open to high school youth, entering 9th – 12th grade
This 5-day camping retreat on the shores of Lake Superior is geared for high school youth with any or no amount of prior exposure to camping 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 by Lake Superior and in the woods – hiking 5-10 miles near waterfalls and around huge rocks – as well as potentially spending time at the beach in Duluth. The level of hiking difficulty will vary from easy to moderately strenuous among the hilly and rocky landscape.
RETREAT ELEMENTS…
Due to the many daily factors that are unpredictable about a camping trip, know that this is not a perfectly structured retreat. Activities, talks, discussions, personal prayer time, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration will be woven into each day (we will have a priest hiking and camping right alongside us!) – 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! More questions about the content of this retreat? Please visit our FAQ page!
Please do not bring electronic devices; 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 varying temps and the weather/terrain/bodies of water offer many possibilities for ruining such items. If you still choose to bring your device or cell phone, they will be collected at the start of the retreat with the expectation that they will not be used unless there is an emergency (NOTE: connectivity in this area is poor & there are no charging options). A group camera will be available if your usual camera option is your phone.
TRANSPORTATION & TIMING…
Meet on Monday for 8am Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, then check in at 8:45am at the office. We will be renting 15 passenger vans for our travels and will return by 6 pm on Friday evening.
NOTE: we will have a rest stop at Thompson Hill Rest Area in Duluth around noon on Monday and again on Friday. This, among other places, can serve as a pick-up point for those in the Northland!
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 with up to 5 people. Leaders will be in separate tents nearby.
Meals will be provided from Monday supper (bring a bag lunch in the van) to Friday lunch. 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, meals, camping & permits.
$390 – Early bird: register & pay $200 down by April 2
$425 – Register & pay $200 down after April 2 & by June 24
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 a fee will be incurred.
$200 registration fee is non-refundable after June 24; refund of remaining fee only in case of emergency. Final payment should be received one week prior to the start of the retreat.
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: APRIL 2
GENERAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JUNE 24
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). $200 registration fee is non-refundable after June 24; 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.