First Time Tips
We want your first experience at the New Wilmington Mission Conference to be one that you will never forget, for all of the right reasons. Below you'll find some tips and information that may be helpful as you prepare. If you have additional questions or need more information to make your experience great, please contact the NWMC Office.
Arrival and Departure
The New Wilmington Mission Conference begins with registration on the first Saturday. You will want to arrange to arrive on Saturday afternoon so that you can register and settle into your dorm room before the programming begins. Dinner is served from 5:00pm until 6:00pm and group meetings begin as early as 6:30pm on the first day of the Conference. Formal programming ends with the Evening Meeting around 8:00pm on Friday, although many of the social programs and small groups continue to meet following the Evening Meeting. You are invited to spend Friday night in the dorms, but are asked to plan to be out by 8:00am on Saturday so that the NWMC staff can check the dorms and make their departure.
When you arrive at the Conference, you will want to make your way to the NWMC Office in the basement of the New Wilmington Presbyterian Church. Here you will register and receive your name tag, and dorm assignment. You will then be given directions to your dorm so that you may move into your room. Dorm directors will be on hand to assist you and issue your key. (There is a $10.00 fee for lost keys.)
Arriving by Air
Those planning air travel to the New Wilmington Mission Conference should plan to fly into the Pittsburgh International Airport, which is about a 1 hour drive from New Wilmington. If you would like, shuttle transportation can be arranged from the airport to the Conference and back, at a cost of $40/person or family, each way. Please contact the NWMC Office to make these arrangements. You may also visit the Forms page to fill out a Shuttle Request Form.
Accommodations and Campus Information
The New Wilmington Mission Conference is held on the Campus of Westminster College. The college is tucked into the rolling hills of Western PA offering beautiful views and scenery. Participants live in the dorms, and meet in various locations around the campus. There is a good deal of walking between meeting locations, including some hills. The dorms are considered comfortable but basic. There are no linens or toiletries provided, and so attendees should plan to bring these items.
For those for whom dorm-living presents a challenge, several local hotels are offering discounted rates. More information is available here, as well as through the NWMC Office.
Dining
All meals from dinner on the first Saturday through dinner on the final Friday of NWMC are offered cafeteria-style in the college dining rooms. There are many options to choose from, including main entrees, a salad bar, and a cereal bar. A continental-style breakfast is offered on the final Saturday of the conference.
Your name tag is your ticket to each meal. Please be sure that you bring it with you.
Parents
of small children should plan to bring a portable clamp-on style high
chair or booster seat to be used in the dining halls. The college does
not have any high chairs available.
Nearby Attractions
Westminster College is located in the the quaint town of New Wilmington that offers several eating establishments and independent retailers, a coffee shop, and a drug store for any last minute needs.
The New Wilmington Borough Pool welcomes Conference participants for a small fee. Additionally, the college pool will be available during the afternoon free times. There is no charge for using the college pool.
The Grove City Premium Outlets are located less than 20 minutes away, boasting of over 125 outlet and retail stores.
It is just a 1 hour drive to downtown Pittsburgh, PA, which features many tourist attractions, restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions. Similarly, New Wilmington is 1 1/2 hours from Cleveland, OH. A day in either of these cities would make a wonderful beginning or end to your time at the New Wilmington Mission Conference.
Medical Services
The New Wilmington Mission Conference is proud to include medical professionals on its staff. A doctor and several nurses are available to assist you should you find yourself in need of medical care during your time at NWMC. The medical staff is also able to help coordinate the services of the local hospital should a significant medical need arise.
Children at NWMC
The New Wilmington Mission Conference is proud to welcome participants of all ages, including the very young. Child-care and children's programming is offered for all ages.
Parents of young children may want to consider bringing the following:
A portable crib or air mattress - families stay together in one dorm room.
A stroller - there is a considerable amount of walking, including some hills
Bikes or scooters - older children enjoy biking around the Westminster college campus, and this makes for an efficient way for children to travel to their program locations.
Swimming Suits and Float Devices - participants at NWMC have access to Westminster College's indoor pool at no cost. Additionally, there is a local pool just adjacent to the college campus that can be accessed for a small fee.
Toys and Games - for use during free-time at the conference.
Dress Code
Dress to be comfortable during the New Wilmington Mission Conference. Weather can be unpredictable in Western, PA, but plan for warm days, and potentially cooler nights. Casual dress is most appropriate.
Some participants prefer to attend the evening programs and Sunday morning worship "cleaned up." For some this means dresses, skirts, or collared shirts but dressing up is not required.
We hope that participants will dress in a way that makes them feel comfortable while honoring themselves, and taking into account the cultural sensitivities of others present.
