Who attends this program?
This retreat began in 1965 as a place for families to come together for fellowship and support. We have kept that core purpose over the years, but our family has grown to include persons who live in residential facilities and group homes. These individuals come accompanied by staff from the organization they belong to.
We welcome persons with a wide range of disabilities, regardless of mobile, cognitive, or auditory limitations. Our programming also includes activities for siblings young and old, with special activities provided for teenagers. All ages are welcome.
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How do I register?
To register, you can print, complete, and send a registration form to Laurelville Mennonite Church Center either by mail (941 Laurelville Lane, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666) or fax (724.423.2096). You can also call (800.839.1021 or 724.423.2056) to register by phone. Payment in full is required with each registration (your $50 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is included in the registration cost). Please be sure to indicate any special dietary needs you might have so we can make necessary accommodations.
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What if I need to cancel my registration?
We refund cancelled program registrations minus the $50 non-refundable, non-transferrable deposit you submit upon registration. Please notify us by phone (800.839.1021 or 724.423.2056) or email (program@laurelville.org) as soon as you know you will be unable to attend so that we can open additional space(s) for other interested participants.
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How do I get to Laurelville?
Laurelville is located 45 miles southeast of Pittsburgh in Western Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, just fifteen minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike. For GPS coordinates and driving directions, click here.
We also arrange for transportation for guests who are arriving by plane ($50 each way to/from Pittsburgh International Airport) or train ($25 each way to/from Greensburg/Connellsville Amtrak stations). If you are planning to travel by plane or rail, please notify us at least one week in advance with your travel plans so we can arrange transportation for you.
Some guests seek to carpool with others traveling to Laurelville. While we cannot coordinate these efforts or give out contact information for other guests, we recommend you post your query on the event page on Facebook.
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What are the lodging accommodations like?
Your retreat experience begins with finding a comfortable place to rest and relax. Lodging for Friendship Week takes place in the Solarhouse, a climate-controlled environment with 32 hotel-style rooms with each containing a private bath. A fully accessible bath and shower is also available on the first floor.
Learn more about our lodging facilities.
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What assistance will my family receive?
A caring group of counselors will be available to your family to serve you and provide any practical support you need to make the week restful and enjoyable. Counselors participate in every part of the weekend and are ready to assist you. If you have a child with a disability, he/she will be assigned to a counselor along with a small group of other campers. Each counselor is prepped with important information pertaining to your child and will attend all of the age-related activities with him or her, allowing you to enjoy your own activities without the caretaking responsibilities.
Counselors room in separate accommodations and do not provide personal or medical care. If you require personal or medical care, please make arrangements to bring an attendant with you. Laurelville’s dining and lodging facilities are accessible. We do our best to meet the needs of each family, pertaining to accommodations, diet, or other requirements you indicate on your registration forms.
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How much does it cost and is there financial aid?
Registration prices are as follows:
| 2011 Friendship Week Prices |
| Adults |
$305/person |
| Children (ages 3-11) |
$80/child |
| Youth (ages 12-18) |
$145/youth |
| Commute |
$173/adult* |
We try to keep the cost of camp as low as possible. New families and/or organizations receive 20% off the cost of registration; returning families receive a 10% discount for referring new attendees.
Here are three additional ways to make Friendship Week more affordable:
1. Tap into your social network.
Many families attend with the help of their church, friends, or an organization. As a bonus, they sometimes discover continuing sources of support and assistance that last far beyond Friendship Week.
2. Seek out state funding.
Public assistance can provide respite care for individuals with disabilities and cover outings such as camps. Check your state of residence under “State Organizations” at Nichcy.org to see what funding might be available for you and your family.
3. Apply for a scholarship.
Laurelville manages a scholarship fund that has been created to help youth and adults attend camps and programs. Also, local families and organizations are encouraged to apply for the Mount Pleasant Area Summer Camp Scholarship, courtesy of the Mt. Pleasant Ministerium and the Mt. Pleasant Rotary Club.
Download scholarship form.
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