The Homeschool Family Retreat is a great opportunity for home-schooling families to get away and be refreshed and encouraged, with many opportunities to network with other families, be challenged from the Bible, and enjoy the many fun activities that Silver Birch Ranch has to offer.
RETREAT SPEAKER - Michael lane
Michael hails from the South Side of Chicago and graduated from Olivet Nazarene University in 1979. He moved to the Bahamas and taught Bahamian history and science in a private Christian school. While there, he met Denise, another teacher at the same school, and they married a year later. They have three children, all of whom are married, and nine grandchildren. They homeschooled two of their children.
He has taught both in public and private schools for 25 years and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious state and national teaching awards. Michael has also been published in many professional journals. Besides teaching in schools, he has also worked at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago as an instructor of marine biology and as a curriculum writer.
For 23 years, Michael served at Fort Wilderness Ministries as the Director of Education, ran the Nature Center, taught Bible classes, and spoke for many groups and organizations. He is best known at Fort Wilderness for developing the Nature Center Program, combining science and the Bible together in hands-on lessons, speaking on biblical archaeology and apologetics.
He has been published in many professional journals and has authored five books.
In May 0f 2021, Michael and Denise founded the apologetics ministry Evidence4Faith, where he continues his work as a biblical studies teacher and speaker, specialising in apologetics and evidence supporting the Bible. He spends much time speaking at churches, schools, camps, universities and groups.
Michael uses props, costumes, experiments and many other teaching tools to make Scripture come to life and help people gain a deeper understanding of God.
Retreat Worship - Duke Family
We are excited to have the Duke family as our worship team again this year. The Duke family has a heart for exalting Christ through song and leading people closer to the Lord through worship.
Retreat Fees:
Non-Refundable Deposit: $150 (Included in Retreat Fee)
NOTE: Silver Birch Ranch will assign cabins based on family size and order of registration.
Option One - Per Person Fee
Parents & Dependent Children: $210 each
Children 3 & Under: Free
Grandparents’ 1st Retreat: Free
Returning Grandparent: $73
Option Two - Per Family Fee
Parents & Dependent Children: $866
Grandparents’ 1st Retreat: Free
Returning Grandparent: $73
MEALS, HOUSING, AND ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN REGISTRATION
Tentative Schedule
Thursday
3:00 pm - Check-in
5:00 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Worship & Meeting
7:30 pm - Canteen and other evening activities
Friday & Saturday
8:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Worship & Meeting
10:30 am - Family games & free time
12:00 pm - Lunch
1:00 pm - Free time activities
2:00 pm - Special class offerings
5:00 pm - Dinner
6:00 pm - Worship & Meeting (Friday only)
6:30 pm - Family specials - skits, music, & sharing (Saturday only)
7:30 pm - Folk dance (Friday only)
8:00 pm - Canteen and other evening activities
Sunday
8:00 am - Breakfast
9:00 am - Worship & Meeting
10:30 am - Clean cabins & depart
Free Time Options: Horseback Riding, Canteen, Trading Post, Book Swap, Folk Dance, Swimming, Climbing Wall, Zip Line, Basketball, Curriculum Chats, Paddleboat, Canoes/Rowboats, Fishing, Wagon Rides, 18 Hole Mini-Golf, Musical Presentations, Tubing, Water-Skiing, Time To Think, New Friendships.