Youth Group Retreats

We help Youth Leaders create better retreats!

Conveniently located on 100 acres of woodland in south-central Pennsylvania (~1 hr drive from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Harrisburg), our Christian retreat center has just what you need for your church’s next youth group retreat, no matter the season.

What We Offer

Youth Group at Lake with Water SlideIncluding…

✓ Customized Retreats — If you’re looking for a place to hold your next youth ministry retreat, you probably have several goals in mind. We can help customize your retreat to meet those goals, so your group has a memorable and enjoyable time. Browse the options below or contact our guest services team.

✓ Small or Large Retreats Whether you have a guest speaker and worship band, or are simply having small group Bible study and prayer time, your group is welcome at Black Rock Retreat.

✓ Year-Round Retreats — Our Christian retreat center lets you enjoy God’s creation, no matter the weather. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor activities here, so you’ll have plenty of options (even if it rains). Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, our retreat center is ready to serve you!

✓ Weekend or Week-Long Retreats — From short overnight retreats to an entire week-long youth group getaway, we’re able to accommodate your itinerary.

✓ Grow Closer to God & Each Other — We make it easy for your high school and middle school students to get away from the busyness of life, strengthen relationships with fellow believers, and focus on being challenged in the faith.

Google Rating
4.5
Based on 108 reviews
Facebook Rating
4.9
Based on 237 reviews
Yelp Rating
4.0
Based on 10 reviews

Plan out your youth retreat, with options including:

Activities

Within our 100-acres of beautiful woodlands, students and volunteers won’t be bored, since there’s tons of activities to do:

Recreation Areas
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, such as an outdoor pool, lake, full-size gym, ball field, Ga-Ga courts, basketball court with lights, sand volleyball court, hiking trails, and more – better yet, they’re all included in the price of the retreat!

Programmed Activities
We also have programmed activities, like laser tag, high and low ropes courses, a zipline, team building activities, nature center, and so much more!

Outdoor Activities for Youth Group Retreats

Chapel Meeting Space

Meeting Spaces

There are plenty of meeting space options for worship, prayer, teaching, and personal Bible study times. Meeting rooms are assigned based on group size and availability, please contact guest services to determine the options available for your retreat.

Indoor Meeting Areas
We have a variety of indoor meeting spaces (with audio/visual equipment) for group meetings, activities, or individual time.

Outdoor Meeting Areas
When the weather’s nice, there are numerous outdoor areas that are perfect for small group breakout sessions or individual quiet times, including outdoor pavilions, an amphitheater, nature center deck, gazebo, and more.

At Black Rock, we have been intentional about creating outdoor spaces where small groups of people can sit, relax, and share with one another.

Lodging

There’s nothing quite like getting a good night sleep on a retreat to help you enjoy your time. That’s why we offer a variety of accommodations, including:

All are heated (perfect for winter retreats!) and have air conditioning (except for the bunk cabins, which have ceiling fans). There plenty of options to match your group’s size and needs (including some handicap-accessible rooms). You’ll be thankful to not have to make an outdoor trek to get to the bathroom because all rooms have a private bathroom (even the bunk cabins have a bathroom in them)!

Youth Group Retreat Lodging Accommodations

Youth Group Meal in Dining Hall

Meals

Our carefully-prepared buffet-style food is actually delicious, and we accommodate for any food allergies* in your group. A typical menu contains seasonal fruits and vegetables, and looks similar to:

Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, baked oatmeal, sweet breads, fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, assorted cereals

Lunch: Chicken corn soup, turkey, ham & tuna sandwiches on homemade rolls, tossed salad, fruit bowl, cantaloupe and honeydew, pie

Dinner: Meatloaf, tilapia, macaroni and cheese with shells, vegetable blend, orchard salad, applesauce, dinner rolls, ice cream bar

*If your group has specific dietary needs, please let us know (as far in advance as possible) and we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request!

Submit Inquiry » Call (717) 529-3232
"Black Rock is beautiful. The staff are friendly, kind, and helpful. The facilities are well maintained. The surroundings are beautiful. As both a paying customer and a recipient of Black Rock’s complimentary pastor’s retreat, I can say without reservation that this place has been a huge blessing to me, my ministry, and my family."
Jud Kossum

Our Location

Our retreat center in Pennsylvania is conveniently located near Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, New York City, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. Only :30 from Interstate 95 and :50 from the PA Turnpike, we're both secluded and easily accessible.

Approximate Driving Times:
  • Philadelphia, PA - 1:10
  • Baltimore, MD - 1:10
  • Harrisburg, PA - 1:10
  • Washington, DC - 1:50
  • New York City (NYC) - 2:30
  • Pocono Mountains - 2:20
  • Wilmington, DE - :50
  • Dover, DE - 1:20
  • Allentown, PA - 1:40
  • Trenton, NJ - 2:00
  • Atlantic City, NJ - 2:00
  • Hagerstown, MD - 2:10
Get driving directions »
Submit Inquiry » Call (717) 529-3232

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you rent facilities year round?

Our retreat facilities are open all year round. The only day that we are closed is Christmas Day.

How far in advance can I make a retreat reservation?

You may book a retreat reservation up to 11 months in advance.

How much deposit do I need to reserve a youth retreat?

A 10 percent deposit is due within 2 weeks of making a reservation, along with the signed contract which will be provided to you detailing all of the retreat charges.

What is the retreat reservation process?

You can email us directly or call us at (717) 388-4480. We’ll check for the availability of your requested dates and facilities.

Once a reservation is made, a contract is emailed to you, which will need to be signed and returned with the 10 percent deposit within 2 weeks.

The final payment for your reservation is due at check-out.

What size group can I bring for a youth retreat?

We currently have space for 1-436 people in lodging facilities, though we are in the midst of an expansion project that will add space for even more!

Contact us for more info about setting up a retreat at Black Rock.

Can our group cook our own meals?

Retreat groups can eat their meals in our two dining halls. A weekend retreat does require at least 5 meals as part of the package. Unfortunately, we do not have a kitchen that is available to our guest groups.

***If your group has specific dietary needs, please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request!

 

What is the typical menu?

Our meals are all served buffet-style. A typical menu would contain seasonal fruits and vegetables and look similar to the following example:

  • Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, baked oatmeal, sweetbreads, fruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, assorted cereals
  • Lunch: Chicken corn soup, turkey, ham & tuna sandwiches on homemade rolls, tossed salad, fruit bowl, cantaloupe and honeydew, pie
  • Dinner: Meatloaf, tilapia, macaroni and cheese with shells, vegetable blend, orchard salad, applesauce, dinner rolls, ice cream bar

***If your group has specific dietary needs, please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request!

Do the cabins have heat and air conditioning?

All rooms are heated, including our cabins. The majority of our accommodations do have air conditioning: Maranatha Retreat CenterWhip-Poor-Will LodgeDogwood Motel. Our cabins are generally cool in warmer months because they’re shaded in the woods. Ceiling fans are in the cabins, but they do not have air conditioning. Guests are welcome to bring their own fans if they have concerns. See lodging options here.

Are linens supplied in lodging facilities?

Linens will be supplied in all lodging facilities except for the cabins. This includes sheets, blankets, pillows and cases, bath towel, hand towel, and wash cloth. We suggest bringing a sleeping bag, pillow, and towels when staying in a cabin. Linen packs are available for the cabins for an additional charge.

What personal items are supplied in the hotel/motel style rooms?

Complimentary soaps are placed in each room for your convenience. We have shampoo/conditioner, shower caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste, ear plugs, and hairdryers all available at the front desk if needed.

Can we take a tour before we schedule a youth retreat?

We will always be happy to show off our facilities to potential guests and discuss how you can use them to accomplish your ministry goals. Contact our Guest Services Department at (717) 388-4480 or online here.