Fernclipse: Solar Eclipse Intergenerational Event

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Fernclipse Details

Ferncliff and the Office of Christian Formation of the Presbyterian Mission Agency are partnering to offer a 4 day, 3 night intergenerational Creation care event culminating with the total solar eclipse reaching Little Rock on April 8th, 2024. This event invites all people (individuals, families, groups) that would like to attend an intergenerational Christian Creation Care event centered on and culminating with the Total Solar Eclipse. This event offers a specific invitation to PC(USA) members, families, youth groups, churches and congregations.

When: Weekend Long Event: Saturday April 6th-Tuesday April 9th (Arrival: April 6th, 3 pm-Departure: April 9th, 11 am) | Day Only Event: Monday April 8th (9am-4pm)

Where: Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, located at 1720 Ferncliff Road, Little Rock, AR 72223. As an expression of God’s love, Ferncliff welcomes people into a life of caring for Creation, others and themselves. Ferncliff is situated on 1200 acres in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, just west of Little Rock, Arkansas, less than 30 minutes from LIT airport and downtown Little Rock.

Ferncliff is right inside the path of totality for this Total Solar Eclipse – check it out here: Map of Path of Eclipse

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Program Fee: $199 per person (you must book lodging option to attend)

Meals that are included in program fee are Saturday, April 6th dinner, Sunday, April 7th breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday April 8th breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Tuesday, April 9th breakfast only.

Lodging Options Per Night: $99-229 per night (you must book program fee to attend)

Brown Lodge Hotel Style Accommodations ($129 per night) up to 4 people

Each room in the Brown Center has a private bathroom with shower and a desk with a lake view. All the beds and bedspreads are new. For your convenience, all rooms come equipped with free wifi, a coffee maker and hair dryer.

: Brown Center

: Brown Center rooms

: Outside Rooms

Williams Lodge Motel Style Accommodations ($99 per night) up to 3 people

Historic Williams Lodge was Ferncliff’s first adult friendly lodging when it was built in 1950. Each room in Williams Lodge has a private bathroom with shower, wifi and 3 single beds.

: View of Williams

: Williams Across Lake

Belden Pond Modern Youth Cabins ($229 per night) up to 10 people

Each cabin has 10 beds. Five are top bunks and five are bottom bunks. Three of the lower level bunks are tempurpedic mattresses. Each cabin has a private bathroom and shower areas that include 2 sinks, 2 showers and 2 toilets. Each of the cabins has a small entry porch and overlook Belden Pond. There are several fire pits nearby each of the cabins.

: Belden Pond Cabins

: Belden Pond Cabins

: View from Cabins

: View of Cabins

Yurt Village Yurt ($229 per night) up to 10 people

Each Yurt has 10 beds. Five are top bunks and five are bottom bunks. There is a large deck that adjoins a shared bathhouse with showers, sinks and toilets. There is also a pave stone patio with a fire pit nearby.

: Yurts

Other Info

Rules: No Alcohol, Quiet Hours 10 PM – 7 AM, No Pets

Deposit: 50% of total reservation; no refunds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’m not Presbyterian can I attend?

Yes! All are welcome. The themes and worship services will be in the Presbyterian style, but all are welcome to attend.

How much time of totality will Ferncliff receive?

A little over 3 minutes and 30 seconds of totality.

Who is providing Leadership?

Ferncliff and the Office of Christian Formation are working together to provide leadership for this event.

Paul Vasile will serve as Retreat Leadership for Immersive Intergenerational Worship and All Group Activity. Paul Vasile is a church musician, consultant, composer, and teacher who finds his greatest joy in collaborative and community-centered ministry. Committed to modeling expansive, imaginative, and hospitable experiences of music making wherever he goes, Paul’s leadership builds trust, invites spaces of creativity, vulnerability, and play, and supports practices of reflection and holistic learning. Recognized as a multitalented musician and liturgist, he is helping to strengthen, energize, and liberate faith communities through the ways they worship and sing together. (see more about Paul here https://www.paulvasile.com/ ) .

He knows the spirit is at work in connecting his interests in intergenerational work, gifts in music and creative worship, recent work, and love of God’s creation and outdoors.

Rev. Jocelyn Wildwright serves as Ferncliff’s Chaplain and Program Director, overseeing summer and year-round camp programs. She also produces Ferncliff’s “In-a-Box” materials, like Camp-in-a-Box and Advent-in-a-Box. A Vanderbilt alumna, Jocelyn graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) and a Master of Arts in Practical Theology (MAPT) with a focus on Christian Education with Children and Youth. She is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has previously served elsewhere as a Director of Children’s Ministry, Day Camp Director, Youth Director, Camp Chaplain, and Christian Educator. Jocelyn loves the warmth of summer, chocolate, playing outdoors, potlucks, and growing together in faith and fellowship.

As the Assistant Program Director, Ruth Arnold works hard to make sure that Ferncliff programs throughout the year are of the highest quality. She has previously served as the Director of Youth Ministry at Presbyterian churches across the state and most recently worked for a non-profit organization serving both its domestic and international programs in hunger-relief. Ruth is so excited to be joining the Ferncliff staff as someone who’s benefitted from its programs as a camper, summer staffer, conference attendee, keynote speaker, and more for over 20 years.

When she’s not at camp, Ruth can be found reading, enjoying the great outdoors, starting yet another home DIY project, or spending time with her husband, Kyle, and their beloved cat and dog.

Can I arrive late or leave early?

Maybe, but only if you make separate accommodations with Ferncliff’s hospitality staff. Early arrival or late check out will result in additional fees.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

We can accommodate most simple dietary restrictions (Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Etc.) If you have a specific diet due to a medical condition it may be best for you to bring some of your own food. We cannot guarantee that we can meet all accommodations. If you have a specific allergy or dietary restriction call our staff to find out if we can accommodate your needs before booking.

What are the viewing areas like?

There are many viewing areas throughout camp. During the eclipse each family or group will be given plenty (15 ft x 15 ft) of space to view the eclipse.

What are the Dining Hall meals like?

Breakfast and lunch generally include a main dish, sides, salad bar, drinks and desert. Breakfast include standard breakfast options with coffee and juice.

Do I have to participate in all the sessions or can I just chill?

This event is very flexible. You can come and participate in all the sessions or you can simply sit on the porch in a rocking chair and read. You will have many options and you will get to choose what your level of participation.

Is transportation provided from the airport?

Ferncliff is not providing transportation from the airport. You can rent a vehicle or find a ride service if needed.

Who do I contact if I have questions that aren’t answered here?

Please reach out to Joel Gill, Ferncliff’s Executive Director, @ 501-821-3063 or jgill@ferncliff.org

Can I see a draft schedule?