Every two years, our community comes together for a big all-community vacation in some of the most iconic mountain locations in the area. This year, our church is spending three days and two nights in a lovely, modern central lodge in the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park. The theme of this year’s retreat is Weaving Together. Weaving represents that we all have separate parts to play in our congregation, but that together our community’s connections are stronger and more beautiful when we are joined in intentionally.
All of our community are welcome to this event. This year, the committee is planning activities that are intentionally intergenerational that bridge the many communities of our congregation.
Roommate-seekers – you must identify and confirm all of your roommate(s) before you register. Please have all roommates register within 3 days of each so we can assign you a room. Roommates cannot be easily modified after a purchase is made. If you would like help finding a roommate, you can leave this registration and complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lMmvgK4inyMxGdLxV7PkWXyzMfQdSCzz9NZRlpLyJCI/edit
Each room must contain at least one adult over 18. Lodge rooms must be booked by June 28th, and Saturday-only tickets can be purchased until August 1. These reservations are not refundable per YMCA policy. You will receive information to purchase private travel insurance. Smoky conditions alone do not entitle you to a refund. “Acts of God” such as emergency closures due to wildfire evacuation automatically cancel your booking, without any additional travel insurance. Pets are not allowed in the Emerald Mountain Lodge and meeting rooms or cafeteria.
You must purchase your lodge room by June 28th or you will not be able to stay in the shared lodge.
Our annual retreat is a chance to step away from the pace of everyday life and spend a weekend reconnecting with yourself, with others, and with the spirit of our community.
Starting at 4:00 PM, we gather, share dinner, and ease into the weekend together. Friday night is relaxed and joyful! It’s an opportunity to reconnect and meet new people through karaoke, puzzles, crafts, and acoustic music. Think of it as the warm beginning of a weekend spent in community.
Saturday is the heart of the retreat. After breakfast, the day opens into a wide range of activities: creative, reflective, and just plain fun! You might join a singing circle, try drumming or painting, walk the labyrinth, or spend time outside playing basketball, putt-putt golf, or roller skating. There’s space for both lively connection and quiet reflection. In the evening, we gather for a shared service that brings the whole community together.
On Sunday morning, there are sessions, checkout, breakfast, and we gather at a beautiful Outlook Chapel for a shared church service at 11. You will have the option to engage in self-organized YMCA activities in the afternoon, such as hiking, archery, horseback riding, or the craft cabin.
What are the costs paying for?
Lodge rooms are $235 per night and 63 are available. Because rooms are shared, the total cost per person depends on how many people stay in your room: the more people sharing, the lower the individual cost.
Meals are somewhat expensive because all food must be brought up a mountain in a truck. For groups of our size, meal cards for the YMCA Cafeteria (Aspen Dining Hall) are required.
Can I just come up for Saturday?
Yes! A Saturday pass is a very affordable and lower-commitment way to be a part of the fun. Your ticket will include lunch and dinner, and you are welcome to enjoy all activities. This ticket option is available until August 5th or until we exceed fire safety capacity limits.
How is the fee structured?
This retreat is 100% self-sustained. We only pass on costs to you that are directly incurred by the retreat. The church does not receive any of your ticket funds as general operating costs.
What is the lodge like? I remember the lodges being very rustic.
The YMCA added three “Central Lodges” in the early 2000s that include modern amenities such as elevators, air-conditioned meeting rooms, and en-suite bathrooms. Think of it like a 2-star hotel in a 5-star location.
Weather: What should I expect?
The temperatures in Estes Park often reach the upper 80s and typically peak at 90°F in early afternoon with regular rain showers cooling things down. Temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s overnight. For this reason, the lodge rooms do not have air conditioning, but each has a box fan.
How can I help?
Here are some things we need help with! You can sign up to do them during registration. The retreat team will be in touch with you about how to be most helpful in these roles, and we’ll make sure you’re not double-booked.
What should I bring?
Here’s a suggested packing list:
Essentials
For Activities
For Relaxing and Community Time
For the Mountains
Can I request roommates?
Yes! You must identify and confirm all of your roommate(s) before you register on this form. Please have all roommates register within 3 days of each so we can assign you a room. Roommates cannot be easily modified after a purchase is made. If you would like help finding a roommate, you can leave this registration and complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lMmvgK4inyMxGdLxV7PkWXyzMfQdSCzz9NZRlpLyJCI/edit
Can families attend?
Yes! Families are an important part of the retreat, and children are included. Many families attend together each year, and there are plenty of activities that kids enjoy. To support parents, childcare will be available Saturday, giving caregivers a chance to rest, connect with others, or participate in activities. If you’re bringing children, you’ll be able to include their information during registration so we can plan appropriately.
Are scholarships available?
Yes! If you need a scholarship, you can select the scholarship option at signup.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
The YMCA cafeteria accommodates over 100,000 people every summer with a wide array of needs. If you have an extreme need, you may get in touch with the retreat team at uucb.retreat@gmail.com
What if I need to cancel?
There are two dates to consider:
What vibe should I expect? The retreat is intentionally flexible. Join the activities that interest you, or take time to rest, explore, and enjoy being in community.
With love, your 2026 Retreat Committee:
Kerri Wingert
Chris Zanoni
Linda Sorauf
Nancy Lynch
Candice Bautista
Dan Thomas
Robin Miller
Cindy Schlosser
Reverend David
Rachel Alba
