2023 Smoky Mountains Hiking Retreat

open to adults 18+

This 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 Smoky Mountain National Park. From hiking a section of the Appalatian Trail to witnessing syncronous fireflies to taking a tour of Mammoth Cave, the beauty of the terrain will serve as a backdrop and an analogy to the content we learn. This retreat will be led by Jen Messing and Fr. Michael Thiel 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. This is a “basecamp” style trip, meaning that we will be driving to our group campsite and setting up there for the duration of our retreat; we will travel to trailheads daily. The level of hiking difficulty will vary from easy to moderately strenuous, covering approximately 5-10 miles per day.  We will travel to Mammoth Cave on Friday June 16 in order to take a tour (and showers) before heading to the airport on Saturday.

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, 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 (including Smart Watches) and put phones completely away during the retreat; we want you to experience the great outdoors and the great people around you without distraction! Note that most national parks have little (if any) cell service. A group camera will be available if your usual camera option is your phone.

TRANSPORTATION & TIMING…

We will utilize the Nashville, TN airport (BNA) as our meeting hub for Monday June 12. We will coordinate a pick up with a 12-passenger van and drive to our campsite in Smoky Mountain National Park.

On Friday morning (June 16) we will depart from the Smokies and drive to/ stay one last night at Mammoth Cave; this will give us access to showers and put us within 2 hours of the airport. Please consider Saturday (June 17) flights with this in mind and ask before you purchase. Your flights should arrive no later than 1pm on Monday (June 12) and depart no earlier than 11am on Saturday (June 17th).

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’s evening meal 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!

EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 13
GENERAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: June 1

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

2. See COSTS tab for payment information.

3. 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.

4. NEW this year! Click the button above to REGISTER + PAY. You will fill out an online form, make a payment, and then – to complete registration – you will watch for our liability form in your confirmation email. The confirmation email will also serve as your copy of the registration form.

5. The LIABILITY FORM must be signed and submitted in order to be fully registered. Please open the PDF and either fill it in with Adobe or print it to fill in by hand. You may EMAIL completed forms here or MAIL them to the office.

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

REGISTRATION FEE:
Includes transportation from Nashville’s airport to Smoky Mountain NP & back, all meals, permits & camping. Some gear may need to be rented or purchased.

EARLY BIRD: $650
DEADLINE: March 13

GENERAL REGISTRATION: $700
DEADLINE: June 1

DEPOSIT DUE UPON REGISTRATION: $200

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Please read the REGISTER tab before proceeding with payment

Click the button under the slideshow to REGISTER + PAY (installments are allowed): credit cards or ACH (automatic withdrawal from a bank account) options incur a fee. Send a check to the office to avoid fees.

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.

* Note: we will also issue refunds if Jen’s cancer adventure turns a little too epic to realistically run retreats.  Stay updated here: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jenmessing

“And God created man in His own image….male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

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