2025 Fall Retreat

Jesus modeled a pattern of retreating from the demands of everyday life to be with his Father and with his disciples. When we step away from our busy lives to retreat together, we follow his example and trust in his promise of rest.

The weekend will provide opportunity for community, reflection, rest and play in a beautiful natural setting. Because we're a multigenerational church, our retreat will look more like a family reunion than a monastic retreat or Christian conference. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet people if you are new to Incarnation!

This year's fall retreat will be held October 3-5, and registration is open now (link at bottom of the page)! But first, read these FAQs:

What are the dates and arrival times?

The retreat runs from Friday night to Sunday lunch, October 3-5. You may register for all 3 days, just Saturday-Sunday, or Saturday only. There is no formal programming on Friday, October 3, but some people appreciate the opportunity to ease into the weekend by coming early, setting up camp/bunk, and simply hanging out. Friday is also when we set up for the retreat, and we may ask for your help if you show up early! Those arriving Friday may come anytime after 5 pm and are responsible for their own dinner.

Check-in begins at 9 am on Saturday, and the retreat officially begins at 9:45 am Saturday and ends at noon Sunday.

Where is the retreat?

The retreat will be held at Camp Highroad, one hour west of DC, with camping and bunkhouse options. The outdoor setting is beautiful, and the indoor accommodations are rustic but comfortable (camp-style facilities and shared restrooms).

What will we do?

In the midst of a season of much change for our community, including a move to a new building in a new neighborhood and the planting of a new church in Maryland, we will take time to sit and ponder together Jesus’ words in John 12:23-25.

“I speak from my heart. If a seed is unplanted, it remains only one seed, but if it dies, falls to the earth, and enters the ground, it will then grow and become many seeds.” (First Nations Translation of John 12:24)

We will reflect on what it looks like for our seeds to fall and enter this hallowed ground. We will listen for how the Holy Spirit is already moving in and through the soil of our souls to release what needs to be buried to grow still more bountiful seeds.

On Saturday morning we will engage the scripture and themes of seeds and soil through practices of prayer, faith sharing, listening, personal reflection.

Then Saturday afternoon brings a long block of free time that you can fill however you like: art activities, camp activities, naps, walks, games, communal cooking, and more. Back by popular demand, Saturday evening will be an all-ages talent show, followed by a campfire.

And on Sunday morning we'll close our time with a relaxed church service. (Please note, there is NO church service at BHCUMC that Sunday morning!)

Is there a speaker?

No. We will learn from scripture, from each other, from creation, and from the Holy Spirit — but this isn’t a learning-heavy retreat.

How should I prepare spiritually for the retreat?

We know how hard it is to get away for the weekend, so there is no required preparation. However, we recommend reflecting on these questions before you come, perhaps even on your drive to Highroad:

What are you feeling thankful for as you come to this retreat?

What feels difficult as you come to this retreat – what is causing you worry or stress?

What do you need from God on this retreat?

What about meals?

Meals are provided from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch; breakfasts are continental and lunches are either sandwiches (Saturday) or leftovers (Sunday). We will have gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options for all meals.

Throughout the day on Saturday, there will be opportunities to help prepare Saturday night's feast. Most people cite this as their favorite part of the retreat!

We welcome volunteers to help grocery shop, prep, cook, and serve meals. We are particularly looking for people to help plan and prep for the Saturday night feast to ensure no one is spending too much time in the kitchen. You can indicate dietary needs and volunteer interests on your registration form.

Finally, EVERYONE will be assigned a cleanup role after a meal to help wash dishes. Please take this role seriously so that we all share the dishwashing load!

What about children?

Kids are welcome throughout the retreat, and most activities are all-ages. We will also provide a separate children's program for ages 3+ outdoors during the Saturday morning session. The registration form includes a place to indicate willingness to help with children. Please consider giving an hour or two of your time to retreat with our kids (consider it a fulfillment of the promises we make at every baptism)! Volunteers must be child-safety trained and background checked.

Because this is a multigenerational retreat, we will provide a child safety overview to all participants before the retreat, and will require everyone to abide by our child safety policy throughout the duration of the weekend.

What about music?

Russell will lead music at the retreat, and musicians are invited to bring instruments if they'd like to play along or jam together throughout the weekend.

What are the accommodations like?

Camp Highroad has two sleeping options: camping or bunkhouse. Camping takes place in a large open field surrounded by trees near the lodge; you’ll have access to fire rings, picnic tables, and all the indoor spaces of the lodge for restrooms, showers, kitchen, etc. Campers must provide all their own equipment. Depending on capacity, we can usually accommodate campers if they need to move inside at the last minute due to rain!

The bunkhouse provides simple indoor accommodations (think: summer camp); each room includes multiple bunk beds and a sink. Communal men’s and women’s restrooms with multiple toilets/sinks/showers are down the hall. Families will have private rooms; singles will bunk together (separated by gender).

Accessibility: Although the common areas and most bedrooms are wheelchair accessible, the restrooms are, unfortunately, quite narrow. Please reach out to us with accessibility questions, and we can coordinate with Camp Highroad for detailed responses.

What does it cost?

Camping accommodations cost $25/night/adult and $20/night/child over 5. Bunkhouse accommodations are $45/night/person (note this is the same price for adults and children over 5). Children 5 and younger are free. All meals are included in your registration fees.

For those who wish to come just for the day Saturday, the cost is $25/adult and $20/child. If you register for the day Saturday, you are welcome to return for the morning program on Sunday after sleeping in your own home Saturday night.

Please note, payment is due at the time of registration. We want the retreat to be available to everyone, regardless of cost, so if you need financial assistance, please email Emily (emily@incarnationanglican.org). And if your plans change and you need a refund, just email Emily!

What if I need a ride?

There is a place on your registration to offer or request a ride; many people carpool, and we can help make connections. Please note that there may be limitations in our ability to accommodate every carpool request, such as specific arrival/departure times, but we will do our best to make promising connections and then let everyone work things out together!

What do I bring?

We will provide a comprehensive packing list before the retreat, but the supplies are basic: snacks, all-weather clothes, bible, books, games, and bedding (plus camping gear for those camping).

What about Sunday church?

Sunday morning of the retreat will serve as our church service (i.e., NO Sunday Service at BHCUMC). The internet is very weak at Camp Highroad, so we will not be able to livestream this service. Even if you aren't sleeping onsite, please come for the morning if you can!

Ready to sign up? Register here!