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Freshman Overnight Retreat

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The Freshman Overnight Retreat offers the entire class a chance to connect, grow, and experience Bellarmine’s foundational values together. Guided by faculty, staff, and their Big Brothers, freshmen will engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that bring Ignatian spirituality to life.

When

Thursday, January 14th - Friday, January 15th, 2027 (Overnight) 

Where

Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California 

Check In:

Students, accompanied by their parents, should report to Bellarmine on Thursday, January 14th  (more information about exact arrival time will be given closer to the date) and expect to return to Bellarmine on Friday, January 15th, between 1:00 and 2:00pm.  Students will need to leave their phone with their parents at check-in. For more info about this policy, click here. 

 

What We Need From Parents

Before Retreat:

All freshmen are automatically registered to attend the Freshman Overnight Retreat. Parents only need to complete the three required forms listed below in Magnus to finish the registration process.

Any additional information will be emailed from Cindy Bailey (cbailey@bcp.org) and Kat Martin (kmartin@bcp.org), Please add these email addresses to ensure they do not end up in your spam or junk folder.  

Please complete the following required forms below in Magnus as soon as possible and no later than August 30, 2026.

  • Freshman Retreat Permission Form

  • Retreat Behavior Contract 

  • Dietary Restrictions Questionnaire 

For instructions on how to use Magnus, please refer to this Magnus info page.  

Day of Retreat (January 14th): 

MORNING

Check-In

  • Accompany student to check-in table in the main gym with their cell phone and luggage (see packing list below).
  • If you are unable to attend with your student, we’ll share alternative instructions closer to the retreat.

Optional Send-Off

  • Stay after check-in and join the send-off celebration at 9:15 AM near the baseball field and parking structure as buses depart. A fun way to cheer and bless students as they head out! 

EVENING

Optional Virtual Parent Retreat Glimpse

  • Take a peek into the day of your student and their retreat experience. 
  • Enjoy prayer and community with other freshman Bell parents.

Day of Return (January 15th): 

  • Arrival: Buses return between 1 PM and 2 PM near the baseball field and parking structure.

What to Bring

Note: 

All luggage must fit in a 22" x 14" x 9" soft-sided duffel bag. Students are limited to one item of luggage for under-bus storage.
 
Students should also bring a drawstring bag to store and carry their water bottle, snacks, and journal throughout the retreat. This will need to go on their lap on the bus.  

  • Drawstring bag

  • 2-3 snacks to keep in their drawstring bag to be consumed if they get hungry between meals (should be individually packed, in disposable packaging, and nut-free) 

  • A refillable water bottle 

  • 2 shirts 

  • 1 pair of jeans or more durable pants (we will be on the beach both days) 

  • 1 pair of comfy pants like sweatpants for evening activities 

  • 1 set of pajamas 

  • 2-3 pairs of underwear 

  • 2-3 pairs of socks 

  • ALL medications you need (prescriptions, EpiPens, inhalers—do not leave these at home)

  • An extra pair of shoes 

  • 1 beach towel 

  • Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, shampoo, medicine (if needed) 

  • Outerwear: A warm waterproof coat or a waterproof liner with a warm sweatshirt or jacket underneath 

  • 1 sweatshirt or sweater 

  • Optional: Shower shoes or flip-flops 

  • Optional: Umbrella, hat 

Note: Bed linens and bath towels are provided by Asilomar. Laundry is not available. 

What NOT to Bring

  • Tech like school-issued Surface, iPads, laptops, gaming systems, etc. 

  • Homework — Teachers have been asked not to make any freshman assignments due while we are away on retreat. No freshman assignments will be due until the Monday we return to school.

Freshman Retreat FAQ

Questions?

For any questions before the retreat, contact Cindy Bailey at cbailey@bcp.org.

For any questions during the retreat, call 408-537-9485.