Skip To Main Content

Freshman Overnight Retreat

en español
bằng tiếng Việt

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 30, 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 (by June 1st):

All registration information has been sent via email from Cindy Bailey (cbailey@bcp.org) and Kat Martin (kmartin@bcp.org), so please make sure that those emails are not going to your junk folder.  

Complete the following forms in Magnus by June 1st, 2025:  

  • 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 may bring a drawstring bag or backpack to carry their water and snacks in while on retreat, but that item will need to remain on their lap for the duration of the bus ride to and from the retreat site. 

  • 2-3 snacks to keep in their room 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.