Are these retreats for women only?
No! Children are a blessing and we welcome all ages! We have great sessions for both men and women, as well as the young adults. There is something for everyone, so bring the whole family.
What do I do with my children during the sessions?
We offer a free nursery for ages 0-4 during several of our sessions. All children are welcome to sit in the sessions with their parents as long as they are good listeners! We are professionally recording our sessions, so we kindly ask that you would step out with your child if they become distracting.
How do the meals work?
All families are on their own for breakfast and lunch each day. Almost all of our housing units come with a full kitchen, including: a full sized fridge, stove, microwave, pots, pans, and dishes. The dinner package is offered for $30 per person and covers 6 dinner meals, Thursday through Tuesday. Children ages 2 and under are free! Our dinner meals are served buffet line style, and will always include a Trim Healthy Mama salad option. The meal package is optional, but we highly recommend it! The fellowship that happens during dinner is a highlight for many of our families!
Are there small groups?
Yes! With over 100 families registered for this retreat, we believe that it is important to find ways to make each new family feel welcome. One of the ways we do this is by creating small groups, led by couples that have attended a retreat in the past and have offered to serve in this role. You will get your small group assignment when you check in, and you will meet them at the first session that evening! We encourage small groups to get together throughout the week for a special meal or some fellowship time on the beach. Your small group will also serve together by preparing and serving one of the group dinners or cleaning up a room after a session.
What are the housing options?
Our retreats are all held at Laguna Beach Christian Retreat in Panama City Beach, Florida. It is a beautiful campus with many different housing options, ranging in price from $743-$3500 for the week. Most of the units are studio style, with the kitchen and beds all in one room. We have several 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units, but these are typically reserved by the families that were in them for the last retreat. There is a list of available housing options on the registration form, you are also welcome to email us for up to date availability before registering. Once we receive your registration payment, we can assign your housing. All housing is first come, first served!
What are the modesty expectations?
We ask that bathing suits and clothing be held to a modest standard. A modest bathing suit typically refers to a one piece or 2 piece consisting of a tankini style top and non-spandex bottoms. We ask that no bikinis be worn, and that all shorts be kept to a decent length. Please do not wear spandex shorts for swimming or playing sports. Males need to be wearing a shirt at all times on campus, unless they are in the pool. This is an awesome beach retreat, but we also try to maintain a biblical standard in all areas of our retreat, so please help us with this!
Do we have to attend the sessions, or can we just hang out in our room?
Every family that registers agrees to have ALL family members attend ALL sessions to the best of their abilities. If you just want to vacation at Laguna Beach, please feel free to contact them directly and plan your trip for another time. This retreat is reserved for those that plan to attend the sessions!
What are some topics that you cover in the sessions?
We often cover topics on: mothering, etiquette, biblical finance, breaking generational curses, purity, courtship, modesty, homesteading, family values, fatherhood, the dangers of social media, and entrepreneurship.
What does a typical day look like?
Our day begins with prayer in the Chapel at 8:45am. Everyone is expected to come! We move into separate sessions where Nancy teaches the ladies and young girls and Colin teaches the men and young boys, followed by breakout sessions led by some of our own Above Rubies families. We have free time from noon until 5pm most days, families are welcome to enjoy the campus and beach during this time. We will have many optional activities planned during free time, there is always something fun to do! We meet together for dinner at 5pm, followed by our evening session and some fun evening activities.
What activities are offered throughout the week?
We have a basketball tournament, a volleyball tournament, Childrens Bible Hour, Family Improv, Bible quiz with Nancy Campbell, a Family Market, Baptism, sandcastle competition, and some incredible quest speakers and performers! The campus has several pools, two Gaga Ball pits, and an ice cream store!
How much does this cost?
The only costs for the retreat are the registration fee, the optional meal fee, and your housing fee. The registration fee and meal fees are non-refundable and paid directly to Gulf Coast Above Rubies. Your housing fee will be paid directly to Laguna Beach Christian Retreat at some point during your stay.
I want to register, what do I do next?
Your next step is to fill out the registration form that can be found on the home page and send in your registration payment. Early bird registration is $200 for our family retreats, and $300 within 4 months of the retreat. If you are interested in coming as a single, your registration fee is only $75. Once we receive your form and payment, we will reach out to you by email or text to assign your housing.
How do I make a payment for our registration fee or meals?
Use our PAYMENT LINK for all payments, we do not use any other payment platforms at this time.
I am already registered, what else do I need to know?
Once you are registered, you will receive an invite to join our Signal chat groups! These groups are a great place to ask questions and get to know other Above Rubies families! We also send out emails with important retreat information, so watch for those as the retreat date gets closer.
How do I check in for the retreat?
Check in starts at 2pm on Wednesday, please dont arrive earlier than that unless you are planning on hanging out at the beach! Check in will be at the Promised Land Chapel, located on 15th Street. We will give you your room keys and registration packet at this time, dont forget to bring your auction item with you! After you check in, you have free time until the first session begins at 6:30pm. You are on your own for dinner on Wednesday.
What do I do if I have other questions?
Please email us with any questions at aboverubiesgulfcoast@gmail.com, or call Britni at 952-457-6169.
