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

Indian River, Michigan

July 23 – 25, Michigan

In conjunction with the Catholic Diocese of Lansing, we are offering a young adults weekend hiking pilgrimage this July 23 – 25! Join young adults from across the state of Michigan this summer for a weekend of camping, prayer, friendship, and hiking to the Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River. The cost of $45.00 includes everything. For more information or to register click below.

Young Families Retreat

October 1-3, Illinois

Join us for our first-ever young families retreat in the USA! Families with young children are invited to join us at the beautifully peaceful Ave Maria Retreat Center in Danville, IL. Come for a weekend of prayer, retreat, community, family and friendship. Chaplain Fr. Joe Campbell will be celebrating daily Mass and adoration with opportunities for confession and spiritual direction. Childcare will be available for those who would like to use it. This retreat will cost only $250 per family.

Feast Day Retreat

October 22-24, Denver

Follow in the footsteps of Saint John Paul II right here in the USA. St. John Paul II 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. On his feast day this October, we’ll be doing the same! Not only will this be an outdoor retreat on his feast day, but this will be our site for our annual feast day celebration where the whole JP2 Project Family is invited! We’ll be lodging at the beautiful campground of Annunciation Heights.

See the FAQ section below for more information and details

Explore Nature

Escape the hustle and bustle of life and explore God's beautiful creation!

Makes Friends

You'll meet other zealous young Catholics on these trips!

Find God

Our outdoor excursions feature daily Mass and prayer.

Get Exercise

You'll walk away in better shape than when you arrived!

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!

October Outdoor Retreat

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Register by September 10 for the early bird discount of $225. After September 10, the cost is $260. There is an additional $15 discount for any alumni. If you are interested in receiving transportation to/from the Denver airport, this can be included for an additional $50 roundtrip.

What's included in the cost?

All lodging & meals. Dinner Friday evening, Breakfast, Packed Lunch for the trail on Saturday, our Feast Day Dinner Banquet on Saturday evening, and Breakfast & lunch on Sunday. Transportation to/from Denver airport can be included for an additional $50 roundtrip.

When does it start and end?

The retreat will begin at 4 pm on Friday, October 22. Expect the retreat to end with lunch at noon on Sunday, October 24. (If you are flying, look for flights that arrive at Denver airport no later than 2 pm on Friday and depart sometime in the afternoon on Sunday

What are the accomodations?

Annunciation Heights is hosting us for this retreat. This is an awesome Catholic campground with a beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. We are lodging in their rustic cabins. Think camp bunk beds, but with heating. You need to bring your own bedding and toiletries.

What are we eating?

All meals are provided by Annunciation Heights. We’ll pack sandwiches to-go for the big day in the mountains. In honor of our patron, we’ll break from the camp meal to have one fine dinner banquet. Yes, pack something nice to wear for this evening.

What who is this for?

This is a young adult retreat, which we roughly classify as 18-35. Married couples are welcome too. Because this coincides with our feast day celebration, we’re inviting the wider JP2 Project family to some special events, such as the Saturday night banquet.

What level of hiker is this for?

Any level, from expert to newbie. You’ll have a chance for more intensive hiking if you’re up for a greater challenge.

How are we retreating?

A cornerstone of this retreat is the spiritual food, facilitated by our chaplain, who will be present the entire time. You’ll be able to participate in daily Mass, adoration and a discussion on John Paul II’s teaching to young people, particularly his message to the American youth in Denver.

What can I expect from this retreat?

Connecting with God and rejuvenating yourself through sacrament and prayer, nature, physical activity and nature, community and fellowship with others.

What is the policy surrounding alcohol?

If you’re over 21, you’ll enjoy the drinks at night. If you’re under 21, you’ll enjoy the tea and hot cocoa.

Packing List?

Yes, we will be sending a recommended packing list to all participants about a week before the retreat.

Getting Started

Contact Us

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

Register Online

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

Pack Your Bags!

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