Each Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting should plan an annual retreat for the Catholic Scouts in the diocese. Whether the retreat is called retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, or other name, this activity provides spiritual growth for Catholic Scouts and an opportunity to meet Scouts from other units across the diocese. Some dioceses are privileged to have a shrine, monastery, seminary, basilica, or other monument as a setting, while others can use a Scout camp or diocesan property to host the event.
Retreat Ideas
This page contains retreat programs that were submitted to the National Catholic Committee on Scouting as outstanding retreats or as part of an Activity Award of Excellence application. Below is a brief summary of each, with a link to a full description from the title.
A Look Down the Road Less Traveled
This retreat is for Scouts in grades 6-12. This is a weekend retreat that invites Scouts to take a look down the road less traveled. Remaining open to the voice of God is a great way to see what God is calling us to do in our lives. The retreat includes opportunities for reflection, campfire, songs, flag ceremonies, and station-to-station activities where Scouts participate in skits, games, discussions and hands on activities. In the evening there is a dance floor, videos being shown and space for Scouts to sit and talk. The retreat ends on Sunday following Mass.
Brotherhood of Christ
At this retreat, a Scout will examine, share, and experience God’s word in a positive and nurturing setting. This retreat is organized in a campout setting over a weekend. The purpose is to allow young people to reflect upon the movement of God in their lives, to provide a climate in which the young person might encounter Christ as alive among us, to experience community and formulate their personal response to the call to discipleship received at baptism. It is a period of “prime time” for God consisting of prayer, spiritual input, quiet reflection and activities designed to awaken, confirm and strengthen the God/human relationship.
Circle of Life
The purpose of this retreat is for spiritual enrichment and to experience various retreat activities. The title “Circle of Life” was chosen because it reflects the need for Scouts to improve their own relationship with God and to also pass their religious beliefs on to the next generation.
Duty to God Encampment
This retreat allows Scouts to enjoy the outdoors in a social and religious environment. The will become familiar with the religious emblem programs and will receive training and information beyond the emblem programs. They will discover religious vocations and will have fun playing games that require teamwork with their peers. They will have an opportunity to be trained as a Chaplain Aide. There is also training for adults. The retreat ends with scouts sharing vespers and church service with Christians from many denominations.
This is a weekend retreat. “Scout’s Trail to Sainthood” was presented in 2003 by the Diocese of Richmond. The retreat encourages scouts to follow in the footsteps of Servant of God Frank Parater, a 1915 Eagle Scout who may become the first Boy Scout to become a saint. The retreat combines old-time scoutcraft with traditional devotions and worship, including the Traditional Latin Mass.
Stairway to Heaven
This retreat is for Scouts in grades 6-12. This is a weekend retreat that reminds Scouts that we are all on our journey to heaven. The retreat includes opportunities for reflection, campfire, songs, flag ceremonies, and station-to-station activities where Scouts participate in skits, games, discussions and hands on activities. In the evening there is a dance floor, videos being shown and space for Scouts to sit and talk. The retreat ends on Sunday following Mass.
We Gotta Talk
This retreat is for Scouts in grades 6-12. This retreat is a weekend retreat. The retreat follows a workshop format for Scouts to openly discuss issues. The retreat also includes acting and singing prayers, discussion of patron saints, sign language, pantomime, letters to missionaries, and healing services, a nightclub, music, and dancing.
Where the Wild Things Are
The title was based on the children’s book by Maurice Sendak. This is a weekend retreat. This retreat is all about saints who lead their lives in the wild or used wild methods in their ministry. The retreat also includes acting and singing prayers, discussion of patron saints, sign language, pantomime, letters to missionaries, and healing services, a nightclub, music, and dancing.
Cub Scout Retreats
Day of Recollection
A day retreat Cub Scouts, Scouts-BSA and Scouters. Scout Leaders and parents are trained to be counselors. Scouts form a Living Rosary where they pick up a rope in the shape of a rosary and the each say a portion of the rosary. The scouts also build a rosary out of a stick and end the day with a Mass.
Experience with Jesus
A day retreat is designed for younger Scouts. Scouts will walk from station to station and work on activities like building a leather cross, hearing stories, playing games and attending Mass with the entire family.
Journey with Jesus
A day retreat with four round-robin activity stations based on prominent locations in the life of Jesus (Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Jerusalem), a model Scout camp, a praise and worship service during lunch, and a prayer service to end the day. This event was designed to allow Cub Scouts the opportunity to have fun and Christian Scouts fellowship while deepening their faith and learning about the life of Jesus.
Signs and Symbols
A day retreat for Cub Scouts. The purpose is to have Scouts realize that the symbols in Scouts, their community and their church have meaning, Also, to have Scouts realize the message that the symbols in advertising are giving them. Finally, to have Scouts make a personal commitment to be a better Christian and to draw a symbol to remind them of that commitment.
Interfaith Retreats
This is a day retreat for Scouts of all ages and their families. It is a hike focused on the 10 Commandments. This retreat was organized by an interfaith group.
Camping Retreat #1
The retreat is designed for a weekend of camping. The activities include Mass, working of religious awards by age group, counselor training, penance, service projects, campfires, camp wide games. This retreat is a jointly organized for Catholics and Protestant youth.
Camping Retreat #2
The retreated is designed for a weekend of camping. The activities include Mass, working of religious awards by age group, counselor training, penance, service projects, campfires, camp wide games. This retreat is a jointly organized for Catholics and Protestant youth.
Has your Diocese organized a successful retreat? Contact us to add a description and planning outline for your retreat to this listing.