University Ministry’s Pre-Orientation Retreat

What to Pack & What to Expect

Retreat Location: Whispering Winds, 17606 Harrison Park Rd, Julian, CA 92036
Accommodations: Dorm-style cabins with bunk beds, mattresses and bathrooms (bring linens or a sleeping bag!)
Weather conditions: Hot and dry during the day, mountainous desert, gets cool in the evening.
Attire: Very casual, prepare for hot weather. Clothes and shoes will get dusty due to the dirt roads in between cabins. Bring layers/warm clothes for the cool evenings.

What to Expect:

On the retreat there will be time for large group games, small group conversations, witness talks, individual journal time, prayer, dancing, hikes, swimming, and more. There’s also a super fun Talent Show on Thursday night, so feel free to bring any props or musical instruments you might be interested in using!

If your family needs to contact you in the event of an emergency during the retreat, please have them call the University Ministry office at 619-260-4735 and email us at universityministry@sandiego.edu.

For general questions prior to the retreat, please contact Alec Hartman at ajhartman@sandiego.edu.

What to Pack:

Clothing
- T-shirts/appropriate tank-tops (it is very hot at the retreat site)
- Shorts/Pants – whatever you’ll be most comfortable in
- Underwear, socks
- Sweatshirt/long sleeve t-shirt
- Pajamas
- Shoes (flip flops are recommended for the shower, sneakers are recommended for the roads that we will be walking on)
- Activewear (there will be time for optional sports and hiking)
- Swimsuit and towel (there will be optional swimming)
Other items
- Pillow, sleeping bag, and/or bedding (size TWIN/TWIN XL bed sheet)
- Towel (for shower)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, body wash, shampoo, etc.)
- Refillable Water Bottle (we will have water refill stations)
- Sunscreen and bug spray (consider non-DEET alternatives)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Face coverings
- Talent Show props (optional) - musical instrument, lyrics, monologue, etc. There is already a piano at the retreat location.
- Pen/Pencil
- A journal will be provided

Any prescription medications that you are taking (please contact Alec Hartman at ajhartman@sandiego.edu) in advance so that we can be aware in the event of an emergency.