Best High School Retreat Venues in the North East

Check Out These Amazing High School Retreat Locations

There are so many amazing Retreat Centers all across America for you to choose from, no matter what event or group you may be hosting. So choosing the right one can seem like an overwhelming challenge at first. Worry not though, for we have searched far and wide across the Northeast of the US and picked out some of the very best.

Whether it is beautiful scenery, wonderful lodgings, or some of the best and most exciting activities you can find, we are sure that you will find something you like from our selections below that will suit your group. Whilst each of the Retreat Centers we have selected is individual in their own way, from their history to the specialist teams that run them, they can all cater to large groups and are perfect for high school group getaways.

We hope that whatever sort of retreat you are planning, you find ideas and inspiration from our list below.

Berkshire Retreat Center at Camp Schodack, Albany, NY

Located just 20 minutes outside of Albany, Camp Schodack is a hidden gem in the Capital Region. Set on 40 acres of open lawns, sports fields and wooden cabins, the main site caters to everything high schoolers could need to disconnect, play games, hang with their peers, and enjoy the great outdoors. Around the camp are 60 acres of privately owned woodlands, criss-crossed with hiking trails and paths that are a perfect way to spend an afternoon exploring.

We have a number of large indoor and outdoor spaces, capable of accommodating large groups daily or overnight, and our Dining Hall can comfortably cater for groups of up to 500 in our main hall and outdoor patio. Whether you are looking for us to plan your entire stay or just a part of it, our experienced team of event organizers will be on hand throughout to make sure that you have a schedule of activities and downtime that will ensure you make the most of your time with us.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Capital Retreat Center, WAYnesboro, PA

Nestled between serene lakes and surrounded by the Appalachian Trail, our first-class facility awaits your group in the stunning Catoctin Mountains of Pennsylvania.  We are conveniently located close to Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Virginia and three major airports (Baltimore Washington International, Reagan National and Dulles International).  The opportunities for a fabulous event are limitless.  From exceptional food to comfortable lodging and outdoor team-building activities to audio visual presentations, we have you covered so you feel, look and sound great!

We believe that retreating can achieve maximum impact if itineraries are meticulously planned and seemingly effortless in execution. Itinerary options should refresh, renew and enhance both the participating group and individuals.  While buildings are vitally important to success – we will always be an environment that challenges, nurtures and cares for retreat participants of all ages, whatever time of year they join us to experience a retreat program.

Find out more: https://capitalretreat.org/

Trout Lake, POCONOS, PA

The versatility that Trout Lake offers is what makes it a favorite facility for college and school retreats. We take care of the necessities and provide the meeting space, activity areas, lodging, and meals, and the rest of the retreat is up to you! Each school retreat group has different goals, so we like to work together to help you build your perfect getaway. Utilize Trout Lake’s activities or use your own curriculum to meet your specific objectives.

Although we keep our prices low, you won’t sacrifice quality and professionalism while at Trout Lake. Our heated cabins are clean and comfortable, and the bunk bed-style lodging enhances group bonding. We pride ourselves on using fresh, real ingredients to carefully prepare our meals, and we offer a variety of menu choices to satisfy your group’s tastes. Our facility was designed with retreat groups in mind, so our main meeting spaces are centrally located, with various sports fields and outdoor spaces dotted around our property to mix up your curriculum. Many members of the Trout Lake staff are teachers or former teachers themselves and are exceptionally skilled at connecting and engaging with young adults. We really do have all you need to host the ultimate college or school retreat!

Find out more: https://troutlakeretreats.com/

NORwich Lake, huntingdon, MA

A beautiful destination for individuals, families and groups, with hiking opportunities, scenic drives and ample water activities on Norwich Lake. We provide the perfect retreat space for churches, families and businesses to grow, as well as a Christian Camp during the summer months.

The Retreat at Norwich Lake is a 97 acre campus located on Norwich Lake in Huntington, Massachusetts. It is the perfect centerpiece for the surrounding hills with deer, moose, bear and other wildlife. Norwich Lake, a glacier lake located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, is crystal clear and teeming with multiple species of fish restocked annually. All who visit are encouraged to ride horses, hike, fish, practice archery, cook on a campfire, swim, paddleboard, kayak and canoe.

The Retreat at Norwich Lake is a wonderful place to getaway from the busyness of life for a Christian Retreat, family holiday or corporate retreat. Our property borders the Berkshires, MA and is a beautiful destination for individuals, families and groups, with hiking opportunities, scenic drives and ample water activities on Norwich Lake.

Find out more: http://www.timothyhill.org/retreat-camp-norwich-lake

​Taconic Retreat Center, Milan, NY

Founded in 1966 as a Christian Camp and Retreat Center, Taconic has a long history of offering rest and retreat to groups from across the Tri-State area, the United States, and even groups from around the world. We offer both guided programs and retreats as well as a wide range of rental opportunities for churches, school groups, community groups, and individuals. We invite you to come and explore our beautiful natural setting for reflection, empowerment, and renewal.

Taconic Retreat Center is a Christian camping and conference center founded by the Church of the Nazarene in 1966. Since then, Taconic has hosted events for churches, colleges, Christian schools & organizations throughout the North East region. Taconic sits on a 220 acre property located two hours north of New York City, three hours west of Boston and one hour south of Albany. Our purpose at Taconic Retreat Center is to serve God and the community by providing a place of retreat, rest and renewal to all who walk on our grounds.

Find out more: https://www.taconicretreat.org/

Best Faith Retreat Centers in New York

Top 5 Faith Retreat Centers in New York State

Looking for a retreat center that caters to a particular faith, all faiths or none? We’ve got you covered right here. Take a look at our list of 5 beautiful and unique conference and retreat centers spread across New York State. We have compiled a list here of retreat centers that cater to many faiths, with the aim of assisting your search in looking for a great location to host your group retreat.

We know that once you have the right setting and backdrop, you can facilitate conversations and learn in ways that could not otherwise be done. We hope that whether you find a center here that is perfect for your groups needs or not, that you will find ideas and inspiration for the locations we have selected.

Berkshire Retreat Center at Camp Schodack

Welcoming groups of all faiths or none, the Berkshire Retreat Center is a part of Camp Schodack, a summer camp that has been under the same continuous family ownership for 4 generations. Able to comfortably accommodate up to 500 guests at any one time, our facility has a range of accommodation options available to suit the needs of you and your guests. Choose between our main cabins, our larger cabins or opt for our smaller, more intimate cabins suitable for couples or individuals. Whatever the size or needs of your group, we are confident that we will be able to accommodate you comfortably for the duration of your stay with us.

They welcome groups of any size and of all faiths or none and work with groups to facilitate the experience that they want. The Camp has multiple indoor and outdoor spaces that are perfect for small and large group gatherings for meetings, prayer or quiet reflection and meditation. In addition to those spaces, the Camp has a number of activities areas and sports facilities located across the Camp that is ideal for group play and downtime between organized activities and sessions.

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/

Kadampa Meditation Center

Kadampa Meditation Center New York is an internationally renowned center for meditation, where everyone is welcome to enjoy a peaceful environment or join in the many programs offered throughout the year. Whether you are looking for a day visit to the World Peace Temple, the 82-acre grounds and nature trails, an introduction to Buddhist meditation, or in-depth courses and retreats, KMC New York offers an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

The Temple’s unique design is based on the celestial palace of Heruka, the Buddha of Compassion. The design also represents all the stages of the spiritual path. Just seeing it reminds us that we have the potential to improve our human nature and qualities through developing the capacity of our mind.

Find out more: https://kadampanewyork.org/world-peace-temple

Stony Point Center

Stony Point Center is home to the Community of Living Traditions (CLT), a multifaith, residential, intentional community of Muslims, Jews, and Christians, dedicated to the study and practice of hospitality, nonviolence, peace, justice, and earthcare. We are committed to parity among these three traditions within our community. Welcoming Across Boundaries by providing overnight and day-use accommodations and meeting spaces for individuals and groups. We offer delicious, locally-sourced food; simple, comfortable guestrooms; and a caring touch that honors the distinctive needs of each guest.

Nurturing Inclusive Community by respecting the uniqueness of each person. We practice courageous conversations, the study of sacred texts, faithful action, and the creative arts. Cultivating Peace and Justice by supporting the multifaith movement for nonviolence and eco-social justice. We engage in networking, human rights accompaniment, advocacy, coalition building, and nonviolent direct action

Find out more: https://stonypointcenter.org/

Light on the Hill

Perched high in the hills of Van Etten in Central/Upstate New York, Light on the Hill is a retreat center that provides a sacred space where seekers can find peace and solace away from their everyday worldly pursuits. The center is located on 236 acres of woods, streams, gorges, and walking paths, and offers panoramic views as distant as Pennsylvania.

Light on the Hill has comfortable cottages and huts that are ideal for self-reflection, where individual seekers can choose to be on their own or on a guided retreat. Inner Light Lodge—a spacious and light-filled dwelling surrounded by nature and glorious views—is ideal for groups engaging in inner work.

While Light on the Hill is considered a place of spiritual refuge, it is not affiliated with any single religious organization. Seekers of all backgrounds and beliefs are welcome.

Find out more: https://lightonthehill.org/

Shalom Mountain

People from all walks of life have been coming to Shalom Mountain and experiencing transformation and healing in their journey of self-discovery. Many people are searching for a new direction in life or to deepen their spiritual journeys. People in a partnered relationship come to find new paths in loving each other, with a desire to be fully alive in their relationships. Some come to heal old wounds that they have carried for too long and now want to lay down. Others arrive here because they need to grieve their losses and know joy once again.

Shalom Retreats were developed by Jerry and Elisabeth Jud, in 1969, as a process for exploring the transformative power of a loving community. Jerry and Elisabeth demonstrated that by creating a community that practices the skills of intentional loving, great personal healing and transformation can occur. In 1976, Shalom Mountain Retreat and Study Center was established in the Catskill Mountains one hundred miles northwest of New York City as the home of Shalom Process. It was founded as a ‘hope structure’, calling people to live passionately and with compassion in the world.

Find out more: https://www.shalommountain.com/