Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Theokinesis presents the Rebel for Christ Retreat, a Christian creativity camp taking place July 22 thru August 4, 2024 at the Voice of Nature Eco Camp in Sesalac, Serbia, next to the Sesalac cave tourist attraction and 20 km from the beautiful town of Sokobanja.
We are the outliers of society yet also Jesus followers, in the world but not of the world.
In a world that glorifies rebelling against life and the good, we rebel against needing to sin.
We may be genre-defying fringe artists, experimental dancers and musicians, performance artists, creative theatre practitioners. No matter the expression, we engage because it points to The Most High.
We may have had or still have associations with subcultures such as punk, goth, or underground hip hop. We’re the weirdos, the Christ seekers off the beaten path.
In the retreat, God willing, morning to night activity will occur: Christian-based movement/dance workshops such as Theokinesis (Christian-based Butoh Dance Theatre), singing workshops, performances, and other wholesome activities.
We gather in festivity, connecting, and learning. The exact location was where the Serbia Butoh Retreat occurred in August of 2019 bringing 67 artists and hobbyists from all corners of the world. But this time, we are specifically engaged with our theme Rebel for Christ.
Rebel For Christ Retreat is strictly drug-free, alcohol-free, and meat-free. Anybody found not abiding by these tenants will be asked to leave without a refund.
We are family friendly.
The Last True Rebellion
In resonance with the Romans 12:2 passage quoted above, the retreat is inspired by the Death to the World Eastern Orthodox zine begun by monks and nuns at the St Herman of Alaska Monastery in Platina, California as a form of evangelism.
A fantastic overview is available here:
Registration
- 3 Tier fee starting at 55 Euros (waved for Serbian nationals)
- Meal prices TBA (approximately 10 Euros per day)
Apply to the retreat here.
Open Call For Guides
Christian-based movement and singing guides, speakers, coaches, and preachers are welcome to apply for the open call here.
Lodging
Included in the registration fee is plenty of space to pitch a tent. The majority of participants will go for this option. Bring your own tent.
In the case one wishes to other options, see the following (which will be options on the general registration form). First come first serve.
Nearby Bungalows
4 bungalows available: 1 four-person bungalow and 3 2-person bungalows. 10 Euros per person.
25 Min Walk House
3 rooms in house available. Queen size beds. 15 Euros per person.
Sokobanja
The nearest town is Sokobanja which is 20km away. There are many lodging options there as well.
Facilities
The camp has fresh mountain water in abundance.
There are three toilets at the retreat that are eco-toilets where ash or mud is used.
The lake next to the cave is used for clean bathing. Only organic, non-chemical soap is allowed. Strictly no nudity as the lake is also a public space.
Getting There
Nearest airport is Nis, however most people may come from the main airport (Belgrade) and take bus transportation to Sokobanja. Once in Sokobanja, one is to take a taxi to the tourist attraction of the Sesalac Cave (Sesalačka pećina).