Pastor Sam Shin

Adult Ministry Speaker

Sam serves as the pastor of Wellspring Church in San Ramon, CA. He received his M. Div. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.


He and his wife Shua moved to the Bay Area in 1999, where they planted Wellspring. They also homeschooled their four now adult children: Charisa, Sarah, Elisabeth, and Jack.


Sam’s wife Shua also graduated from Gordon-Conwell and has ministered to different women speaking at retreats and churches.


Together they love hiking, hosting, and helping others grow in the Gospel of Christ.



Lucas Vieira

Youth Ministry Speaker

Lucas Vieira is deeply passionate about helping students behold the beauty & goodness of Jesus Christ. He serves as the Head of Upper School at Beacon Hill Classical Academy in Camarillo. There, he provides leadership for all aspects of the 6th-12th grade program and teaches several classes. Lucas has served in Christian education as an Assistant Principal, Dean, Athletic Director, and School Chaplain and has taught 7th-12th grades. In addition to his role at BHCA, Lucas is the Director of Music Ministry & Administration at Christ Church in Carpinteria, a church he helped plant in 2021. Lucas holds a Graduate Certificate in Classical Christian Studies from New Saint Andrews College, an MLS in Ministry Management from Trinity Law School, and his BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Westmont College. He lives in Ventura with his lovely wife, Madelyn, and their two young children, Evangeline and Moses. He enjoys laughing with his wife and kids in his free time!


Info from 2024
Direction Packing List  Schedule

Forest Home liability Form


View the detailed reminder email


Packing list

  • FOREST HOME IS CASHLESS! There is a retail center at Forest Home.  Vendors at the retail center only accept credit/debit cards or Forest Home Store Card. You can purchase an eGift card by visiting https://www.foresthome.org/about/storecard


View Retreat Schedule


Check- in: Aug 31 between 10:00AM - 11:20 AM at Hormel Hall (Please park and check-in first before moving any luggage)

Location: Forest Home Christian Camps (40000 Valley of the Falls Drive, Forest Falls, CA)


Sunday Organized Activity Sign Up


Maps


DOWNLOAD THE MAP


FOREST CENTER MAP (Location of meeting room & cabins)


FOREST HOME MAP (Location of activities)


Follow this navigation link or search for "Forest Home Check-in Kiosk" for an accurate location of the main parking lot.  As you approach the San Bernardino Mountains, we recommend that you follow the step-by-step instructions on this link to the parking space nearest to Hormel Hall (slide 4 of 5).  Cellular service is very poor in the canyon, therefore, we highly recommend that you download and map out the correct directions ahead of time.


***Searching only for "Forest Home" or by postal address may take you to the wrong location on their 500-acre campus, and without cellular phone service, it can be a challenge to locate lost visitors.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where can I find the photos of the cabins? 

You may view the photos of various cabins here, but the ones we have available are the premium lodging which is like an Airbnb style with all the linens provided. View here


2. What is the dress code?

In general, Forest Homes’ expectations for camp attire are driven by modesty, showing sensitivity to the concerns of others at camp. In the swimming areas, all females should wear one-piece bathing suits (no bikinis or tankinis) and that guys should stay away from wearing revealing briefs or speedos. Forest Home also limits swimwear to appropriate areas only and asks that you wear a coverup to and from the pool or lake. Closed Toe Shoes are required to participate in Canyon Park Activities.


3. Can we bring snacks?

Due to the local wildlife, guests are not allowed to store food in cars or sleeping rooms in the Standard cabins. Premium cabins fitted with refrigerators and/or kitchens may store food in their cabins. However, please put food in air-tight, opaque containers, away from doors and windows. Guests may also store “dry” snacks, which consist of packaged snacks, bottled water, sodas and juices, in the meeting room in a sealed plastic container away from doors and windows and, if possible, out of sight. If you store your personal snacks in the meeting room, please mark them clearly with your name.


4. Can we bring our pet?

No. Please leave your pets at home. Forest Home doesn't allow pets.


5. Is there a water refilling station?

Yes, water stations are available throughout the camp site. We ask that you bring your own water bottle to get water refilled. If you plan to have hot drinks, please bring a mug with a lid.


6. Where do we park our car?

Parking is available near the cabins


7. Are there lifeguards in the water acitivity area?

Yes, during the recreation time, lifeguards will be available.


8. Do each cabin have their own bathroom?

Yes, each premium has its own bathroom. Most of the premium cabin has two bedrooms within a cabin, the bathroom will be shared with the people who are in the same cabin.


9. Do the cabins have air conditioning?

Yes. The premium cabins are air conditioned with linens provided. The main meeting room is air conditioned. The standard cabins do not have air conditioning. 


10. Is Cellular signal available?

Wifi is available at all major gathering locations (meeting spaces, dining halls, etc.) and select cabins (such as Cedar Ridge).  Every guest will be able to log onto the “Forest Home Guest” Wifi network which will give them the following two options for securing Wifi during the retreat.  

  • Purchase: 72 hours of unlimited Wifi for roughly $15
  • Free: 2 hours of continuous Wifi for free every 24 hours

11. Where would my children go during the retreat?

We have a wonderful Children's Program planned by "The Chosen Warriors" family team from Oxnard, CA. The leads are Hannah and Veronica. Both Nursery care and Children's Program (age 3 to 11) are available during the retreat. For the incoming 6th graders, they can choose to join the Youth program or stay at the Children's Program. We are expecting to have a fun-filled weekend with your children.  If your child has any allergies or special needs, please let Hannah and Veronica know. If you have a diaper bag or other items for the child, please be sure to label the items. 


12. When is the check out time on Monday?

Please vacate your cabin by 8:45 AM on Monday, September 2nd. Return cabin keys to the staff at the check-out table in Hormel Hall between 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM.  The last session begins at 9:00 AM. All retreat members must leave the premises by 11:00 AM.  Breakfast will be from 7:30 AM - 8:15 AM daily.


13. How much free time do we have?

We will have two "Free Time" slot on both Saturday and Sunday.  Click here to view the Free time Activities.