LOVE & TRUTH REGISTER NOW Inspired by St. John Paul II's teachings, learn how you can build a civilization dedicated to God in the world today. Building a civilization of CAMPING LEARN HIKING & CAMPING REGISTER NOW The program begins deep in the Shenandoah Valley, where you will hike and kayak, camp and pray, and make lifelong friends. TWO DAYS IN NATURE FIND GOD love & truth LEARN & GROW Journey to the city for a daily seminar, formation and prayer, and community. Become equipped to transform the culture & deepen your faith. FIVE DAYS IN DC LOVE & TRUTH HIKING & CAMPING REGISTER NOW
June 20 - 27

The Love & Truth Seminar

Register by May 13 for the early-bird discount

Our goal is to help you to live out Pope Saint John Paul II’s call to build a civilization of love and truth. How exactly are we going to do so? Just as the great saint would have: a retreat away from the world, filled with prayer, outdoor adventure, community, sacraments, worship and incredible lectures and conversation.

The Seminar begins in one of America’s most beautiful river valleys – the Shenandoah – for two days of camping, hiking and canoeing. We’ll then head over to DC, home of the JPII Institute and located just next to the National Shrine, for the remainder of the Seminar.

Register Now
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Encounter Christ
Through daily Mass, adoration, spiritual formation & direction
Live Community
Authentic fellowship is what makes our programs are so enjoyable
Engage Creation
Hike the mountains and kayak the river of Shenandoah National Park
Meet & Network
Leaders of the New Evangelization, through lectures, working lunches, & visits

The Details

Hiking & Camping

Two Days in the Shenandoah Valley

  • Kick off the seminar with an outdoor retreat in Shenandoah, VA

  • Tent camping (just bring your own sleeping bag and we’ll provide the rest)

  • Hiking the mountains and kayaking the river of Shenandoah National Park

  • Daily Mass, adoration & discussions

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Learning & Growing

Five Days in Washington, DC

  • The remainder of the seminar is in DC, at the National Shrine of John Paul II

  • Lodging in private rooms at a retreat center

  • Engage in a daily seminar on building the civilization of love & truth today

  • Daily Mass & adoration

  • Opportunities for confession & spiritual direction

  • Meet distinguished guests

Meet the Team

Joe & Corinne MacDonald
Founders, JP2 Project, Love & Truth Seminar Facilitators
Dr. John Hittinger
Seminar Leader, Director of the St. John Paul II Institute at St. Thomas University in Houston
Fr. Jordan Berghouse
Program Chaplain, Priest of the Diocese of Milwaukee

Getting Started

01

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the trip contact us today!

CONTACT US
02

Register Online

Once you decide that this is the excursion for you, register immediately online!

REGISTER NOW
03

Pack Your Bags!

Pack your bags and arrange transportation to/from the excursion!

Have a question?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs?

The “early bird” cost is $345.00, for registration by May 13. Register after May 13, and the cost is $410.00, all-inclusive. Only get yourself to DC! (Note this is a subsidized program that relies on donor support to make it happen for you at this rate.)

For those local who want to stay at home but still participate: the week rate for the city seminar from the 22nd-27th is $215.00.

For those who would like to only attend the outdoor retreat the cost is $85.00.

What is included in the cost?

Everything

Everything. Campsite reservation, kayak and canoe rental, all you need for camping and all meals (except your own sleeping bag and personal necessities of course. Five nights lodging in DC (private rooms), all meals and all seminars, lectures, tours and tour materials.

What is NOT included in the cost?

Transportation

Transportation to/from Washington and your sleeping bag is not included in the cost. We will pick you up from the airport/train station. After you register we will be in touch with more information.

Where does it start and end?

June 20 – 27. Arrange transportation to/from Washington and we will do the rest! We will be in touch closer to the seminar with more details on meeting location and times. In general, the seminar begins with hiking & camping in Shenandoah, VA and ends in Washington, DC next to the National Shrine of John Paul II. 

Do I need my own tent or gear?

No.

Each person will only need their own sleeping bag and flashlight, and camping mat or mattress if desired. But if you do have your own tent and camping gear and are willing to share, that would be extremely helpful!

Who can attend?

Young adults.

Young adults ages 18-35, single or married. Spots are very limited and priority will be given to pre-approved applicants.

Do I need to be Catholic?

No.

Not at all. This is certainly a Catholic retreat, but people from all walks of faith or those searching are welcome.

Do I need to be experienced in hiking, kayaking or canoeing?

No.

Any level of outdoorsman (or lack thereof) is welcome. Stretching before the retreat will be encouraged.

How are we retreating?

Prayer.

A cornerstone of this retreat is the spiritual food, facilitated by our chaplain. You’ll be able to participate in daily Mass, adoration and a discussion on John Paul II’s teaching to young people.

What can I expect from this seminar?

Grow closer to God.

Expect to encounter Christ through daily Mass, adoration and spiritual formation, learn about JPII’s teachings on building the civilization of love & truth today, create authentic Christ-centered friendships, engage in God’s creation through hiking and camping, and expect to meet and network with leaders of the New Evangelization. 

You will also be sent home with a few amazing books and some JP2 Project gear. 

What is the policy surrounding alcohol?

If you’re over 21, you’ll enjoy the drinks at night around the fire. If you’re under 21, you’ll enjoy other beverages.​