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
Summer Outdoor Retreat
Retreat Theme: In the world, but not of the world.”
June 16th-18th, 2023
Shenandoah, VA
Camp, hike and kayak in beautiful Shenandoah National Park at Dundo Group Campground on this young adult retreat. Removed from the distractions of everyday life, encounter God, find fellowship and be restored in the footsteps of St. John Paul II. Along with times for recreation and fellowship, there will be private mass with your personal chaplain, Fr. Peter Nguyen, and times for adoration and confession. Come be renewed in mind, body and soul!
Cost: $200
Winter Advent Retreat
December 15th-17th, 2023
Annunciation Heights
Estes Park, CO
Details to come!
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!