Catholic schools and parishes seek to form students both intellectually and spiritually. Retreats provide the critical environment to activate the teachings and discipleship taking place through the committed effort of Catholic educators and parents. At Damascus, our goal is that the adventure of a retreat on our campus unveils the adventure of life in Christ- an adventure available every day in every school, parish, family, and community!
On this page, you’ll find more detailed information about :
We believe that a culture of ongoing discipleship is necessary for lasting vitality in any school, parish or community. That’s why our retreat programs are designed to meet students at every stage of their development- so that they can experience successive encounters that invite them further in their relationship with Christ.
Faith and Science: 6th grade
Leadership: 7th grade
Confirmation: 8th grade
Abundant Life: High School Underclassmen
Made for More: High School Upperclassmen
While the content grows with the student year after year, every retreat integrates the core elements of high adventure activities and high adventure faith.
Explore the pages below for more information about each retreat program, and scroll down for FAQs, available dates, and next steps.
Who can come on a retreat?
Any school or parish can contract with Damascus for a retreat. The retreat group is required to provide at minimum one chaperone for the retreat.
Who runs the retreats?
Our retreats are staffed by approximately 50 young adult missionaries who are in a 2-year program of Christian formation. Missionaries serve in every role from small group leading and activity facilitation, to speaking and emceeing, to helping in the kitchen and cleaning the campus. All missionaries have completed safe environment training and have a clear background check. To learn more about the missionary program, visit damascus.net/mission.
How long are the retreats?
Each retreat is a 3-day, 2-night experience. School retreats take place Wednesday-Fridays, and Confirmation retreats take place on select Friday-Sundays throughout the year. In general, Faith and Science retreats are scheduled in the warmer months of the fall and spring, High School retreats in the winter, and Leadership retreats in the later fall and earlier spring. See below for the exact date offerings for each school year.
Faith and Science:
Fall 2022: Sept 14-16, Sept 21-23, Sept 28-30, Oct 5-7
Spring 2023: Mar 29-31, April 12-14, April 19-21, April 26-28
Leadership:
Fall 2022: Oct 12-14, Oct 19-21, Oct 26-28, Nov 2-4
Spring 2023: Mar 1-3, Mar 8-10, Mar 15-17, Mar 22-24
Confirmation:
Fall 2022: Sept 23-25, Sept 30-Oct 2, Oct 21-23, Oct 28-30, Nov 11-13, Dec 2-4
Spring 2023: Feb 24-26, Mar 10-12, Mar 30-Apr 1, April 21-23
High School Retreats:
Fall 2021: Nov 9-11, Nov 16-18, Nov 30-Dec 1, Dec 7-9
Spring 2022: Jan 25-27, Feb 1-3, Feb 8-10, Feb 22-24
Fill out the form below to request your dates! Booking opens November 15.