Join us for this wonderful tradition in a beautiful location with lots of opportunities to connect with your church friends or enjoy a personal retreat!
Our retreat theme is “Watts Your Story? Watts, Our Story!” As we celebrate Watts Street’s 100th anniversary, we’ll share church stories (both funny and profound) with each other and explore how our individual stories and community stories connect with God’s Story (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Come prepared to share, listen, laugh, and learn together!
There will also be lots of free time to rock on the porch, take a swim in the ocean, make a sand castle, take a long walk on the beach, climb an old oak tree, explore the forts, fly a kite on the parade ground, join a game of kickball, check out a seafood restaurant, explore the shops at Southport, play, relax, read, etc. There’s something for everyone!
See below for retreat schedule, costs, driving directions, and other information.
2023 Dates: Friday, April 14-Sunday, April 16
Register for the Beach Retreat!
After logging in to REALM, you’ll find the AABR Registration on your “Newsfeed” or under “Upcoming Events” (keyword search: “beach”).
Fees for Watts Street Members
| Adults | $110 |
| Child (age 6-college) | $55 |
| Child (age 2-5) | $40 |
| Child (age birth to 1) | Free |
| Family Cap | $330 |
Fees for Guests
| Adult | $110 |
| Child (age 6-college) | $100 |
| Child (age 2-5) | $60 |
NOTE: Scholarships have been provided. Please alert us to your need.
Useful Information
Registration
- REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Sunday, April 2
- We have room for about 150 people.
- More details, including room assignments, will be provided after you register.
- Registration confirmation will be provided by email unless requested otherwise.
Food & Lodging
- Meals include Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast.
- All rooms are air-conditioned.
- Bring your own linens, unless notified otherwise.
Shared Experience
- Everyone shares in the work: transporting supplies, meal prep/clean-up, & pack-up on Sunday.
- After you register, you will be assigned a job and asked to bring an item of food to be shared.
Friday
| 4:00 pm | Arrive any time after 4:00 pm. |
| 8:30 pm | Gathering in Classroom |
| 9:15 pm | Snacks in Gingko |
| 11:00 pm | Everyone in rooms |
Saturday
| 7:30 am | Meditation on Little Pier |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:15 am | Gathering in Classroom |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Free Time |
| 5:30 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 pm | Talent Show, Classroom |
| 8:30 pm | Dessert in Gingko |
| 11:00 pm | Everyone in rooms |
Sunday
| 7:30 am | Meditation on Little Pier |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 8:45 am | Pack; move out of houses |
| 10:00 am | Worship/Celebration, Classroom (bring keys) |
| 11:00 am | Free Time. Safe travels! Farewell until next year! |
Other Activities
This weekend is a great time for lounging on the beach, fishing, tennis, long walks, kite flying, jigsaw puzzles, softball, basketball, reading, rocking on the porches, relaxing, & talking with WSBC friends. Time to BE!
Talent Extravaganza
Dust off your instrument, work up a skit, practice your magic tricks, and get ready for the rip-roarin’ church family talent extravaganza on Saturday evening!
Eat your Friday evening meal on the way, or at a nearby restaurant. Below are several restaurants retreaters have enjoyed in the past.
Oak Island/Long Beach
Southport
About Fort Caswell
N. C. Baptist Assembly (Fort Caswell) is located on the eastern tip of Oak Island, near Southport. Construction on the fort was begun in 1827 to protect the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Our accommodations are in renovated and air-conditioned buildings that originally served as offices and officers’ quarters. The marching fields, beaches, and piers provide numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Point your navigation device to 100 Caswell Beach Road, Caswell Beach, NC or find it on Google Maps.
For a campus map, click here: Fort Caswell campus map