OUR VISION A Closer Walk is an outdoor event hosted and produced by Morey’s Piers, a family owned amusement park featuring amusement piers and waterparks on the boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ. Beginning in 2002, the event was the inspiration of Will Morey, President and CEO of Morey’s Piers, himself a professing Christian, who had a vision to utilized the amusement facilities for Christian ministry. This youth oriented event has continued every year since. It’s primary target audience is youth pastors and their church youth groups, ranging from pre-teens to college aged students; however, the event attacks families as well. The primary focus of A Closer Walk is intended to be message based. A guest speaker, or speakers, presents a series of messages that are both relevant to today’s young Christians as well as evangelical to non-Christians. As such, we endeavor to recruit speakers who have a ministry that, in some part, is focused on today’s youth. Secondarily, the event features a notable worship band and various Christian resources to help participants grow in their faith. Finally, access to the rides and waterparks as well as camping on the beach enhance the overall participant experience and provide for plenty of wholesome fun during the event’s free time. Our hope is that A Closer Walk will continue to provide youth pastors with a unique, relaxed format to reach out to their youth as they guide them in their spiritual journey with Christ. And for each participant, whether teen, youth leader or , we hope the event will be a positive life changing experience that will have a long lasting impact on their relationship with Jesus.
OUR PURPOSE “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you...” Matthew 28:19-20 The purpose of A Closer Walk is to help young Christians strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. This even is designed primarily for people who have committed their lives to Christ; however, A Closer Walk also provides the opportunity for participants to learn how they can begin their personal relationship with Jesus
OUR COMMITMENT We are committed to continually evaluating and improving upon the content and quality of this event. We endeavor to attract credible, well-respected and notable individuals to be our featured speakers, as well as outstanding worship and concert bands. Finally and most importantly, we are committed to pray for every aspect of this event both corporately and individually, understanding our total dependence upon God to add His blessing to all that we do so that He may be glorified.
EVENT SCHEDULE THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 3 PM to 6 PM - Arrive at Morey’s Piers in Wildwood! Set up your tent on the beach and enjoy the amusements and water parks 7PM – Head over to the beach stage for the evening session 7:15 PM “On Holy Ground” Worship Team 7:30 PM Worship led by David Leach 8:15 PM Opening Message by Richie Seltzer FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 7:30 AM Breakfast at catering pavilion* RICHIE SELTZER 9:30 AM Worship led by David Leach 10:00 AM Morning Message 10:30 AM Ocean Baptisms (meet at the stage) 11:00 AM Free time to enjoy the rides and water parks 3:30 PM Youth Leader Round Table 3:30 PM Icebreakers and organized games/activities for students 5:00 PM Dinner at catering pavilion* 8PM – Head over to the beach stage for the evening session 8:10 PM “On Holy Ground” Worship Team 8:20 PM Drama Skit 8:30 PM Closing Message by Paul Martini 9:15 PM David Leach PAUL MARTINI 10 PM - Fireworks on the beach SATURDAY, AUGUST 4 11:00 AM Check out time tents off the beach and campsites packed up 9:30 AM Enjoy the water parks till 6 pm 12:00 PM Enjoy the amusement rides till 6 pm *If you purchased a Dining Plan
DAVID LEACH
Ministry Tent and Event Information is OPEN: Thursday 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
EVENT INFORMATION AND MINISTRY TENT
Event Information is located on the beach directly east of Raging Waters water park. Event Information will be staffed throughout the event (check itinerary for hours) and is available for: • Purchasing event admission for last-minute members of your group (Cash or Credit cards only.) • Picking up your complimentary A Closer Walk commemorative T-Shirt. • “Will Call” for event materials or tickets being held for you by Morey’s Piers. • Merchandise sales for our worship bands and guest speakers. Be sure to take the time to check out the Ministry Tent located near the stage (directly East of Raging Waters). Every year we have some great ministries represented here at A Closer Walk.
EVENT WRISTBANDS AND MEAL TICKETS
Don’t forget to print your ticket when you register for this event. You must bring your event ticket to Event Information on the beach and redeem it for an event wristband. Your event wristband allow access to all speaker and worship sessions, the amusement rides on Morey’s Piers (all three piers), plus Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis Waterparks. If you purchased the DINING PLAN, be sure to print your dining plan ticket when you register, then bring your ticket to Event Information (same place where you’ll redeem your event ticket). Here you’ll get a dining wristband which will give you access to the catering pavilion for breakfast and dinner on Friday.
PARKING
Paid parking is located in the vicinity of this event. Parking fees vary. There is free street parking four blocks west of the boardwalk. Once your group unloads their camping gear, drivers can go and park. Yes, it is a hike to park for free, but once you park you don’t really need your car for the rest of your stay and the savings are worth it.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO A CLOSER WALK? Here’s our recommended checklist:
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Bible Tent Pillow Sleeping Bag Sun Block Lotion Duffel Bag for your clothes Spending Money
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Bottled water & cooler with snacks Flashlight Bathing Suit Towel Sunglasses Rain gear Beach Blanket and/or chairs
Q. What do we do in case of rain or severe weather? A. The safety of our campers is of utmost importance to Morey’s Piers. Please take a moment to read this section carefully, so you will have a complete understanding of what to do in case severe weather occurs during your event. Keep in mind that most events may still be underway even if conditions for camping are not ideal. Prior to the start of the event: We suggest that you check our website prior to leaving home for the event. You can also call the weather hotline at 609.729.3700 x.1887 for weather updates. In the event of light or sporadic rain, campers may set up camp on the beach, speaker and worship session may be temporarily delayed, the amusement rides and waterparks will open as long as conditions are safe. If we experience heavy rain, the event may be temporarily postponed until the weather clears and rides may also temporarily close. You may want to consider moving your tent to high ground on the beach (stay clear of areas where the water pools), or mover your group to a local hotel (select a back-up hotel - or make a hotel reservation - prior to arriving at Morey’s Piers, for a complete listing of motels in the Wildwood, go to www.wildwoods.org)
If severe weather occurs, such as a thunderstorm, you may be asked to evacuate the beach and take shelter in your car. If your car is within walking distance calmly walk your entire group to the shelter of your vehicle(s). Or, if your car is a far distance from the beach, pre-select one or more drivers to go and get your vehicles and pick up your group at the loading/unloading site at Schellenger Avenue and Ocean Avenue of the street end nearest your camp site. Once you pick up your car group, you must move your car to another location to wait out the storm. Remain in your car until the severe weather passes. Do not take shelter under the boardwalk. Once the severe weather has passed, you may return to your tents on the beach. Please listen for any special announcements over the Morey’s Piers PA system, or from the Wildwood Police, as you return to your tents.
Our staff is here to help, so don’t hesitant to call if you have questions. You can reach us Monday - Friday at 609-522-3900, x. 1195 or email us anytime at
[email protected] BEACH CAMPING AT A CLOSER WALK Q. Where is the beach camping located? A. The camping area is located between Mariner’s Landing on Schellenger Ave. and Adventure Pier on Spencer Ave. (a four block section of beach.) To help you get your bearings - the ocean is to the east, the Boardwalk is to the west, Schellenger Ave. is north and Spencer Ave. is south of the camping area.
Q. Are campsites pre-assigned? A. Morey’s Piers does not assign specific campsites. Posts and flags define the camp area. Please do not set up camp in the emergency access roads in the camp area. You’ll notice the camp area is set up in a grid pattern allowing for safe walkways and emergency vehicle traffic only.
Q. What amenities are available to campers? A. Morey’s Piers provides restroom trailers, porta-potties and portable sinks around the perimeter of the camping area. There are showers available in Raging Waters waterpark and for some events shower trailers are set up on the beach.
Q. Where do we unload our camping gear? A. The loading zone is located at the intersection of Schellenger Avenue and Ocean Avenue. You may park your vehicle to unload; however, you MAY NOT leave your vehicle unattended. Plan you unload your gear, have a a driver go and park your vehicle, and then meet your group at the street end or on the beach. The same rules apply to departure. Vehicles are NOT permitted on the beach. Morey’s Piers staff will be available at the unloading zone to help direct you to the camping area.
Q. What camping supplies do I need to bring? A. You mush bring your own tent, sleeping bags, pillows, rain tarp, flashlights and radio (for weather updates). We recommend bringing either sand spikes or plastic zip lock bags, which can be filler with sand and placed inside your tent to secure it. The beach can be very windy, and tents that are not secured can blow away. Be sure to bring rain gear, just in case. Q. Are campfires or cooking equipment permitted on the beach? A. Sorry, but open flames, propane, kerosene stoves and lanterns are strictly prohibited on the beach (this is a City of Wildwood law).
Q. Is over night security provided in the camping area? A. Morey’s Piers works closely with the Wildwood Police Department to ensure the safety of our guests. Wildwood Police officers patrol the beach camping area between dusk and dawn. When you register for this event, you will receive a pennant flag that must be secured to the outside of your tent. This flag identifies you as being a registered guest of the event. If the flag is not visible on your tent, you will be asked to pack up and leave the camping area.
BEACH CAMPING AT A CLOSER WALK Q. Are there quiet hours in the camp area? A. Yes! Please observe quiet hours in the camping area from midnight to 7:00 a.m. Q. Is swimming in the ocean allowed? A. Swimming without a lifeguard present is not permitted. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 10 am til 5pm. Ocean swimming is at your own risk. Children should never be allowed to swim in the ocean unless supervised by an adult with a lifeguard present. Q. Can we bring our own food and coolers on the beach? A. You are permitted to bring coolers and food supplies into the camping area. Campers are expected to clean their campsite completely upon departure. Please leave the beach in the condition in which is was found.
Our staff is here to help, so don’t hesitate to call if you have questions. You can reach us Monday - Friday at 609-522-3900, x. 1195 or email us anytime at
[email protected]