Over fifty years ago, a group of South Jersey pastors organized what is now known as the Midwinter Advance - "Don't call it a retreat because we're moving forward!" Although the organizers were Methodist pastors, the retreat is not a denominational phenomenon: Its purpose is that teenagers are presented with the Gospel of Jesus and can accept God’s Love into their lives.

Over the years, the Advance has been located at a variety of camps from the Poconos to the Pine Barrens, from the beach to the mountains. We look to provide teens with accommodations that offer plenty of activity and comforts along with opportunities for quiet reflection.

The work of the Advance is done through teams of students from Christian Organizations or Colleges. The college teams engage the youth in fellowship, singing, games, and a combination of skits, scripture, messages, and testimonies. They offer themselves as a living testimony to the Christian faith. The weekend messages focus on knowing the love of Christ and making a commitment to a faith journey.