This 5-day retreat is geared for any adult who wants to deepen their understanding of the Theology of the Body while participating in a hiking adventure within Glacier National Park (this is a change from backpacking as we were not able to obtain a backcountry permit). The beautiful terrain is both challenging and rewarding, a parallel to the content of this teaching and an analogy of what we face in everyday life. This retreat will be led by Jen Messing but fueled by participants’ questions and God’s promptings through our natural surroundings.

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. Each day we will cover approximately 7 – 9 miles; the level of hiking difficulty will vary from moderate to strenuous, but we will always be carrying the weight of our backpacks (note: now considerably lighter daypacks). The checklist will give you a more detailed explanation of what that means for packing, but each participant will need to have a conversation with Jen upon registering. This will ensure that you are prepared and we are all on the same wavelength!

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

Our conversations on this trip-retreat will cover the baseline vocabulary of the Theology of the Body, the real definition of love, our individual unrepeatability and what it means to make a gift of self. We will be accompanied by a priest in order to participate in daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration.

Please do not bring electronic devices (even solar powered) 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 may be problematic due to varying temps and carrying them in a backpack is unnecessary weight. A satellite phone will be carried in case of emergency and a group camera will be available if your usual camera option is your phone.

TRANSPORTATION & TIMING…
You may choose to arrive via car, Amtrak train, or airplane on Monday, August 2; please coordinate as described below. We will depart from our last campsite early on Saturday, August 7 in order to shuttle participants to the train station in West Glacier or airports.

On Monday the 2nd, please choose a morning or early afternoon flight, andon Saturday the 7thplease choose a late afternoon or evening flight; we will use a rented 12 passenger van to shuttle us all to and from the park. Ideally fly in and out of Helena (but Missoula or Kalispell may also be options). Communicate early about which options are available to you so we can coordinate.

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. NOTE: Men and women will be in separate tents (please indicate if you are a married couple so we can arrange tents appropriately).

Meals will be planned and provided from Monday lunch 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! 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 from airport to trailheads & back, all meals, permits & camping. Some gear may need to be rented or purchased.

EARLY BIRD: $795
DEADLINE: May 1

GENERAL REGISTRATION: $825
DEADLINE: JUNE 1

DEPOSIT DUE UPON REGISTRATION: $350

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.