Hilltop is available for all 6th-12th Grade students.

The cost is $250 (with a $50 deposit due at registration). This covers transportation, lodging, all meals at camp, activities, and a retreat t-shirt. There is an early bird discount of $50 off if you register before July 29th.

We are headed to Camp Highland in Ellijay, GA from August 28th-August 30th.

Please have students at the front of the church by 6:00pm on Friday 8/28 for check-in. We will leave promptly at 6:30pm. Please plan to arrive at the designated time, as we will be setting up beforehand. Pickup will be around 1:00pm on Sunday 8/30 at the church. Parents will be notified of our arrival time via text. It is important that students do not park their car at the church as the church will be setting up for Marshillapalooza on the day of our return.

We’ll gather for worship and teaching each morning and evening, compete in Retreat Rivals, and enjoy free time for high ropes, lake activities and time to relax and build friendships and much more.

One of the highlights of the weekend is Retreat Rivals. Students are assigned to teams and compete throughout the weekend for the chance to sign their names on the legendary Plank of Power. Teams will face large-scale challenges, puzzles, and unexpected twists all along the way. Teams are intentionally made up of students from different grades and both guys and girls to help students connect with people they may not know well. It’s a great opportunity to get to know other students and form friendships that often continue long after the retreat is over. Therefore students will not be able to switch teams after they have been assigned.

Michael Pleasant, the MHS Student Pastor, will be teaching over the course of the weekend.

We will be staying in large bunk-style cabins. Students should bring a sleeping bag or twin bedding along with a pillow. Rooming will be organized by grade and gender, though larger groups may be divided between multiple cabins. Each cabin will have chaperones present.

Absolutely! Friends are welcome, even if they don’t normally attend our church.

Our leaders are intentional about connecting students who are new or may feel nervous. Between small groups, teams for Retreat Rivals, and cabin life, students will quickly find a place to belong.

Students will not be allowed to have their phones during camp. We ask, if able, that parents take their child’s phone before we leave for the retreat. If students do bring their phone, we will be taking them as they check-in. We will return student’s phones after we arrive back to the church on Sunday. We understand there are medical accommodations and emergencies where a phone is needed and that is perfectly fine! Phones will be kept in the room with leaders in case of any necessary situations. Emergency Contacts for Fall Retreat will be sent out two weeks before we leave.

Our retreat is led by our student ministry staff and small group leaders. All adult leaders are background-checked and trained to serve and care for students.

A nurse will be on-site throughout the retreat weekend. During check-in, parents will inform the nurse whether their student is permitted to keep their medication with them or if they prefer that the nurse store and administer the medication throughout the trip.

Camp Highalnd can accommodate many common dietary needs. Please list your student’s dietary needs on the registration form. If you have specific concerns, contact us in advance so we can coordinate with the camp kitchen.

We understand that students may have school or sports commitments during the retreat. While we are not able to provide late transportation, parents are welcome to bring their student directly to Camp Highland after their activity. If a student needs to be picked up early, they are welcome to leave with a parent, but they will not be able to return to camp afterward. Please let us know ahead of time so we can plan for their arrival or departure and ensure a smooth process.

Partial refunds will be given ($50 deposit is non-refundable) up to August 23, 2026. No refund will be given after we pass the one-week out mark from the event departure date.

Please view the parent packet above for a full packing list for the weekend.

You can contact students@marshillcc.com by email with any additional questions or concerns.