Retreats at Camp Friedenswald are all about reconnecting – with yourself, friends new and old, nature, and with God – by disconnecting from the demands of day-to-day life.
Men's Retreat
March 6–8
Theme: Becoming Malleable Men: Practicing Faith and Being Formed Presenter: Michael Martin, founder and Executive Director of RAWtools
Men’s Retreat is back! When the world feels unstable it can be very helpful to step away and get re-grounded so that we can show up to our lives, our families, and to the world from a place of solid, centered, sacred footing. The MEN’S RETREAT, a collaboration between Mennonite Men and Camp Friedenswald, offers just such an opportunity for the men / those who identify as males in our lives. Retreat begins with registration Friday at 5:30 pm (dinner at 6:30 pm) and concludes on Sunday following brunch.
To be malleable, metal must be heated. Within a heat range, it can be transformed and reformed. We’ll spend time reflecting how the presence of God and the Holy Spirit help us be malleable, bending as we are shaped by the tools around us. Time with each other around the fire will guide us, whether its at the anvil, a campfire, or a candle, we’ll share stories of our own transformation and share practices that allow us to be transformed to be tools for the kin-dom.
Mike Martin (pictured right) is the founder and Executive Director of RAWtools. A former youth and young adult pastor at Beth-El Mennonite Church, Mike is licensed for specialized ministry for the work of RAWtools by Mountain States Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA. He has a BA in Biblical studies. Mike learned to blacksmith in order to turn guns into garden tools and is passionate about connecting people to nonviolent skills like restorative justice and conflict mediation. He is trained for restorative justice facilitation, dialogue circles, and encourages everyone to explore how they can connect to similar efforts in their community. Mike believes turning swords into plowshares requires a comprehensive approach to gun violence, one that addresses the triggers in our streets, and the triggers in our hearts.
This weekend gathering will provide opportunities for:
- Gathering around fire
- Connecting with other men in a small group setting
- Solo and group reflection time
- Blacksmithing
- Service project, likely to include chopping firewood for Camp
- Archery
- Singing
- Birdwatching and hiking
- Free time (games!)
- Polar bear dip in Shavehead Lake!
- Sharing meals together
- Prayer and worship time
Creativity Retreat
April 10–12
Theme: Creativity in the Peaceful Woods: One Retreat *Four Tracks* Presenter: Jeff Gundy, Sadie Gustafson-Zook, John Blosser, Mariah Martin
These days call for creativity…and time in the woods. Come join us for our Spring CREATIVITY RETREAT: One Retreat. Four Tracks. You pick your track! The CREATIVITY RETREAT will begin on Friday evening with supper served at 6:00pm for all participants.
Track 1: Memoir Writing with Jeff Gundy (limit 15 people) 
Jeff Gundy most recent book of creative nonfiction/memoir, Wind Farm: Landscape with Stories and Towers, is set on the Illinois prairie where he grew up and deals with high school, farming, Mennonites, and the earlier inhabitants of the land, as well as wind turbines. His earlier work in this vein includes A Community of Memory: My Days with George and Clara and Scattering Point: The World in a Mennonite Eye, as well as many memoir-ish poems. He is Professor Emeritus of English and Poet in Residence at Bluffton University.
$20 supplies fee
Register forCreativity Retreat
Women's Retreat 2026
September 18–20
Registration begins on Friday at 6pm (no dinner served) and the program runs through Sunday at 1pm.
Join us for spirit-filled worship, relaxation among friends, trails to wander, and water to rest by. This annual retreat, planned by women from across Central District Conference of MC USA, seeks to provide a place of connection and gathering for women. It is open to ALL women, not only those affiliated with Central District Conference. The retreat starts Friday evening following dinner and concludes following brunch on Sunday morning.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone who wants to participate in a Camp Friedenswald program can do so, regardless of financial ability. We offer scholarships to anyone who has the need for it. If you feel you would benefit from this opportunity, please indicate your need on the appropriate form when you register online. If you have further questions, please call 269-476-9744 or email program@friedenswald.org.
Restoration Retreat 2026
October 23–25
Presenter: Aaron Kingsley, City of Goshen Forester, and Cortney Collia, Traditional Knowledge Holder
Come to the peaceful woods to connect to yourself, others, and the more-than-human world. This retreat is focused on ways we can be a part of what Joanna Macy describes as “The Great Turning”. Discover the unique community that comes together for this inspiring weekend of engaging speakers and conversations, delicious eco-friendly meals, and activities connecting you to the more-than-human creatures at Camp.
If you see the need for restoration in our world and desire connection with others interested in the same, please consider participating in this weekend retreat. You will leave feeling more connected, inspired, and empowered to work for positive change in your community and the world beyond. This retreat is open to all ages. Interested individuals, families, youth groups, green teams, repair network teams, and small groups are all welcome.
Check back closer to the retreat for a DRAFT schedule for the weekend and a Restoration Retreat flyer to share with your community.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone who wants to participate in a Camp Friedenswald program can do so, regardless of financial ability. We offer scholarships to anyone who has the need for it. If you feel you would benefit from this opportunity, please indicate your need on the appropriate form when you register online. If you have further questions, please call 269-476-9744 or email program@friedenswald.org.