LETTER FROM KATIE • August 12, 2026

Dear Holy Comforter,

Jesus modeled a pattern of retreating from the demands of everyday life to be with his Father and with his disciples. When we step away from our busy lives to retreat together, we follow his example and trust his promise of rest. 

Our fall retreat will provide opportunity for reflection, rest, and play in a beautiful  natural setting. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet people if you're new and to deepen relationships through good conversation and unhurried play. For many, it's a highlight of the  year!

This year, our retreat will be held jointly with Incarnation Anglican Church (IAC), our mother church. As Incarnation has outgrown its previous retreat location, we’re going to be gathering someplace new to all of us: Camp Manidokan just outside Harper's Ferry, a 70-90 minute drive from both churches. 

This year's fall retreat will be held October 2-4, and registration opens Sunday, August 16. 

But first, read these FAQs: 

What are the dates and arrival times?

The retreat runs from Friday night to Sunday lunch, October 2-4. You may register for 1 or 2 nights, or for Saturday only. There is no formal programming on Friday, October 2, and dinner is not provided. However, many people appreciate the opportunity to ease into the weekend by coming early. 

Those arriving Friday may come anytime after 5pm and are responsible for their own dinner. There are lots of fun options in nearby Harper's Ferry (a 5 minute drive) and the opportunity to coordinate dinner plans with others if desired. We will pray Compline together at 9pm for anyone interested.

Check-in begins at 9am on Saturday. The retreat officially begins at 9:30am Saturday and ends after lunch on Sunday. 

Where is the retreat?

The retreat will be held at Camp Manidokan, along the Potomac River just outside Harper's Ferry, a 70-90 minute drive northwest of DC. 

If you've been to Camp Highroad with Incarnation, imagine the same summer camp charm and beautiful outdoor setting, but in a cleaner, better maintained, and more spacious facility with non-scary bathrooms, full accessibility, and NO DISHWASHING! We hope these changes will create a more restful and inclusive retreat experience for everyone.

What are the accommodations like?

Camp Manidokan offers two sleeping options: camping or lodges. Camping takes place in a large open field surrounded by trees near cabins, and campers will have access to a covered pavilion, fire rings, picnic tables, water spigot, hammock hooks, and a portajohn. 

Campers may use the lodges for restrooms, showers, and kitchen facilities if desired. Depending on capacity, we can usually accommodate campers if they need to move inside at the last minute due to weather. Campers must provide all their own equipment. 

The two lodges include rooms with multiple bunk beds. Each room has a private bathroom, and there are two fully ADA accessible rooms/bathrooms in each lodge (4 in total). Each lodge also includes a porch with rocking chairs, a large communal space for reading/games/playing/talking, and a small kitchen.

Unlike years past, meals and retreat sessions will take place in a separate building from the accomodations. This should help with noise, cleanup, and transition time between activities (did we mention NO DISHWASHING?!).

What will we do?

Our retreat will focus on the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand from Matthew 14:13-21.

On Saturday morning we will engage the scripture together through a combination of personal and group reflection. A children's program for ages 3+ will be available outside during this time, pending volunteer capacity.

Then Saturday afternoon brings a long block of free time that you can fill however you like: hikes, art activities, naps, board games, outdoor play, reading, conversations, and more. The idea is simply unhurried, unstructured time to rest, enjoy God's creation, and be together. If you're interested in facilitating a free time activity, there's a place to indicate that on your registration form (we're calling this the Chill Committee).

Saturday evening will be an all-ages talent show (always a highlight!) followed by a campfire and s'mores. 

On early Sunday morning, we'll offer morning prayer for those seeking quiet contemplation. Then after breakfast we'll close our time with a relaxed church service, outside if the weather cooperates. Instead of a sermon, we'll invite people to share reflections from the weekend. (Please note, there is NO church service at Incarnation or Holy Comforter that day!) 

What about children?

Kids are welcome throughout the retreat, and most activities are all-ages. We will also provide a separate children's program for ages 3+ outdoors during the Saturday morning session. The registration form includes a place to indicate willingness to help with children. Please consider giving an hour or two of your time to retreat with our kids (consider it a fulfillment of the promises we make at every baptism)! Volunteers must be child-safety trained and background-checked.

Parents are responsible for their own children throughout the retreat! Because this is a multigenerational retreat, we will provide a child safety overview to all participants before the retreat, and will require everyone to abide by our child safety policy throughout the duration of the weekend. 

There are large common spaces and porches in the lodges for parents of sleeping children to hang out during naps/bedtimes without disturbing quiet areas.

Is there a speaker?

No. Our clergy will facilitate time to hear from God through scripture, each other, and creation — but this isn’t a learning-intensive retreat. The idea is rest, reflection, play, and togetherness.

What about meals?

Meals are provided from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Continental breakfasts with coffee will be available in the kitchen of each lodge and at the outdoor camping pavilion to allow for self-paced mornings. We welcome volunteers to help prepare each morning's coffee/ continental breakfast spread (this is a great job for parents of early risers!) and there's a place to sign up in your registration form.

Lunch and dinner are provided by Camp Manidokan in their dining hall. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated; please indicate this on your signup form.

What does it cost?

The cost ranges from $20-$75/person/night depending on age, accommodation type (camping or lodges), and number of nights (multi-night discount). Children under 4 are free. All meals are included in your registration fees. For those who wish to come just for the day Saturday, the cost is $40/adult and $30/child. And anyone is welcome to attend the Sunday morning church service as a standalone (without meals), free of charge. Please note, payment is due at the time of registration.

Manidokan is more expensive than our previous location, and our fees are slightly higher this year to reflect these increases. However, we have worked hard to keep this retreat affordable for everyone, and financial assistance is available. Please email Emily, the Operations Manager for IAC if you need assistance (emily@incarnationanglican.org). 

On the flip side, if you have extra to give, consider donating to the IAC retreat fund to help defray costs and underwrite scholarships!

What if I need a ride?

There is a place on your registration to offer or request a ride; many people carpool, and we can help make connections.

What do I bring?

We will provide a comprehensive packing list before the retreat, but the supplies are basic: snacks, all-weather clothes, bible/books/journal, games, and bedding (plus camping gear for those camping). Nothing fancy!

What about Sunday church?

Sunday morning of the retreat will serve as our church service (i.e., NO Sunday service at Incarnation or Holy Comforter). Even if you aren't sleeping/eating onsite, please come for church if you can! We will not record or livestream any portion of the retreat.