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.