Thanks for registering for Weekend Away 2021!
 

Please complete the information below. Please note the 'Family Details' section may appear multiple times - you only need to complete this once.

If you encounter any issues please call Matthew Robson on 0423 181 794 or email matthewtrobson@gmail.com.

The cost of a family ticket is different for each family. Every family has a discount code that will reduce the ticket to the applicable cost. Please contact Matthew Robson to receive the code. Whilst the defult cost is $780 (the maximum Youthworks will charge a family), the average cost for Gymea families is around $500. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is our theme?

‘Our unchanging God in a changing world’. The world we live in is changing. Not only our community here in Gymea, but society as well. It’s hard to keep up! Our Weekend Away (WEA) will be a great opportunity for us to stop and reflect on who our God is and how we can cling to him through all this change.
 

Who is our Guest Speaker and what will we be studying?

Steven Gibson will be opening up Hebrews 11-13 for us throughout the weekend. We encourage you to read it before coming! Steve is the former rector of Miranda and is the Health, Justice and Chaplaincy Manager at Anglicare.
 

What can we expect?

The WEA Committee has worked hard to ensure that our time together allows us to relax and enjoy each other's company. We have taken on feedback from previous years and created a program that is flexible for all members,  providing plenty of time for activities to get involved in. You’re free to participate in as many as you would like to. 

There will be three main sessions spread throughout the weekend where we'll enjoy opening the Word, praying, and giving praise and thanks to God. There will also be opportunities for discussion and devotion, either personally or in groups.

Of course, we’ll still enjoy our traditional WEA activities: bushwalks, board games, campfires and puzzles! Take part in anything and everything over a picnic afternoon tea or sit on the verandah and soak in the sunshine whilst enjoying the beautiful outlook of the Shoalhaven River.
 

Why should I come full-time?

We encourage all members to consider staying full-time. By doing this, everyone can make the most of WEA. One of the benefits of going away together (as opposed to just Saturday) is that you gift yourself more free time to meet and enjoy with one another and develop deeper friendships in a fun and relaxed environment.

WEA is more than just the sessions we will enjoy - our aim is to build a community of God’s people in fellowship together. This year we are encouraging you to go a step further than you have in previous years. If you have attended for the day in previous years, please consider staying over one night. If you have attended one night, why not enjoy two!? Our Friday night gathering is not to be missed!

When and where is WEA happening?

Friday the 23rd of July through to Sunday 25th July. We will arrive from 6pm on Friday and depart at 3pm in the afternoon on Sunday.

This year we have moved locations! Our new WEA home is the Youthworks ‘Waterlsea’ Centre - situated along the picturesque Shoalhaven River near Nowra, just 2 hours south of the Shire.  We have sole use of the centre for the weekend. It’s on flat and level ground and is accessible to all, with larger facilities for children and families.

All bedrooms have an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning/heating, single and double beds, doonas, and blankets. The dining and meeting hall are separate spaces and accommodate over 180 people. All the spaces have great heating, sound and audio technology, and wonderful views of the Shoalhaven river.

Click here to see photos of the centre, the grounds, and the bedrooms.

Click here to see the centre map.

Click here to see directions from GAC to Waterslea on google maps. The address is 439 Koloona Dr, West Cambewarra NSW.
 

What do we need to bring?

We'll make available a detailed list of what to bring closer to the time. However, a few things to get you started include warm clothing, sheets, pillowcase and towels (doonas and pillows are provided), toiletries, your bible, and pen. Linen packs can be hired for an additional expense when you register. We will have a bookstall available both at WEA and at church the following week!
 

What about meals?

If you are staying the entire weekend you'll be able to enjoy having all your meals catered for you from the supper on Friday evening through to lunch on Sunday. If you do have any special dietary requirements please let us know when you register so we can ensure you are catered for.

How will we ensure we keep COVID-Safe?

Youthworks is registered as a Covid-Safe venue and will be operating within the NSW Government guidelines, similar to what you encounter at church each week. The WEA Committee will work with the Youthworks team to ensure there are high standards of hygiene and we will ensure that all government regulations are met. The Nowra centre has a large capacity and will accommodate any changes in room capacities if required. 

What if I need help with transport?

As with Port Hacking, this Youthworks site is only accessible by car. Trains are operational to Bombaderry but you would require a lift to Waterslea, so we suggest traveling with friends. Please don’t let transport stop you from coming to WEA! If you need assistance please let us know when registering. If there is sufficient need we will organize a minibus for transport.
 

What is the cost and what if it's too much?

The Weekend away committee has worked hard to ensure we keep costs to a minimum, so we can enable everyone to attend. We have provided a variety of options and we invite you to talk with us if you would like assistance with the cost as assistance is available. There are three ways to enjoy Weekend Away:

Full-Time
Friday Evening to Sunday afternoon, 3 sessions. The first meal is supper on Friday and the final meal is Sunday lunch. The committee recommends you come full-time in order to enjoy all the aspects of the weekend as a community. 

Part-Time

This is from Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon lunch, 3 sessions.The first meal is morning tea on Saturday and the final meal is Sunday lunch. The committee recommended this for members who have previously visited for the day and would like to try the overnight option. 

Single Day

This is from Saturday morning until evening, 2 sessions. The first meal is morning tea and the final meal is supper. Please note the second session is in the evening. The committee recommends a single day for those who wish to try WEA for the first time. 
 

What if I have more questions?

If your question isn’t answered here please reach out to a WEA committee member and they will help you! The committee: Chris and Julia Harrison, Craig Stalder, Matthew Robson, Yolande O’Donnell and Steve Leitch.