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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 29th - Friday, January 30th (Overnight) 

Where

Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California 

A large crowd of people with their hands raised, gathered in what appears to be an indoor event or venue with decorative walls and lighting.

Check In:

Students, accompanied by their parents, should report to Bellarmine on Thursday, January 29 at 8:30 am and expect to return to Bellarmine on Friday, January 30 at 1:00 pm.  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 November 21st):

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

Complete the following forms in Magnus by November 21st, 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 29): 

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 30): 

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

What to Bring

  • 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 

  • 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.

A group of people students are gathered on a stage or platform, holding a large blue banner or flag, surrounded by trees and buildings in the background.

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.