This 7-day retreat to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is geared to take high school students to the next level with camping, canoeing, and the Theology of the Body (prior exposure to all three is preferred but please inquire to find out if this is a good fit for your child). Discussions will be started by Jen and other leaders but fueled by your questions and God’s promptings through our natural surroundings. We will be accompanied by a priest in order to participate in daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration.

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. This is a “portaging” style trip, meaning that we will be canoeing across several lakes in one day, carrying canoes and everything we need in backpacks across portages, and setting up a new camp every afternoon. This is a great opportunity to see just how strong you really are! We will work together and work hard while still making time for swimming and fishing.

RETREAT ELEMENTS…
Due to the many daily factors that are unpredictable about a canoeing trip, know that this is not a perfectly structured retreat. Topics, 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 ask you to leave your watch at home and receive all that the Lord has for you during this retreat!

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 they cannot go with us (added weight + too delicate). If you still choose to bring your device or cell phone, they will be collected at the start of the retreat and stored in the van. (NOTE: connectivity in this area is highly limited so leaders will have special devices for emergency.) A group camera will be available if your usual camera option is your phone.

TRANSPORTATION & TIMING…
An optional Mass time before we meet on Sunday is 10:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, then check in at 11:30 am at the office. We will be renting 12 passenger van for our travels and renting canoes upon our arrival at the outfitters. We will camp overnight at a campground along the Echo Trail and hit the wilderness waters between Monday and Saturday. Our planned return time on Saturday evening is 6:30 pm.

NOTE: We can arrange a pick-up point for those in the Northland as we will have a rest stop along the way and can coordinate with enough advance notice; please notify us upon registration.

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 several other people (ladies and gents will be separated).

Meals will be provided from Sunday evening (bring a bag lunch for the drive) to Saturday 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! More questions about the content of this retreat? Please visit our FAQ page! We look forward to meeting you soon!

CLICK HERE to purchase an I.D. Retreat gift certificate for someone you love!

REGISTRATION FEE:
Includes transportation, meals, canoe/gear rental & permits.

EARLY BIRD: $595
DEADLINE: May 1

GENERAL REGISTRATION: $625
DEADLINE: JUNE 1

DEPOSIT DUE UPON REGISTRATION: $200

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Send checks to the office to avoid fees; please inquire about making smaller incremental payments.

Click the button under the slideshow for online credit card payment (installments also allowed) or ACH (automatic withdrawal from a bank account); these options incur a fee. Note that you must progress to the end of the transaction before it will allow you to select the option for multiple installments.

Deposits are non-refundable after June 1; refund of remaining fee only in case of emergency. Please make your final payment before the start of this retreat unless you have permission for incremental payments.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: MAY 1
GENERAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JUNE 1

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

2. Email us to ensure there is space available on this retreat. Ask any questions you may have to assure it is a good fit for you.

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

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

5. See costs tab for payment information. Note that the credit card payment says “register now” but you still need to submit the paperwork to be fully registered.