This week-long retreat is geared for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Theology of the Body while sharpening their ability to teach it to others. Using the term ‘educator’ broadly, this will be an opportunity for discussion among the abundance of titled, volunteer, & parental positions that work together to pass the faith on to youth and adults alike.

GETTING OUTSIDE…
Getting out into the original Cathedral of the outdoors and away from electronics allows time to chew on discussion topics and space to be with God. The level of hiking difficulty will vary from easy (flat terrain) to strenuous (elevation, constant inclines, and very dry heat).

We will spend several days hiking at both the North and South Rims, and we have attained a permit to hike from “Rim to Rim”. This means we will spend 2 days backpacking 21 miles (14 down, 7 up) and camping near the bottom of the canyon in Bright Angel Campground. Between the 2 rims and the inner canyon, the temperatures range from 40 at night to 100+ — but be not afraid, we will carefully talk to each participant in preparation for these conditions (it’s all about layering and hydration!).

RETREAT ELEMENTS…
Due to the many daily factors that are unpredictable about a camping trip, know that this is not a perfectly structured retreat. Talks, discussions, personal prayer time, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration will be woven into each day – but the timing will vary and sometimes must be discerned as it unfolds. We encourage you to take off your watch and receive all that the Lord has for you during this retreat!

Please do not bring electronic devices and put your phone completely away during the retreat; we want you to experience the great outdoors and the great people around you without distraction! Storing them in the van is problematic due to high temps and carrying them in a backpack is unnecessary weight. If you believe your phone will be a temptation, we are happy to hold it for you with the expectation that they will not be used unless there is an emergency. A group camera will be available if your usual camera option is your phone.

TRANSPORTATION & TIMING…
We will be renting a 15 passenger van in Phoenix and thus offering to shuttle participants from the airport (or a Park-n-Ride) to the Grand Canyon on Saturday the 17th and back again on Saturday the 24th. Land by mid-afternoon on Saturday and leave in late afternoon on Saturday (this will need to be coordinated so please discuss times with us before purchasing your ticket). Camping will be available until Sunday.

NOTE: If you would like to drive yourself to the campground, we can only offer 3 other spots for cars so you must discuss your plans with us first.

CAMPING & MEALS…
These trips are designed to be “family style” in that we share daily “chores” (meal prep, clean up, etc.), we wait for one another, and we share tent space. Due to campground regulations surrounding how many people and tents are allowed per site, we have little flexibility with tent arrangements. Men and women will be separated and married couples may need to share a tent with one other couple.

We will camp several days in DeMotte campground (about 15 miles from the North Rim) and several in Mather campground (very near the “village” at the South Rim). Meals will be provided from Saturday evening to Sunday morning. We can accommodate most allergies or sensitivities but please have a direct conversation with us when you first register.

QUESTIONS?
Please read the trip checklist carefully first, then feel free to call or email us! We look forward to meeting you soon!

REGISTRATION FEES:
Includes transportation from (& back to) Phoenix Airport, meals, camping & permits.

$655 – Early bird: register & pay $300 down by March 31
$695 – Register & pay $300 down after March 31 & by May 13

Send checks to the office to avoid fees; click link above for credit card payment but know that it will incur a fee of approximately $20.

$300 registration fee is non-refundable after May 13; refund of remaining fee only in case of emergency. Final payment should be received one week prior to the start of the retreat.

1. Read the retreat information thoroughly, especially the “need to know” tab & the trip checklist!

2. Print the registration forms, fill them out, and sign or initial where needed (keep a copy for your records).

3. Mail to the office or scan the completed forms. Email scanned forms here.

4. Enclose payment via check (made out to Into the Deep) -OR- pay by credit card (note that there is an added fee for this option). $300 registration fee is non-refundable after May 13; refund of remaining fee only in case of emergency.

5. Enclose a copy of your medical insurance card.

You may hold a spot on the retreat by sending an email here, but if your registration materials and payment are not received within two weeks of your email date, that spot will be opened up to others.