Search Retreat
January 22-24, 2027
Search Retreat registration opens on July 1, 2026
Search is a retreat about love.
Over the course of the retreat, participants are invited to discover more fully the complexity of who they are, and how even though they are not perfect, they are still intensely and profoundly loved and supported - both in community and by God.
Love in today's world can feel like a meaningless platitude that is easily thrown around. The love we're hoping to encounter on Search is not a cliché or simply a sentimental phrase. Nor is it a static feeling meant to be hoarded and kept for ourselves. It's a love that bell hooks calls a "transformative force." It's an invitation that prompts a response of love. The spiritual writer Thomas Merton writes, "We do not become fully human until we give ourselves to each other in love." Therefore, once retreatants gain a sense of their own inherent belovedness on Search, they are invited to live more deeply into their own humanity by living out a vocation of love in the world.
While Ramblers may be searching for many things - connection, direction, forgiveness, hope, meaning, and more - at the heart of all these longings is love.
Who's the Retreat For?
Search is designed for students who have completed their first year of college.
What to Expect
- This retreat has a similar feel to retreats like Kairos, TEC, and Awakening, but has been developed specifically for college students and their experiences. This is the longest running retreat at Loyola.
- There are lots of realms where one can do Searching. Because this is a Campus Ministry program, we have activities designed for people to think about their questions and Search broadly and also in the context of their relationship with God and their spiritual journey. While Search was originally developed out of a Christian tradition, Ramblers from all religions have found the retreat helpful and meaningful.
- We'll gather on the Lakeshore Campus at 5:00pm on January 17th and return to campus by 4:30 on Sunday, January 19th
What to Pack
- comfortable clothes based on the weather
- outdoor sneakers or hiking shoes, indoor comfy shoes
- flipflops / shower shoes
- any medications / antihistamines you will need
- shampoo/conditioner
- toothbrush and toothpaste
- reusable water bottle
- resuable coffee tumbler
- journal (if you have one)
- phone charger
Meals
All meals are provided by the LUREC kitchen. When you register you will have the opportunity to indicate any allergies or dietary accommodations you will need.
Cost
$50 (includes all meals, snacks, transportation, lodging, etc.) Financial aid is available for all our retreats.
Student Testimonies
Abby Jennings
"I absolutely loved this retreat. It challenged me, grounded me, and helped me understand myself in a deeper, more honest way. Experiencing that kind of transformative love, both in community and spiritually, changed how I see my own worth and how I show up for others. It reminded me that love is active, intentional, and something we are called to live out every day. Being able to serve as a student director meant so much to me. It was an incredible privilege to help create that space for others while continuing my own growth. It’s an experience that will stay with me long after I graduate."
Harry Brooker
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"My initial vision for the Search retreat was a little extra time to get closer to God in that perfect retreat environment. Instead, what I found was a deeper connection, not just to God, but to the people and world around me. I now find myself profoundly changed in the way in which I love myself and others. I was deeply consoled and I will hold the experience in my heart for many years to come."
January 22-24, 2027
Search Retreat registration opens on July 1, 2026
Search is a retreat about love.
Over the course of the retreat, participants are invited to discover more fully the complexity of who they are, and how even though they are not perfect, they are still intensely and profoundly loved and supported - both in community and by God.
Love in today's world can feel like a meaningless platitude that is easily thrown around. The love we're hoping to encounter on Search is not a cliché or simply a sentimental phrase. Nor is it a static feeling meant to be hoarded and kept for ourselves. It's a love that bell hooks calls a "transformative force." It's an invitation that prompts a response of love. The spiritual writer Thomas Merton writes, "We do not become fully human until we give ourselves to each other in love." Therefore, once retreatants gain a sense of their own inherent belovedness on Search, they are invited to live more deeply into their own humanity by living out a vocation of love in the world.
While Ramblers may be searching for many things - connection, direction, forgiveness, hope, meaning, and more - at the heart of all these longings is love.