Question 1

What does a typical day at retreat look like?

Accepted Answer

8a Optional Breakfast
10a Morning Session
11a Group Time
12p Lunch
1p Free Time
5p Dinner
7p Night Session
8:30p Small Group Time
9:30p Late Night Event

Question 2

Can I request to be in a specific group or room with my friends or leaders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is space on the registration form for friend and leader requests. We will do our best to honor these requests.

Question 3

How many people will be in each room?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 people to a room with 2 queen beds.

Question 4

What if I can’t afford the $299 registration fee?

Accepted Answer

We have payment plans available! You only have to put a down payment to secure your spot and then the rest of your payments will be split up over the months leading up to retreat. You can find more details about payment plans on the registration form. If this still does not work for you, we have a scholarship application available!

Question 5

How does transportation to/from work?

Accepted Answer

You can drive up yourself or carpool with friends. If you do not know anyone, don’t worry! We will connect you with your leader and group ahead of time so that groups can coordinate a plan for carpooling!

Question 6

Do I have to cover the cost of my own meals?

Accepted Answer

For breakfast, we have some simple breakfast snacks available (muffins, fruit, etc.), lunch will be on your own, and we will provide dinner for you.

Question 7

I have dietary restrictions, who do I contact about that?

Accepted Answer

We can accomodate Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Dairy-Free. If there is a diet outside of those options, you can email Delaney Kansiime at DelaneyK@saddleback.com to see what we can do.

Question 8

What is there to do during free time?

Accepted Answer

At the hotel there is a gym, a pool, and places in the lobby to hangout and play games with friends. If you want to leave the hotel, you can! There are so many fun things to do in Palm Springs and when you get to retreat you will get a booklet full of options!

Question 9

Who are the leaders?

Accepted Answer

Our Leaders are all adult volunteers who have gone through the extensive Saddleback Student Ministries volunteer onboarding process, which includes an FBI background check, fingerprinting, staff interview, orientation, and training.

Question 10

What is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Partial refunds are available until May 25th, 2026. $60 of the registration cost is nonrefundable. All cancellations beginning May 26th, 2026 cannot be refunded in part or in whole.

Frequently asked questions