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Retreat Weekends

Two days. Eleven talks. A lifetime of memories. Here's everything you need to know about what a Journey weekend looks like.

What to expect

A weekend unlike any other

Every Journey retreat follows the same format — one that's been refined over the years to create space for faith, community, and growth.

🎤

11 Powerful Talks

Each weekend features 11 talks delivered by a mix of high school students, adults, and clergy — honest, personal, and real.

👥

Small Group Time

Between sessions, students gather in small groups to process, pray, and go deeper. This is often where the real conversations happen.

🎮

Activities & Games

Retreats aren't just serious. Expect hilarious group games, creative activities, and plenty of moments that'll make you laugh until it hurts.

🌙

Late Night Moments

Some of the most meaningful conversations happen after 11pm. We build in time for that — because community doesn't follow a schedule.

🍕

Great Food

Nobody grows on an empty stomach. We take care of meals so students can focus on being fully present throughout the weekend.

🙌

Worship Together

Music and worship are woven throughout the weekend — from large group sessions to quieter, more personal moments of prayer.

Sample Weekend

How the weekend flows

Every retreat follows a similar rhythm. Here's a glimpse at what a typical Journey weekend looks like.

Friday Evening & Saturday
Friday
7:00 PM
Arrival, check-in, and welcome
8:00 PM Opening session & first talks
10:00 PM Group activities & free time
Sat
8:00 AM
Breakfast together
9:00 AM Morning sessions & small groups
12:00 PM Lunch & free time
2:00 PM Afternoon talks & activities
6:00 PM Dinner together
7:30 PM Evening sessions & worship
Sunday
8:00 AM Breakfast & morning reflection
9:30 AM Final talks & closing session
11:30 AM Closing worship & prayer
12:00 PM Lunch & closing gathering
1:30 PM Departure
Note Exact times may vary by retreat. You'll receive a detailed schedule upon acceptance.
Mark your calendar

Upcoming Retreat Dates

We host four retreat weekends each year — two in spring, two in fall. Check back as dates are finalized.

Spring
TBA

Spring Retreat I — 2026

Dates to be announced. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified first.

Spring
Spring
TBA

Spring Retreat II — 2026

Dates to be announced. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified first.

Spring
Fall
TBA

Fall Retreat I — 2026

Dates to be announced. Applications typically open 6–8 weeks before each retreat.

Fall
Fall
TBA

Fall Retreat II — 2026

Dates to be announced. Applications typically open 6–8 weeks before each retreat.

Fall
FAQ

Common questions

Everything you're wondering about, answered.

The Journey is open to all high school students ages 14–19. You don't need to attend First Church of the Nazarene or any church at all. We welcome students from across Galesburg and surrounding communities, regardless of faith background.
Simply head to our Application page and fill out the form. Applications are typically open 6–8 weeks before each retreat. If spots are limited, we'll do our best to accommodate everyone who applies.
We want every student to be able to attend regardless of financial situation. Please reach out to us through our Contact page for current cost information — and if cost is a barrier, please let us know. We'll work something out.
The Journey retreats are based at First Church of the Nazarene in Galesburg, IL. Specific location details will be shared with accepted participants.
A complete packing list will be sent to accepted participants. Generally: comfortable clothes for two days, sleepwear, toiletries, a notebook if you like to write, and an open heart. Leave the heavy stuff at home.
Absolutely. Some of the students who've been most transformed by a Journey weekend showed up skeptical. We don't pressure anyone. We simply share what we believe and let God do the rest. All questions are welcome — in fact, they're encouraged.
Ready?

Take the next step

Applications take just a few minutes. We'd love to have you on the next Journey weekend.