball courts, billiard tables, and more
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Who is this for?The Weekend is a diverse gathering of people who embrace and celebrate multigenerational friendship that is rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. For people from all walks of life and backgrounds, The Weekend is not affiliated with a specific church or denomination; all faith backgrounds are welcome.
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What is the lodging situation?"The Canyon" at Washington Family Ranch is a Young Life camp designed for High-Schoolers, so most lodging is in bunk rooms that sleep 4 to 14 people. Many families want a private room - we do our best to accommodate this desire, but it is not guaranteed. For individuals, people are housed by either biological sex or by family. Larger rooms that sleep more than 4 people have either large or multiple bathrooms. During the registration process, roommates requests are accepted; 90+% of the time requests are accommodated. If your request cannot be met, we will contact you to discuss options. If you have questions about lodging, reach out to us at connect@centered.org.
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What’s included in the cost?The registration fee covers everything upon arrival at camp, except extra snacks or drinks you may purchase from the camp's snack shop (The Sarsaparilla) or items you may purchase from the gift shop. The following is covered: housing, meals, main sessions, Kids Club, and camp activities (lake zip line, giant swing, go-karts, etc.). Note: Some individuals are hungry in the evenings or outside of meals. If you think this could be you, consider bringing snacks to store in your room.
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What activites are at the camp?Camp activities include go-karts, the giant swing, a lake zip line, hiking, the swimming pool, paddle boarding, or activities in the sports complex, which includes a skate park, rock climbing, and a basketball court. Going for ice cream or coffee, enjoying conversations with friends, and participating in breakout sessions and the prayer room are other great ways to spend free time!
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Will there be speakers?Our 2025 speaker is Jeff Kemp, who will discuss our theme of Kingdom Living. Optional morning devotionals will be led by Doug Burleigh, discussing the principles of Jesus.
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Who is leading worship?Kevin Singleton will lead worship; Kevin is a Grammy Award winning songwriter, cross cultural musician, nonprofit youth development mentor and social entrepreneur.
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Can I bring my entire family?Yes, all are welcome - we are a group of friends who thrive on multigenerational friendships. For more information youth activities, see the FAQ section, “Is there childcare?”
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Is there childcare?We offer Kids Club for children who are fully potty-trained and are ages 3 through 8th grade. (Sorry, no exception for kids who are not yet 3 or who are not fully potty-trained.) Kids Club takes place for 2-3 hours in the mornings and evenings during main sessions and small groups so parents and/or caregivers can relax and enjoy. Children under the age of 3 remain in the care of their parents/caregivers at all times. Our all-volunteer team can only provide care on a 1:5 ratio, so if we do not have enough volunteers your child(ren) may be placed on a Kids Club waitlist. Registering before July 15th will help to make this possible.
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What will my middle school or high school student do?Middle and High school students will participate in all adult activities. They are placed in similar-age small groups and have a college age or older facilitator who will lead the group through important discussions relevant to their age. They have an opportunity to interact with the speakers and other adults who will engage with them in conversations rooted in what it means to follow Jesus in daily life. Top secret activities are another essential part of our student program.
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What if I want to invite my community from home or bring a group?We consider it a privilege for groups of friends to attend The Weekend together. Come one, come all! This gathering is not formally publicized; it’s truly about friends inviting friends who invite their friends. If you would like to room together, we will work with you to make it possible. When you register, simply indicate your roommate request(s).
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I have not been to The Weekend before and would like to talk to someone. Who do I reach out to?Reach out to us at connect@centered.org.
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Does the camp provide linens?Yes! Bed linens, a pillow, one towel, and one washcloth are provided. If you plan to swim, use the zip line, paddleboards, etc. plan to bring an extra towel or two (one for bathing, one for activities). The heating / cooling system is centrally controlled. Some people find the rooms to be cool at night, so consider bringing an extra blanket with you.
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I have dietary restrictions. What is the food sitaution?Vegetarian? Vegan? Gluten free? Dairy free? The Washington Family Ranch kitchen crew does an incredible job accommodating dietary restrictions. Please list any dietary restrictions during the registration process to ensure your needs are met. On occasion, the camp is not able to meet strict dietary needs; if this is the case, the camp will reach out to you.
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I need to bring my own food because of strict dietary needs. Is there a refrigerator I can access?Yes! To make arrangements, contact connect@centered.org.
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The cost is more than I can afford. Is it possible to get a scholarship?Yes, scholarships are available! Please fill out the scholarship request form linked on our page above.
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Where is Washington Family Ranch located? What is the camp property like?Washington Family Ranch is a Young Life property located 45 minutes outside the small town of Antelope, Oregon (population of 40). The property has two camps on it: Creekside and The Canyon. The Weekend takes place at The Canyon. Click here for more information about the camp.
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I need to change my plans. Can I get a refund?90% of your registration fee is refundable until July 31st, 2025. The remaining 10% covers administration fees such as credit card fees, registration platform fees, and other admin fees. After July 31st, all fees are non-refundable. To cancel your registration, email connect@centered.org.
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Can I smoke cigarettes or cigars while at the camp?Yes, smoking is allowed, but only in the designated area outside the Hotel Lobby. The camp is in a very remote location and fire danger is high in the summer months, so it is important to honor Young Life's request (we don't want to burn the camp down!). Upon arrival at the camp, ask someone at registration to show you the smoking area location.
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Is alcohol permitted at the camp?Please do not bring alcohol of any kind. Young Life has a strict no alcohol policy, and as property guests we are required to comply with their policies.
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Can I bring my dog?Dogs and other pets are not allowed, Washington Family Ranch has a strict no pet policy.
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Can I bring my RV or trailer? What about a tent?Unfortunately, no. The camp is not equipped to meet this request.
BASIC SCHEDULE
Friday,
September 1
Check-in begins at 4pm and dinner starts at 6pm.
After dinner we will have our first main session.
If you cannot arrive by 6pm – no worries!
We will be there to greet you when you arrive.
Saturday,
September 2
We believe in a well-rounded experience: Sharing meals, gathering together for good conversations so we can learn from one another,
time for self-reflection, opportunities to spend time with old friends and make new ones, plenty of fun & maybe even a bit of rest . . . all while surrounded by friends in a beautiful setting!
Sunday,
September 3
Same format.
Different day.
Get ready to enjoy yourself.
Monday,
September 4
Breakfast will be provided, and we will wrap up our time together! Goodbyes can be hard, but we trust you will continue both your old and new friendships from afar.
You should be on the road home no later than 11am.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
We often have requests for scholarship assistance. If you would like to help contribute to this fund so that others can attend,
please click here and under fund tab choose The Weekend - Scholarship option. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you!