Deacons & Dads
Aaronic Priesthood Trip
This trip is specifically designed for newly ordained (or soon-to-be ordained) Aaronic Priesthood holders, and their dads, uncles, or grandfathers. As a guardian, you can decide the right age for your son to attend. We will make lots of time for fun and activity on this well-balanced Church history tour. What better place to teach these young Aaronic Priesthood holders about the Priesthood than where the Priesthood was restored, like the Kirtland Temple? Through his excellent storytelling, your guide, Joe Jackson will take you through several of the early church history locations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, which will provide exciting stories and lessons about the Saints and the Priesthood. Visit Niagara Falls and ride the Maid of the Mist. Go to Cedar Point, the only amusement park in the world with five roller coasters that exceed 200 feet in height, and enjoy one of their 18 roller coasters.
Aug 5-11, 2025, Deacons and dads - 28 people
Designed for Dad/grandfather of 11- to 14-year-olds, with a focus on the Aaronic Priesthood.
What we do:
Tour the Priesthood Restoration Site & learn about the circumstances that led to the appearance of John the Baptist to Joseph Smith & Oliver Cowdrey
Visit Niagara Falls (American side) and ride the Maid of the Mist boat
Spend private reflection time in the Sacred Grove with your son
Learn about the translation process of the Book of Mormon and the miracles surrounding it
Learn about the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Hear about the challenges they had, but also about their complete and unyielding testimony of the Book of Mormon
Have an actual ‘Fireside’- A bonfire with LOTS of wood and stories of young men who were part of the restoration
Fulfill your Priesthood responsibility with the opportunity to give service to the community
Enjoy an amazing dinner with an Amish family in their home and learn of their traditions. Walk their farm and ride in an Amish buggy
Spend an entire day at Cedar Point, the 4th largest amusement park in the US, with 18 roller coasters and 5 that are over 200 feet tall!
Depart from Cleveland Ohio
Cost $1,600 based on double occupancy. Pricing includes all transport from arrival to departure, all lodging, activities, and all but 2 meals. Airfare and airport meals are not included.
Dates and Costs:
The cost for the Deacons and Dads Tour is $1,600 based on double occupancy. Each tour is limited to 28 guests. Pricing includes all transportation from arrival in Newark, NJ to departure at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, all lodging, admission, and all but 2 meals. Airfare and airport meals are not included.
A $200 deposit per person will reserve your spot on the tour
First payment of $200 per person due by March 1, 2025
The balance of your trip is due May 7, 2025
Trips paid in full at the time of booking will receive a $100 discount
Aug 5-11, 2025
Airport Information:
Plan to arrive on the first day of your tour (Tuesday) at Newark, NJ airport by 5 pm. The shuttle will collect guests and their luggage between 5-6 pm.
Plan on your returning flight to depart Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) no earlier than 5 pm on the last tour day (Sunday). The shuttle will return all guests to the airport.
Further arrangements can be made by calling us directly with your flight information before your trip
The itinerary is subject to change due to time, discussion, weather, and availability permits and dictates.
FAQ:
What if my flight is delayed?
If there are changes to your flight coming into Newark, you will be required to pay for a taxi to meet us along the tour.
How much walking and stairs will there be?
This tour will have several short walks (less than a quarter mile) throughout each day. Optional longer walks (hills or up to half a mile) are available at some locations.
The Kirtland Temple is not handicap accessible. The main floor is a few steps up. To visit the 2nd and 3rd floors requires climbing several steep stairs.
This tour is designed to keep young men engaged and active. Lessons will be directed to their understanding. There will be plenty of time for activity and fun!
What should I bring?
A small bag, purse, or backpack holds items you may need throughout the day. When you leave the hotel in the morning, you will not return until after dinner. Please plan accordingly. The bus will be secure during our stops for anything left on board.
The weather is notoriously fickle in Northeast Ohio. A rain jacket and sweater are good ideas. Umbrellas will be provided at certain sites as needed.
Though we will provide light snacks and water on the bus, you may want to bring snacks that fit your taste and preference, as well as a water bottle or other drink.
Please dress for comfort and mobility. There will not be any strenuous walking, but some ground may be uneven and there are several opportunities to climb stairs.
Seating will be available at many sites we visit. We will have folding camp chairs available at certain other locations for those who need them.
There will be a few water activities during your tour. Please plan on a swimming suit and towel.
Will I be given a guidebook?
A full-color guidebook will be given to each guest on our tour, but you may wish to have a journal for note-taking. We will be referencing the Standard Works of scriptures of the restoration including the Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants. Paper or digital copies will come in handy.
I need to cancel my trip. What is the refund policy?
We are sorry that you won’t be able to join us as planned. If you’ve paid in full for your trip, and we are able to replace your spot with a new guest, you will be refunded the cost of the trip, minus the $200 deposit. If we are unable to find another guest to fill your spot, we will be happy to book you on another tour or refund you 50% of your total amount paid.