4 hikes in 4 days!
Explore Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area parks, minus the camping experience.
This “day camp” is geared for high school students with any or no amount of prior exposure to hiking or the Theology of the Body (though participants should at least be willing to attend). Discussions will be started by Jen and other leaders but fueled by your questions and God’s promptings through our natural surroundings.

GETTING OUTSIDE…
Getting outside and away from your usual lives can be an adventure of getting to know yourself, other people your age, God, and what you believe. We will spend time exploring both popular and lesser known gems in Twin Cities’ parks, covering 5-10 miles per day and highlighting great spots that are in our own backyard! Most of the hiking will be flat, with a combination of pavement and dirt trails.

RETREAT ELEMENTS…
On the first day, parents are welcome to join us at 8 am for an introduction to the ground we will be covering (both on Theology of the Body & geographically), as well as a special 9:00 am Mass for our group. Each day we will weave hiking, discussions, and personal prayer time into the experience, with possible noon Mass in various locations. We will encourage the youth to leave their watches at home and receive all that the Lord has for them during these days!

Please do not bring electronic devices; we want you to experience the great outdoors and the great people around you without distraction! If you still choose to bring your device or cell phone, they will be collected at the start of each day 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…
Each day we will gather at 8:00 am outside the St. Agnes Daily Mass Chapel (small parking lot between church and school: 548 LafondAve, St. Paul, MN 55103). Each day we will return to the same parking lot at St. Agnes by 5:00 pm.

Most days we will walk down to the Light Rail station on Dale and University, letting it take us to points in both Minneapolis and St. Paul where we can launch into our hikes. We will utilize 15 passenger vans on the last day of the camp in order to take in a local state park.

KEEPING YOU FED…
Please bring a bag lunch and plenty of water each day. Trail mix will be provided; 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! More questions about the content of this retreat? Please visit our FAQ page! We look forward to meeting you soon!

REGISTRATION FEE:
Covers transportation, park entry, trail mix, & Jen!

$135 – Early bird: register & pay $50 down by April 2
$150 – Register & pay $50 down after April 2 & by May 31

Send checks to the office to avoid fees; please inquire about making smaller incremental payments. Click button above for online credit card payment but know that it must be paid in full and will incur a fee.

$50 deposit is non-refundable after May 31; refund of remaining fee only in case of emergency. Final payment can be mailed or turned in on the first day of camp.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: APRIL 2
GENERAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 31

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 online by credit card (note that you must pay in full and there is an added fee for this option). $50 deposit is non-refundable after deadline of May 31; refund of remaining fee only in case of emergency. Final payment can be mailed or turned in on the first day of camp.

5. Enclose a copy of your medical insurance card.

You may hold a spot for the camp 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.