Island Retreats

Below is a picture of Carson (Doug's nephew) and his friend Megan. In the background is a picture of the Island we camp on.

In order to have a successful Island Retreat it is VERY important we have working and able boats to get us , the equipment and our participants to and from the island. We are very fortunate to have several volunteers who graciously allow us use of their boats for some of these events. The pontoon boat on the left is a GTD boat. It is mostly used to hull all of our equipment. When all the equipment is loaded onto this boat we sometimes aren't sure if it will sink or float! GTD's plans are to put this boat up for sale in hope of acquiring a new one for future events. (If you or anyone you know has a boat they would be interested in donating to a ministry we would love to talk to you.)

On the boat we bring tents, a full kitchen, chairs, portable showers and bathrooms, games, giant blow up tubes, a water volleyball court, food, a generator, coolers, water jugs, hammocks, a movie projector, safety gear, lighting gear, medical kits, ect... and behind us we pull the canoes. When weather permits we will take groups over to Caladesi Island and canoe through the Mangroves. (Be sure to see my earlier entry about the Sunset Paddle)

Below are some views of camp.

We love to eat well our trips! On our trips you may be served French-toast, Scrambled Eggs, Pizzadillas, Sandwiches, Spaghetti, Chicken Fettucini Alfredo , Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, Tacos to name a few!

This year we had some variable weather with each retreat that kept us on our toes. One of the great things about GTD and our volunteers and staff is that no matter what we're dealt we make the best of every situation. Rain or shine we are having fun!

Our fire pit area serves as a meeting area for morning devotions and nightly Impact Points. Morning devotions consist of getting into God's word with quiet time and discussion and our Impact Points are messages spoken either by one of our staff members or a member from the group.

Kevin and Doug (Ma & Pa)

Setting up for the Island Retreats and breaking down is very labor intensive. Each takes a full day to get done depending on the day and how many volunteers we have available.

A Portable Shower (above). The water is heated by a generator.

Giant Tubes are used for playing games, relaxing and hanging out with friends.

A view from South Beach! This is where most of our activities take place on the island.

This is called a cocoon. It is like a hammock but covered with mesh. If you look closely you can see me laying inside. This is where I slept at night. It is very comfortable.