About Retreat

Winter Retreat ’26 is all about reconnecting with God and with each other.
Through worship, shared meals, campfires, and time away from the noise of campus life, this weekend is designed to help us grow in faith and friendship.

We’ll head out from The Chapel on Thursday, February 6 at 5:30 PM and return by Saturday afternoon, February 8 around 3:30 PM. Along the way, expect devotions, games, team challenges, late-night laughs, and a hands-on volunteer project at Camp Lone Star.

You’ll also get to participate in four meaningful sessions centered on a theme designed to refocus us at the start of a new semester. We're finalizing details with our guest speaker and will announce that soon!

This year, we’re also inviting college-age young adults from surrounding areas and other campuses nearby — so feel free to bring a friend or share the invite with someone new.

We’d love to have you with us.

Registration

STEP ONE: Registration for the Winter Retreat ‘26 is now open here. Registrations preferred by Friday noon, January 17 for a preliminary count to Camp Lone Star. Registration closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, January 19.

STEP TWO: Cost for participants is $100, which is 2/3 the actual cost of the event per person, since The Chapel is picking up $1500 in overhead costs for the event. Payment is due in full before the event. Registration deposit ($50) or full payment ($100) can be made here. If $100 is a hardship, financial assistance may be available. Please contact John for more information. We want everyone to be able to go!

Schedule for Winter Retreat ‘26 (sample schedule from 2025)

Friday, February 6 

5:30 pm  - Meet at The Chapel and load up

6:00 pm  - Leave The Chapel

7:00 pm - Stop for supper in Giddings (corner of E Austin St (Hwy 290) & Davis Ln)

8:30 pm - Arrive at Camp Lone Star and unpack

8:45 pm - Community Building Activities

9:30 pm - Music, Session One, and Campfire/S’mores

11:00 pm - Free time/snacks 

Saturday, February 7                                                

8:00 am - Breakfast                                                     

8:30 am - Music and Session Two                         

9:30 am - Camp Improvement Volunteer Project         

12:00 pm - Lunch                                                          

12:45 pm - Music and Session Three      

1:45 pm - Free Time/Siesta           

3:30 pm - Team Challenge

5:30 pm - Supper 

6:30 pm - Music and Session Four

7:30 pm - Group Games in the Hangar… Floor Hockey, Knock-out etc.

8:30 pm - Campfire Devotions, S’mores, and Music

9:30 pm - Free Time

Sunday, February 8

7:00 am - Rise and shine/pack and clean

7:30 am - Load up vehicles

8:00 am - Breakfast

12:00 pm- Lunch

What to Bring

  • Weather-appropriate clothing

  • Set of work clothes for service project

  • Closed toed shoes (they will probably get muddy)

  • Rain jacket

  • Water bottle

  • Sunscreen/bug spray

  • Twin siz bedding or sleeping bag. Your pillow

  • Toiletries

  • Soap and shampoo

  • Washcloth and towel

  • Bible

  • Flashlight

  • Phone charger

  • Backpack for day use (optional)

  • Feel free to bring any games for free time on our retreat

Frequently Asked Questions

How will we be getting to Camp Lone Star?

  • The ULC van and carpooling will be used for transportation to and from Camp Lone Star.

  • If you’re joining us from another campus or town, let us know on your registration form — we’ll help connect you with a ride or coordinate arrival plans.

Where will we be staying?

Who is welcome?

  • Winter Retreat ’25 is open to all college students and college-age young adults connected to:

    • University Lutheran Chapel

    • Bethel Lutheran (Bryan)

    • Holy Cross (College Station)

    • I-Connect

    • …and now also welcoming students and young adults from other Lutheran ministries, surrounding colleges, and nearby communities.

    Bring a friend — everyone’s welcome, regardless of background!

What will we be eating?

  • All meals at Camp Lone Star are covered by your registration fee. College Station/Bryan students will be stopping for supper (Whataburger, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Subway) in Giddings on the way to Camp Lone Star, so be prepared to pay for one additional meal.

  • Special menus needs can be accommodated; please note on registration form to allow time for proper preparations.

Where can I ask more questions about the retreat?

  • Please contact John Karle, johnkarle17@gmail.com or 318.332.3352.