Description: This retreat is an opportunity for young adults to pray, reflect, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Get Ready
- Prep Time: Planning should begin at least one month in advance and allow three weeks for advertising and registration. Depending on availability of retreat facilities, you may need to start earlier.
- Volunteers Needed: Volunteers will be needed to plan the bike route, prepare meals and provide car support for the bike portion of the retreat.
- Supplies: First aid kit and tire patch kit for the ride; tire pump (at the retreat house); handouts and audio system at the retreat house. You may also wish to have Bibles, pens, and prayer space supplies, if not available at the retreat facility. Food and meal supplies may also be necessary, depending on what’s provided at the retreat house.
- Reserve the Space: This retreat requires a facility with access to a safe area for a group bike ride. Entire length of ride should be between 18 and 30 miles. If possible, find a park that you can ride to as the halfway point and lunch spot. When selecting the retreat location, determine if meals will be prepared for you or if you will need to prepare your own meals. If you need to prepare your own food, perhaps a group from the parish would be willing to donate meals. Also make plans for lunch to be eaten at the halfway point of the ride.
A Saturday evening vigil Mass is a nice addition to this retreat. Consider if there is a parish close enough to attend Mass as part of your ride, or if you can secure a priest to celebrate Mass at the retreat center.
- Ideal Group Size: seven-15 people
- Who is this for? All young adults.
- When is a good time for this? Weekends when weather conditions are favorable.
- Publicize the Program: Make sure the biking distance is included in promotional materials. People need to know what they’re signing up for, but this will also help provide a sense of challenge to those who haven’t ever done anything like this before.
Utilize the standard methods for publicity — social media, bulletin notices, Mass announcements and personal invitation. Also consider advertising at local sports facilities or gyms, sporting goods stores, or outdoors groups.
- Cost: This program is categorized as “expensive,” but depending on the cost of the retreat center, bike rental, meals, participant contribution, and your existing young adult ministry budget for this retreat, the cost could be much less.
Prayer for Program Planner: God, your love surrounds us in all seasons. Help me to share your love and create a safe space for young adults to know you in the midst of community. Amen.
Community Building: This retreat has a relaxed atmosphere that allows time for young adults to build community outside of the confines of scripted activities. Biking and hiking are great shared activities that foster a sense of group accomplishment and gather people with a shared interest in nature and/or exercise.
