About This Retreat
In a world of constant digital noise and competing demands, the bond between fathers and sons needs intentional space to flourish. This retreat offers something increasingly rare: uninterrupted time together in God's creation, away from screens and schedules, where meaningful conversations happen naturally around campfires and on mountain trails.
The purpose of this retreat is to foster a space that allows for deep bonds between fathers and sons—off screen, immersed in nature, with time to truly see and hear one another.
The Importance of the Father-Son Relationship
The relationship between a father and son is one of life's most formative bonds. Fathers provide sons with a model of manhood, integrity, and faith in action. Sons offer fathers the privilege of mentorship and the joy of witnessing growth into young adulthood. Yet in our hurried world, these relationships often exist in fragments—brief exchanges between activities, quick check-ins before bed.
This retreat creates space for something deeper. When fathers and sons adventure together, share challenges, pray together, and sit under the stars in conversation, they build memories that become the foundation of lifelong connection. The Jesuit tradition reminds us to "find God in all things"—and there's perhaps no better place to do this than in nature, alongside those we love most.
-
Dates: June 18-21, 2026 (Thursday - Sunday)
Location: ADK Loj & Heart Lake, Adirondack Park, New York
Open to: All fathers and sons from Jesuit and Catholic school communities
Ages: Sons ages 10-18 welcome -
Day 1 - Thursday, June 18: Arrival & Foundation
2:00 PM - Check-in and camp setup
4:00 PM - Opening circle: Welcome, introductions, setting intentions
6:15 PM - Dinner at the ADK Loj
7:30 PM - Evening reflection and prayer by Heart Lake
8:30 PM - Campfire stories: Sharing family histories
9:30 PM - Stargazing and night prayer
Day 2 - Friday, June 19: Challenge & Growth
7:00 AM - Morning prayer and reflection
8:00 AM - Hot buffet breakfast at the ADK Loj
9:00 AM - Hiking (scaled to meet individual needs and abilities)
Options range from the challenging summit of Mount Marcy (5,344 feet—highest point in New York) to gentle, flat walks around Heart Lake
12:00 PM - Trail lunch and mountaintop or lakeside reflection
3:00 PM - Return to camp
4:00 PM - Free time: swimming at Heart Lake, rest, journaling
6:15 PM - Dinner at the ADK Loj
7:45 PM - Small group discussions: "Moments My Father Shaped Me" / "Hopes I Have for My Son"
9:00 PM - Campfire and s'mores
Day 3 - Saturday, June 20: Adventure & Connection
7:00 AM - Morning prayer lakeside
8:00 AM - Hot buffet breakfast at the ADK Loj
9:00 AM - Canoe expedition on Heart Lake or nearby waters
12:00 PM - Shore lunch
2:00 PM - Continue paddling or fishing
4:00 PM - Return and free time
6:15 PM - Dinner at the ADK Loj
7:45 PM - Guided reflection: Letters of affirmation (fathers write to sons, sons to fathers)
9:00 PM - Campfire sharing (optional letter exchanges)
10:00 PM - Final stargazing session with telescope
Day 4 - Sunday, June 21: Gratitude & Sending Forth
7:00 AM - Sunrise prayer hike (optional, scaled to ability)
8:30 AM - Hot buffet breakfast at the ADK Loj
10:00 AM - Closing Mass or prayer service at retreat site
St. Agnes Church, Lake Placid
169 Hillcrest Avenue, Lake Placid, NY 1294611:30 AM - Camp breakdown and pack-up
12:30 PM - Final meal at the ADK Loj
2:00 PM - Closing circle: Commitments moving forward
3:00 PM - Departure
-
The ADK Loj (pronounced "lodge") is an iconic mountain retreat owned and operated by the Adirondack Mountain Club. Nestled on the shores of pristine Heart Lake at the base of Mount Marcy—New York's highest peak—the Loj has welcomed adventurers since 1927.
Features:
Historic main lodge with dining hall and gathering spaces
Stunning views of the High Peaks
Direct access to trails, including routes to Mount Marcy, Algonquin Peak, and dozens of other summits
Heart Lake for swimming, canoeing, and reflection
Wilderness camping areas nearby
Warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for retreats
Each morning, we'll fuel up with a hot buffet-style breakfast at the ADK Loj, and all dinners will be served at 6:15 PM in the dining hall, providing a comfortable gathering space and hearty meals to power our adventures.
Learn more: https://www.adk.org/stay/adirondak-loj/
-
Hiking - Scaled to Your Needs
Every father-son pair is unique, and our hiking options reflect that. Whether you're ready to tackle Mount Marcy—the highest point in New York State at 5,344 feet—or prefer a peaceful, flat walk around the shores of Heart Lake, we'll ensure your hike matches your abilities and goals.
Options include:
Mount Marcy summit (challenging, 14+ miles round trip, 3,100 feet elevation gain)
Algonquin Peak or other High Peaks (challenging to moderate)
Indian Falls or Marcy Dam (moderate, scenic destinations)
Heart Lake Loop (easy, flat, 2 miles, perfect for all ages)
Custom routes based on your preferences
The goal is connection, not competition. Choose the adventure that allows you and your son to journey together meaningfully.
Other Activities:
Swimming - Heart Lake and other pristine Adirondack swimming spots
Canoeing - Guided paddling on calm waters, perfect for all skill levels
Stargazing - Dark sky viewing with telescopes and constellation guides
Camping - Tent camping in the beautiful Heart Lake area
Reflection - Guided prayer, journaling, and meaningful conversation prompts
Campfire Gatherings - Story-sharing, music, and connection -
This retreat will be guided by Mr. Greg Morrissey, an ADK guide with 15 years of experience and a Catholic educator and explorer. His expertise ensures both safety and meaningful engagement with the natural and spiritual aspects of this journey.
-
Pricing:
Early Registration (by February 15, 2026): $1,100 per father-son pair
Standard Registration (by April 1, 2026): $1,300 per father-son pair
Registration closes April 1, 2026
What's Included:
All meals at the ADK Loj (hot buffet breakfasts and dinners)
Camping accommodations for 3 nights
All equipment needed for activities
Retreat swag
All activities (hiking, canoeing, stargazing, etc.)
Insurance
Expert guiding by Mr. Morrissey (ADK guide for 15 years, Catholic educator and explorer)
Retreat materials and programming
Not Included:
Transportation to/from the ADK Loj (carpooling can be arranged)
Personal snacks
Personal gear (sleeping bags, clothing, etc.)
Scholarships Available
No family turned away for financial reasons. Contact us to discuss scholarship options.
Contact: greg@mtngoatmvmnt.com
-
Tent and sleeping gear (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow)
Hiking boots and comfortable clothes
Swimsuit and towel
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen and bug spray
Flashlight/headlamp
Journal and pen
Bible or prayer book (optional)
Camp chair (optional)
Personal medications
Personal snacks (optional)
What NOT to bring: phones, tablets, or devices (except for emergencies—collected and secured)
-
The retreat will be based at the ADK Loj at Heart Lake in the Adirondack High Peaks region, offering:
Access to world-class hiking trails for all abilities
Heart Lake for swimming and paddling
Established camping areas with fire rings
Comfortable dining facilities at the historic Loj with hot buffet breakfasts
Beautiful natural setting for prayer and reflection
Restroom and shower facilities
Exact camping area details provided upon registration
Address: 1002 Adirondack Loj Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Nearby Parish: St. Agnes Church is approximately 10 minutes from the ADK Loj
-
This retreat isn't about conquering mountains—it's about strengthening relationships. Whether you summit New York's highest peak or walk quietly around Heart Lake, the real victory is the conversation you have along the way, the silence you share, and the memories you create together.
We invite you to step away from screens, schedules, and distractions, and step into a space where fathers and sons can truly be present with one another in God's creation.
-
Transportation to and from the ADK Loj is not included in the retreat cost. However, carpooling can be arranged among participating families. After registration, we will facilitate connections between families traveling from similar locations.
-
Experienced guide with 15 years of ADK experience
First aid certified staff on-site
Emergency communication devices available
Flexible activity options for all fitness levels and abilities
Dietary accommodations available (please notify upon registration)
Comprehensive insurance coverage included
-
Contact: Greg Morrissey
Email: greg@mtngoatmvmnt.comJoin us for four days that will strengthen the bonds that matter most.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6