Outdoor Retreats in the USA
Engage Creation & Find Fellowship
How did John Paul II rejuvenate himself and others in the midst of an intensely lived life? Through physical activity, prayer, and fellowship, in the backdrop of God’s beautiful creation, all four seasons of the year. Now offering outdoor retreats in the USA for young adults 18+.
Remove Distractions & Encounter God
Each retreat will have time for Mass and adoration, reflection and discussion, outdoor activity, and good food and fellowship. Be not afraid to unplug for the weekend and find the restoration that your body, mind and spirit need.
Upcoming Retreats
Hiking Retreat with Fr. Jacques Philippe
November 3-6, 2022 – Estes Park, Colorado
Follow in the footsteps of Saint John Paul II right here in the USA when he came to Denver for the 1993 World Youth Day. As a mountaineer and a pilgrim, he couldn’t resist a hike in America’s prized landscape and a visit to the historic St. Malo Chapel. We’ll be doing the same! Our chaplain is renowned Catholic author, Fr. Jacques Philippe.
Registration Now Open!
Ski Retreat
February 17-19, 2023 – Cadillac, Michigan
How did John Paul II rejuvenate himself in the middle of winter? Head out of the city and into the slopes for a ski retreat. Follow in his example and do the same this winter and join us for this retreat! We’ll be skiing and snowboarding at Caberfae Peaks in Cadillac Michigan. There will be private Mass and time for Adoration with our chaplain.
Details Coming Soon.
Our Philosophy
Our outdoor excursions are based on the same principles as our study-abroad programs: God, community and conversation.
We help you grow closer to God by exploring his beautiful creation and sending your prayers to Him at daily outdoor Mass and prayers.
The very nature of our outdoor excursions facilitates friendship – shared experiences and fun times!
We engage in thoughtful conversation based on the life and teachings of Pope Saint John Paul II, all the while striving to become saints!
What Participants Say
Hiking Retreat
Hiking Retreat
I had spent weeks living like a zombie just going through the motions. I was looking for a breath of fresh air when I saw this retreat coming up. A weekend in the Colorado mountains surrounded by other young Catholics was just the refreshing thing I needed. I bonded with, learned from, and made great friendships in just a matter of hours. It’s a blessing to be connected with other people from around the world striving for holiness in life and not settling for mediocracy. Many of the stories and testimonies shared by my peers inspired me to dedicate more time to discerning my vocation and promoting a culture of life in the little things.
Ski Retreat
Ski Retreat
This retreat was amazing! It was great being unplugged and having a balanced life of community, prayer, retreat and fun! It was moving to have our chaplain offer Jesus to us, and in our homes!
Being unplugged actually allowed me to be more present to everything around me. Instead of reaching for a phone in moments of silence, it was great reaching out to each other in those moments and to draw closer to the Lord in prayer.
Highly recommend these trips!!
Love & Truth Seminar
Love & Truth Seminar
It was such a necessity in my life at this time! Not only was I inspired to learn more about JPII and the many ways God worked, and continues to work, through him, but I was pulled out of a dark place (spiritually) during this retreat. I was reminded of the need for authenticity in my spiritual life. Jesus doesn’t need me to fix myself before presenting myself to Him. As a matter of fact, I can’t get better without Him…I thank God for this retreat, because it brought to light the need for honesty and vulnerability that I didn’t know was so important to God. He wants me: the real me. That’s a huge relief… I am so grateful for this experience!