Journeys that invite participants to see with contemplative eyes and to act with self-giving hearts!
Rooted in the Catholic Christian Tradition
"A Desert Experience Retreat was an unforgettable journey that challenges the body and spirit. It is an incredible time of sharing with adventure minded students and staff. The Desert Experience provides an opportunity to prayerfully examine your life with self-reflection in a place literally unlike any other in the world. I would go again in a minute!"
Michael A. Sulzinski, PhD
Professor of Immunology & Microbiology
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, PA
A Desert Experience was a transformative retreat that has had a lasting impact on my spirituality. Each day I was faced with contemplative themes, and through this, I learned the art of letting things be. My experience as both a retreatant and leader allowed me to widen my perspective on my life experiences and on the experiences of others. I found great motivation to continue my faith journey and to seek the betterment of myself as a whole. I am forever grateful and changed because of this experience!
Chloe Schubert
Sicklerville, NJ
University of Scranton ‘22
A Desert Experience is still something I look back on as life changing. The desert landscape allowed me to know myself and connect with God on a deeper level with an incredible backdrop that can’t be found anywhere else. The structure of the retreat itself helped me to take what I learned and bring it home to my everyday life afterwards.
Geoffrey Morton
Odenton, MD
University of Scranton '18
"This experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Aside from the breathtaking scenery and sense of connection to nature, I was able to look inward and experience deep reflection. This opportunity allowed me to form bonds with students, chaperones, and God. I left the retreat feeling a sense of wholeness and rejuvenation. Although some days were more challenging than others, I always went to bed feeling proud of myself for pushing my body and having clarity in my heart and mind."
Casey Steiner
Assistant Director,
Center for Student Engagement
The University of Scranton
The solitude and unfamiliarity of the Death Valley landscape pushed me outside of my comfort zone. From this, I learned to identify and coexist with the burdens suppressed by the technological overstimulation that plagues our day to day. Ultimately, the topics that I was challenged by in the desert taught me how to shift my mindset to a contemplative gaze: a new skill I carry with me today in friendships kindled, stories heard, and challenges accepted.
Zachary Morrison
Washington, D.C.
University of Scranton`24
A Desert Experience came to me at a time I needed it most. I was struggling with my spiritual well-being & had some difficulty reflecting on my life and my relationship with God. After having the opportunity to explore Death Valley & all of its glory, I gained a stronger sense of what I’m truly capable of with God by my side. When times get tough, I often think about this retreat, and I’m reminded that I’m capable of slowing down and connecting with nature no matter where I am. A Desert Experience taught me that God is truly everywhere!
Meghan Murtha
Scranton, PA
University of Scranton ‘19
A Desert Experience was among the first retreats that I attended as a young adult out of my own personal curiosity to see a different part of the world with people who shared that desire. While I understood that there would be spiritual elements to this experience, I was surprised by how much I needed to step outside of my routines and retreat with others into spaces that encouraged sacred listening, spiritual conversation, and moments of intentionally looking at the real through embodied prayer. I was struck by a profound sense of connection with God and neighbor each day, and I was left wanting more! I am ever grateful for this experience and believe that it is something that everyone should do at least once in their life.
Luis Melgar
Boston, MA
University of Scranton `18
The beauty of this retreat is that while it seems like a once in a lifetime experience, what I learned continues to help me make sense of my life today. Through the contemplative nature of the experience, I entered a space where I realized areas of my life that needed healing. To this day, I use the meaningful spiritual practices presented on this retreat to examine my life and continue pursuing my relationship with the Lord. When I picture the incredible places I was able to visit, I remember how close I felt to God, despite everything around me making me feel so small. I found God in the mountains and the valleys, and I now often return to that space through imaginative and contemplative prayer. Whether it was alone or in a group, A Desert Experince made me feel so connected to my own humanity and to Creation.
Joelle Cote
Shelton, CT
University of Scranton`22
"In the desert, you can remember your name."
- America
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