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TA Fall Retreat FAQ

When is the Fall Retreat?

The Fall Retreat is Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, September 5 – Monday, September 7 at Camp Hargis in Chelsea, AL. The Teen Advisors and some of the adult chaperones will meet at St. Mark Church around lunch time Saturday, September 5th (exact time TBA) and take buses to the retreat. The buses will bring you back to St. Mark around dinner time Monday, September 7th (exact time TBA).

Where is the Fall Retreat?

The Fall Retreat is at Camp Hargis, (928 Hargis Dr Chelsea, AL 35043). Phone: (205) 500-7239‬ or (205) 702-1740. Camp Hargis is not owned by Teen Advisors. Students stay in cabins (divided by gender) that have electricity, air conditioning, and bathrooms/showers. Camp Hargis also provides meals. If you have any concerns about the venue or previous Fall Retreat experiences, please feel free to contact us.

What will we do on the Fall Retreat?

The Fall Retreat serves as the official kickoff to your year as a Teen Advisor. It’s designed to help you connect, understand your role, and decide if you’re ready to make the commitment. Here's what to expect:

  1. Build Community – You’ll meet Teen Advisors from your school and others across Columbus, forming connections that will last all year.
  2. Understand the Mission – We’ll explore the purpose of Teen Advisors, how the program started, what it stands for, and why it matters.
  3. Learn What’s Ahead – You'll get an overview of what Teen Advisors do throughout the year—everything from classroom sessions to events and service opportunities.
  4. Make It Official – You’ll have the opportunity to sign the Teen Advisor Contract. If you choose to sign, you’ll officially become a Teen Advisor and commit to living with integrity by abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and sexual activity during your time in the program. We’ll talk through the contract together so you fully understand what it means and why it matters.


Do I have to go to the Fall Retreat?

While Fall Retreat is the best and most recommended way to join Teen Advisors, we understand it may not work for every student.

The retreat offers a fun, meaningful weekend where you'll build new friendships, learn more about yourself, and gain a full understanding of what it means to be a Teen Advisor. Most students say it’s one of the highlights of their year.

If you're unable to attend Fall Retreat, we do offer a Mid-Fall Workshop in October as an alternative way to join. You’ll still learn about the program, connect with other students, and have the opportunity to sign the Teen Advisor Contract during that session.

We strongly encourage students to attend Fall Retreat whenever possible, but we’re happy to provide another option if needed.

What is the Pre-Retreat Meeting?

Yes, attendance at the Pre-Retreat Meeting is mandatory for all students attending Fall Retreat. The meeting will be held on Sunday, August 30th from 2:00–4:00 PM at St. Mark UMC. You must stay for the entire meeting.


While the meeting covers important logistics—like the packing list, cabin assignments, schedule, and retreat expectations—it’s more than just an informational session. It also serves as the official kickoff to the Teen Advisor year.


You’ll get to:

  • Meet other students attending the retreat
  • Participate in a few fun activities
  • Choose your cabin
  • Get to know some of our staff and adult volunteers


Parents are welcome to attend, but their attendance is not required.

This meeting is a great first step into the Teen Advisors community, and we can’t wait to see you there!

If I was a Teen Advisor last year do I have to go to the Pre-Retreat Meeting?

Yes. The meeting will have details specific to this year’s retreat (plus some of the things you heard last year). The Pre-Retreat Meeting and the Fall Retreat are the only mandatory Teen Advisor events all year.

If I was a Teen Advisor last year do I have to go to the Fall Retreat?

Yes. Each year’s retreat is different. The content of the retreat will be different than what you heard last year and there will be new people for you to meet. You’ll need to sign the contract again this year to be a Teen Advisor. The Pre-Retreat Meeting and the Fall Retreat are the only mandatory Teen Advisor events all year.

What do I need to bring to the Fall Retreat?

You'll get all these details at the Pre-Retreat meeting, but here's a list in case you'd like to go ahead and start packing.

  • Clothes – bring clothes and shoes that are comfortable since we’ll be doing a lot of activity. The main meeting room can get cold, so a light jacket or small blanket may be a good idea.
  • Swimsuit – during free time, there are some water activity options. If you choose to participate, you’ll want a swimsuit or clothes you don’t mind getting wet. Ladies, if you wear a two-piece suit, bring a dark t-shirt to wear over it.
  • Bedding – you’ll be sleeping on bunk beds. Bring either twin sheets/blanket or a sleeping bag.
  • Toiletries – bring whatever you need to get ready and shower (don’t feel the need to get fancy unless you just enjoy it.) Bring a towel for showering.
  • Snacks – we’ll have a Snack Shack that will be open for snacking several times through the retreat. Bring a snack to contribute and share. You’ll drop off your snack before you load the bus Saturday and we’ll take care of it from there. Bring anything that you like to eat – chips, cookies, homemade goodies, fruit, etc.
  • Chair – you’ll do a lot of sitting on the floor. A lot. You can bring something to sit on, but it can’t have legs or you’ll block other people’s view. A pillow or a stadium chair (search “stadium chair” on Amazon.com) is nice, but not mandatory. Do not feel like you have to spend money on this but it is nice to have.
  • Flashlight – bring a flashlight that’s not on your phone.
  • DO NOT BRING – valuables, electronics, fireworks, weapons
Who is in charge of the Fall Retreat?

The Fall Retreat is directed by Teen Advisors. There will be several Teen Advisor staff members at the retreat, leading sessions and working directly with students. Grad Staff (college-age student volunteers) help with the retreat and stay in the cabins with students. Several adult volunteers also attend and help with different parts of the retreat. There is one staff or volunteer person designated for Security and a volunteer Camp Nurse for First Aid.

I need accommodations; can I still come on the Retreat?

We are committed to making Teen Advisors and the Fall Retreat as accessible and inclusive as possible. When needed and when possible, we will gladly make modifications to help students participate fully.

Please note that while our staff is certified in First Aid and CPR, they are not medically trained or licensed to provide medical or psychological care.

The retreat includes moderate walking and a high level of activity. If your student has physical limitations or health concerns that may require accommodations, please call our office at 706-322-6186 to discuss your needs in advance.

If your student takes regular medication—including injections—please notify our office ahead of time. While our staff cannot administer or monitor prescription medications, a camp nurse will be on-site and may be able to assist with certain medical needs.

If your student requires any other type of accommodation—physical, emotional, dietary, or otherwise—please contact us. We want to work with you to ensure the retreat is a safe and positive experience for every student.

I just realized I can't go on the Retreat. What do I do?

If it’s before 3:00pm on Thursday, August 28th, please call the office – 706-322-6186. If it is Friday or Saturday (Aug. 29th or 30th) please text our staff line at 706-388-6818 to let us know that you will not be attending.

If you are unable to attend the retreat for any reason, you will be able to join Teen Advisors in October. Your registration fee cannot be refunded, but it will cover you joining Teen Advisors later in the year.

I missed the Pre-Retreat Meeting. What do I do?

If you are already registered and unable to attend the mandatory Pre-Retreat Meeting, please call our office during business hours (Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM) to schedule a make-up meeting.

Make-up meetings will take place at the Teen Advisors office (1316 Wildwood Ave.) and will last approximately 45 minutes. These meetings must be scheduled in advance.

Please note: This option is only available to students who are already registered. New registrations will not be accepted after the Pre-Retreat Meeting on Sunday.

When is the deadline to register for the Teen Advisor Fall Retreat?

The registration deadline is Sunday, August 30 at the Pre-Retreat Meeting. You must pay your registration fee and have a signed parental consent form in order to register. Registration will not be accepted after the Pre-Retreat meeting on August 24.

When is the deadline to pay for the Teen Advisor Fall Retreat?

The payment deadline is Sunday, August 30 at the Pre-Retreat Meeting. If you have a scholarship, Sunday, August 30 is the deadline to pay the balance of your fee (whatever amount of the fee is left after your scholarship has been applied).

I'm a parent and I can't get in touch with my student who's on the retreat. What do I do?

Students typically don’t have their phones during the day. If you have an emergency you can call any of the following numbers during the retreat:

  • Camp Hargis – (205) 500-7239‬ or (205) 702-1740
  • Marie Arballo - TA Staff Member - (719) 439-3207
  • Teen Advisors Staff Clearstream - 706-388-6818 (text only)
I have allergies/dietary restrictions? Who should I tell?

Meals are served buffet-style, so most allergens and restrictions can be controlled by the student as they serve themselves. If you have a severe allergy that requires separate preparation facilities, please contact the office – 706-322-6186.