Merritt Youth Retreat

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Scotia, NE
Merritt Youth Retreat

The camp is for incoming high school freshman through high school graduates. In the evenings we also play group games and eat smoores and campfire pies.

Merritt Youth Retreat is a Christ-centered, non-denominational camp held every year on the third weekend of July at Davis Creek Recreation Area near Scotia, NE. At Merritt Youth Retreat, we will study the Bible, meet with Small Groups, and sing worship music in the mornings and evenings. During the day you can go water skiing, tubing, go down our man made water slide, swim, jump on our water tramp

oline, play volleyball, go fishing, or find one of our many other fun activities to take part in. On Saturday night we have an amazing campfire service. At Merritt Youth Retreat, you will meet new friends, eat great food, and drink the BEST hot chocolate you've ever tasted! What to bring:
*Registration, medical permission slip
*$35 (suggested donation) & 1 dozen cookies
*Sleeping bag and pillow (you will be tenting!)
*Sunscreen and Bug Spray
*Swimsuit and a coverup (no immodest clothing)
*Fishing gear & license (if older than 16)
*Bible (if you don't have one, we'll get you one while you're here!)
*Money for showers ($.50 for 3min)

*Immodest clothing will not be permitted. This includes two-piece swimsuits, midriff shirts and extremely short shorts. If you can no longer come as a camper, please consider joining our team of leaders! For any questions/comments about Merritt Youth Retreat, please address via facebook message or via facebook wall. Oh, and don't forget to tag us in your Merritt Photos! :)

07/29/2026

💧 It takes a LOT to keep camp running!

Over the course of one Merritt Youth Retreat weekend, we’ll go through roughly 813 gallons of drinks to keep everyone refreshed and energized. From water to Drink mix to pop cans, every cup helps fuel an unforgettable weekend of worship, games, friendships, and growing closer to Christ.

It’s amazing what it takes behind the scenes to make camp happen—we can’t wait to see everyone next year! 🙌🏕️

07/22/2026

Lost & Found! 👕🧢💧

Did you leave something behind at Merritt Youth Retreat this weekend? We found several items after camp, and one of them might be yours!

Take a look through the photos and let us know if you recognize anything. Send us a message, and we’ll help get your items back to you.

Thanks for an incredible weekend—we’re already looking forward to next year!

07/16/2026

🔨 Setup Day at Merritt! 🌲

Before campers arrive, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes! Today our amazing volunteers are hard at work:

⛺ Setting up camper tents
🏕️ Raising the large chapel tent
🍽️ Preparing meals for the weekend
🛠️ Getting the grounds ready
❤️ Making sure everything is in place for an unforgettable camp experience

We’re so thankful for everyone who gives their time and energy to make Merritt possible. Every tent raised, every meal prepared, and every task completed helps create a place where lives can be changed.

Please keep our volunteers, staff, counselors, and campers in your prayers as we finish preparing for an incredible weekend together!

We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Merritt! 💙

07/15/2026

🎒 Camp is almost here! 🌲

Before you head to Merritt, make sure you’re packed and ready for an unforgettable weekend. Check off everything on this list so you can focus on making memories, growing in your faith, and having fun with friends!

A few reminders:
💧 Don’t forget your water bottle!
📖 Bring your Bible, notebook, and pen.
📵 Cell phones are not permitted at camp.
🎣 Planning to fish? If you’re 16 or older, be sure to bring a valid fishing license.

We can’t wait to see you at camp! See you soon! 🙌🏕️

07/14/2026

🍽️ Camp is getting closer, and that means it’s food prep day! 🙌

Behind every great meal at Merritt Youth Retreat is a team of incredible volunteers serving with joyful hearts. From organizing supplies to preparing meals, every task helps make camp a place where campers can focus on faith, friendships, and fun.

Thank you to everyone giving their time today—you are making a difference! ❤️

📅 Camp is July 17–19. We can’t wait to see everyone at Merritt!

07/13/2026

189 campers and counting! 🎉

We’re excited to share that 189 campers have already pre-registered and registered for Merritt Youth Retreat! God is already doing amazing things, and we can’t wait to see what He has in store this year.

⏰ Online registration closes TODAY at 7:00 PM!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable weekend of faith, friendships, and fun. Register before 7 PM to secure your spot online!

See you at camp! 🏕️💚

07/12/2026

🛒 Camp Shopping Day! 🙌

We’re stocking up and getting everything ready for an incredible weekend at Merritt Youth Retreat! From food and drinks to paper towels, supplies, and all the little things that help camp run smoothly—every item brings us one step closer to an amazing weekend.

Thank you to everyone who supports this ministry through your prayers, donations, and time. We can’t wait to see what God has in store at camp this year!

07/10/2026

🚌 Need a ride to camp? We’ve got you covered!

Our transportation schedule for Friday, July 17th is here! Check the pickup location and time that’s closest to you, and be sure to arrive a few minutes early so we can stay on schedule.

📍 Pickup Locations:
• Litchfield – 8:00 AM
• Ansley – 8:40 AM
• Broken Bow – 9:20 AM

📞 To reserve your seat, call or text Kassy at 308-430-8931.

We’re looking forward to an incredible weekend at Merritt Youth Retreat! See you soon! 🌲✝️

07/07/2026

Meet Brett! He’s one of the dedicated board members working behind the scenes to help make camp possible. His support and hard work play a big part in making Merritt Youth Retreat a great experience for everyone!

Hello everyone!
My name is Brett Haidle and this is my wonderful family! I have been married to my lovely wife, Carissa, for 7 years and we have been blessed with 4 beautiful children, Archer (6), Adley (4), Gwen (2), and Harvey (7 months).

I am currently the Vice President on the Dean Ostrander Ministries board and some of my responsibilities include taking care of maintenance items before, during, and after camp and also organizing the water activities for the weekend of camp!

Merritt Youth Retreat has always held a special place in my heart because that is where I first met my beautiful wife and her family in 2016 when we were both campers.

My prayer is that each camper that attends can experience the Love of Christ and know just how loved they are by their Creator. We live in a culture that buries us in lies about where we get our value and worth from. From the moment of conception we are each given more value from our Creator than anything in this world can ever give us! I pray each student AND staff member leaves from camp each year with that confidence and hope!

06/30/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE! 🚨

Today is the last day to register and guarantee your camp shirt size!

Register by July 1 to make sure you receive the size you want. Online registration will remain open through July 13, but shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed after today.

Miss the online deadline? You can still register in person at camp, as long as space is available. However, camp shirts and shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed for late registrations.

We can’t wait to see you at Merritt Youth Retreat, July 17–19. Invite a friend and join us for an incredible weekend together!

Address

Davis Creek Recreation Area
Scotia, NE

Telephone

+13084308931

Website

http://www.merrittyouthretreat.org/

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