FAQ:

What is the schedule for the weekend?

• Full! We want our teens to come home tired, happy, and with plenty of stories to tell.

  Throughout the weekend, students will rotate between outdoor adventures, competitions, free time, workshops, worship, and opportunities to simply spend quality time with their friends and mentors.

What is the theme of the weekend?

• Our learning throughout the weekend will center around the Three Questions of the Grave and what it means to build a life in which we truly know Allah, live our faith, and follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ.

  Rather than simply learning what the three answers are, we want our campers asking a much bigger question:

  Am I building a life that reflects those answers?

  Our workshops, discussions, reflections, and worship throughout the retreat will help students explore that question in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their lives.

When will campers leave and return?

• We will begin our weekend together at Qalam Jumuah on Friday before departing for camp.

  We understand that this may require your child to miss the end of the school day, and we know that isn't always an easy decision for parents. Since this is one special weekend out of the entire year, we truly believe the experience will be worth the little bit of school they may need to catch up on, InshaAllah.

  If missing school creates a concern for your family, please reach out to us. We are always happy to talk through it with you.

  We plan to depart Camp Grady Spruce at approximately 1:00 p.m. Sunday, with an estimated return between 3:00–4:00 p.m.

  Parents will be added to a dedicated retreat communication group and kept updated regarding our return time.

Will transportation be provided?

• Yes!

  Students will travel together by charter bus to and from Camp Grady Spruce, InshaAllah.

  Transportation is part of the retreat experience. We want the weekend to begin from the moment everyone gets together!

I am hesitant to send my child due to it being far and overnight.

• We completely understand.

  For many families, this may be their child's first overnight Grove experience, or even their first overnight trip away from home. We don't take the trust you are placing in us lightly.

  A few things we hope will give parents peace of mind:

  • Camp Grady Spruce is a gated and secure camp facility.

  • We anticipate having approximately 10 adult counselors, including the entire Grove Team, accompanying our students throughout the weekend. Each counselor coming will be background checked, vetted, and trained InshaAllah.

  • Our counselors are trained and will be actively supervising, mentoring, and caring for students throughout the retreat.

  • Parents will have a way to contact our team 24/7 in case of an urgent need.

  • Students will have designated opportunities throughout the day to contact their parents.

  • Boys' and girls' cabins have intentionally been booked far apart from one another, providing privacy and clear separation throughout the overnight portion of the retreat.

  • Parents will receive important information and updates through our dedicated retreat parent communication group.

  We know an overnight retreat can feel like a much bigger step than dropping your child off for a normal Grove event.

  But that is also part of what makes this experience so impactful.

  When teens spend a weekend away from their normal routines, surrounded by mentors, friends, worship, nature, adventure, and positive company, we often see friendships deepen, campers come out of their shells, and conversations happen naturally that would never happen during a normal two-hour program.

  That is why our team believes so strongly in this retreat.

  And if you're still hesitant, please reach out to us. We'd much rather have a conversation and answer your specific concerns than have your child miss an experience they may love because of unaddressed concerns on our end!

How will meals work?

• Don't worry, we'll keep them fed!

  Meals and snacks will be provided throughout the retreat, with a team preparing halal food for our students.

  We will also collect information regarding allergies, dietary restrictions, and necessary accommodations during registration so we can plan accordingly.

My child is about to be 13. Can I register them for the camp?

• For many Grove programs, we allow some flexibility when a child is approaching the minimum age and a parent believes they are mature enough to participate.

  For this particular retreat, however, we will be strictly limiting registration to students ages 13–18.

  Because this is an overnight program with specific activities, accommodations, supervision plans, and learning content designed for teenagers, we want to maintain that age range.

  Registration will include a request for documentation verifying the student's age.

  We appreciate your understanding!

What will campers need to bring?

• Don't start packing just yet!

  After registration, families will receive a detailed packing list along with everything else you need to know for the weekend.

  We will also host a mandatory Parent Orientation:

  📍 Roots
  📅 Saturday, September 19
  ⏰ 4:30–6:00 p.m.

  We'll walk parents through the weekend, expectations, packing, communication, safety, and other important details—and you'll have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions before sending your child with us.

What is the refund deadline?

• The deadline to receive a full refund is September 16 at 11:59 p.m.

  Unfortunately, after this deadline we will not be able to issue refunds because our camp, transportation, food, and other reservations will have been finalized based on our registration numbers.

  Thank you for understanding!

Who do we contact if we have questions about the camp or financial assistance?

• Please reach out. We would love to talk with you.

  Whether you have a question about the retreat, you're unsure whether the weekend is a good fit for your child, or finances are making registration difficult, please don't hesitate to contact the Grove Team.

  📧 thegrove@rootsdfw.org

  We want as many of our teens as possible to have the opportunity to experience this weekend.

  We can't wait to make this one of the most memorable Grove weekends of the year, InshaAllah.