Winter Connection is an annual event for middle school and high school youth sponsored by the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM.)

EVENT INFORMATION

• Event: 2025 Winter Connection (Camp #800)
• Three locations: Fargo, Mitchell, and Rapid City
• Dates: January 24-25, 2025
• Cost: $40.00 per person
• Ages: Youth in grades 6-12 and adult chaperones

Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. Each year there is a focus on a particular theme and scripture along with a unique and important component of service. Our theme for 2025 is : Don't be a Jerk: Love Everyone. Our scripture is John 3:16-17.  Don’t take love for granted. Recognize God’s love - which encompasses you and your neighbor. Make sure to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, weather appropriate clothing, winter jacket, and gear.

REGISTRATION

REGISTER ONLINE HERE 

Note: Each individual attendee must register. Group registration is not available. However, you may download an individual registration form and then submit them as a group via email to info@dakcamps.org.

CANCELLATION POLICY: All cancellations must be submitted in writing to info@dakcamps.org. Per CCYM, cancellations received 11 days or more prior to the start of Winter Connection will receive a full refund of payments made. Cancellations received 10 days or less before the event will receive a full refund minus a $20 cancellation fee per person who cancels unless a replacement attendee is registered. Cancellation fees will be charged to the church.

LOCATIONS

Northeast: Fargo, ND
Fargo First United Methodist Church

Check-in: Friday, Jan 24, 7-8 pm (CST)
Concludes: Saturday, Jan 25, 3:00 pm (CST)                                      
Cost: $40 (includes 2 meals and activity)
Missional Opportunity: Treats for First Responders and Caregivers with Cards
Fun Activity: Sky Zone
Schedule: TBD
Worship: TBD
Lodging: Church floor (bring your own sleeping bag/bedding)
Contact: Andrea Plueddeman 
Fargo Welcome Letter (Coming soon!)

Southeast: Mitchell, SD—
Downtown Mitchell First United Methodist Church

Check-in: Friday, Jan 24, 7-8 pm (CST)
Concludes: Saturday, Jan 25, 3:30 pm (CST)
Cost: $40 (includes 2 meals and activity)
Missional Opportunity: "Home for Now" - Hygiene Kits for Unhoused folks. (CCYM members are asking for church and personal donations of toothpaste, toothbrushes, washcloths, socks, and deodorant. Thank you for only donating items on this list!) 
Fun Activity: TBD
Schedule: TBD
Worship: TBD
Lodging: Church floor (bring your own sleeping bag/bedding)
Contacts: Rev. Clay Lundberg or Rev. Seth LaBounty
Mitchell Welcome Letter (Coming soon!)

Southwest: Rapid City, SD—
Canyon Lake United Methodist Church

Check-in: Friday, Jan 24, 6-7 pm (MST)
Concludes: Saturday, Jan 25, 3:00 pm (MST)
Cost: $40 (includes 2 meals and activity)
Missional Opportunity: TBD 
Fun Activity: TBD
Schedule: TBD
Worship: TBD
Lodging: Church floor (bring your own sleeping bag/bedding)
Contacts: Rev. Paul Lint, Rev. Quaya Ackerman, or Steve Hilton
Rapid City Welcome Letter (Coming soon!)

REQUIRED FORMS

ALL participants, youth and adult alike, are required to have these forms completed in order to attend the Winter Connection event. Health Forms should be kept with the chaperones of each group. The Release of Liability waivers and Winter Connection Covenants should be turned into Winter Connection staff at check-in. If you are attending without a chaperone, please turn in this form when you check in for the event.

Please print the following forms and bring completed to event check-in:

• Winter Connection - Release of Liability Waiver and Public Relations Release
• Winter Connection - Medical Information Form - YOUTH (under age 18)
• Winter Connection - Medical Information Form - ADULT (age 18+)
• Winter Connection - Event Covenant 

Below are some photos from 2024 Winter Connection! Click here to view all photos.