Retreats
The Joy and Significance of Retreats
Retreats are a great way to connect with others and refresh your body, mind, and spirit. They let you take a break from daily life and enjoy a peaceful, reflective, and friendly atmosphere. Our retreats focus on spending time with God, having meaningful talks, and doing fun activities everyone can enjoy.
We visited beautiful outdoor spots like Big Bend National Park, Enchanted Rock State Nature Area, and Matagorda Beach. These places are perfect for relaxing, meditating, and growing spiritually. Their natural beauty helps you connect with nature, think about your life, and strengthen your faith.
We also love to mix things up by going to amusement parks like Six Flags Fiesta Texas or horseback riding at the Mayan Ranch in Bandera. These activities add excitement and adventure to our retreats, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether thrilling rides or peaceful horseback riding, these experiences create lasting memories and strengthen friendships, leaving you excited and intrigued about our various activities.
Our retreats offer something for everyone. They are about fun, adventure, personal growth, and spiritual enrichment. Through engaging discussions and reflective activities, you can explore your faith, share experiences, and support each other. The sense of community and belonging that develops is priceless and often results in lifelong friendships, making you a part of our supportive network.
We need your help to make these amazing experiences available to all students. By donating, you can ensure everyone has the chance to create unforgettable memories and grow spiritually through our retreats. Your support can make a big difference in many young people’s lives, allowing them to participate in these enriching experiences regardless of their financial situation.
Thank you for considering our cause and for your willingness to support our mission. We deeply appreciate your consideration and support, and we look forward to this journey with you, knowing that together, we can make a positive impact.
Donate to UCM today to support our cause and help us continue our important work. Your contribution will make a real
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Big Bend National Park March 2009
Big Bend National Park in South Texas is a true gem for all nature lovers, offering breathtaking panoramic views and endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploration. With its vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness, diverse habitats, and abundant wildlife, this park is truly a nature enthusiast’s paradise.
From stunning mountain vistas to plunging canyons and tranquil desert landscapes, there is no shortage of natural wonders to
discover in Big Bend National Park. Take in the breathtaking vistas atop the Chisos Mountains or hike along the Rio Grande River to spot some of the park’s amazing wildlife, including majestic coyotes and turkey buzzards.
Whether you’re an experienced backcountry camper or a family looking to explore nature, Big Bend National Park has something to offer everyone. With over 800,000 acres of pristine wilderness to explore, you’ll have ample opportunities to connect with nature and marvel at the wonders of this incredible natural playground. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Big Bend National Park today and experience the beauty and majesty of this true American treasure. For more information on the park and its attractions, visit:
www.big.bend.national-
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (SNA): June 2009
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is an absolutely mesmerizing destination that is truly one of a kind. Boasting a large pink granite dome that majestically rises an
astonishing 425 feet above the ground, this breathtaking wonder covers an expansive 640 acres of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Our
unforgettable visit to this remarkable location took place in June of 2009, during which a highly experienced climbing guide accompanied us, and we were able to spend the night amidst this truly magical environment. It is worth noting that the delicate eco-structure of this incredible natural area should be treated with the utmost care and respect. For additional information and guidelines, we strongly recommend checking out the official Texas Parks and Wildlife website:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/enchanted_rock
Matagorda Beach: August 2009
Matagorda Beach is an absolutely serene and tranquil spot on the magnificent Gulf of Mexico. The long stretch of pristine sandy beaches is simply breathtaking, and the beautiful warm waters are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and endless water activities. While I was there, I had the opportunity to visit two of the most astounding caves in the area: Natural Bridge Caverns and Cave Without a Name. Exploring these gorgeous natural formations and seeing the incredible rock structures was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tours at both locations were informative and fascinating, filled with interesting facts about the history and geology of the region.
For more information about these exceptional locations, be sure to check out their websites! Natural Bridge Caverns is a must-see, so don’t miss out on visiting naturalbridgecaverns.com. For those interested in experiencing the serene and idyllic beauty of Matagorda Beach, head over to matagordatexas.com/beach/. For an in-depth look at the awe-inspiring Cave Without a Name, visit cavewithoutaname.com. Each destination is truly special and offers unforgettable experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime!
For more information on Natural Bridge Caverns, please visit:
www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/
For more information on Matagorda Beach, please visit:
maragordabeach.org
For more information on Cave Without a Name, please visit:
www.cavewithoutaname.com/
San Antonio & Fiesta Texas: August 2010
In August 2010, we had the amazing opportunity to visit San Antonio, one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the United States.
San Antonio is located in the state of Texas and is famous for its rich history, cultural attractions, and world-renowned amusement parks.
During our trip, we explored various attractions, including the iconic Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the stunning Guadeloupe River State Nature Area.
We were amazed by the natural beauty of the Guadeloupe River State Nature Area and the fun-filled rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
One of the highlights of our trip was certainly visiting the historic Alamo and taking a leisurely stroll down the breathtaking River Walk.
We learned so much about Texas history by touring the Alamo and enjoyed the scenic views of the River Walk.
At Six Flags, we had a blast riding the thrilling roller coasters and splashing around on refreshing water rides.
The water rides at Six Flags were a great way to cool down on a hot day, and we loved the adrenaline rush of the roller coasters.
Additionally, we also set aside some time for a prayer and discussion session, which helped us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around us.
The prayer and discussion session helped us to connect with nature and appreciate the gifts that life has to offer.
Overall, our time in San Antonio was unforgettable, and we highly recommend this amazing city to anyone looking for a fun and exciting vacation destination.
If you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers something for everyone, San Antonio should be at the top of your list.
For more information about planning your trip, visit :
https://www.visitsanantonio.com/
Mayan Ranch Bandera, Texas: August 2016
The family owned and operated Mayan Dude Ranch (pronounced Mā • yăn) is located south of Bandera, Texas in the Texas Hill Country and Picturesque trails wander over 348 acres, from the lowlands of the Medina River, that horse shoes through the ranch, to high in the hills for a panoramic view of the valleys beyond. The hospitality is wonderful and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing with the afternoons available for meditation and/or rest. With a wide range of activities to chose from no one was bored.
We left San Angelo on Sunday August 14, with 11 students to spend five nights and four full days at the ranch returning on August 19. This particular location was very conducive to theological discussions and we held three worship services with one of the students leading the final service on Thursday evening.
For more information on the Mayan Dude Ranch please visit
http://mayanranch.com/
Mayan Ranch Bandera, Texas: August 2016
We returned to the Mayan Ranch August 2018 for four full days and five nights. Everyone liked it so much the first time we thought it would be worth repeating. However, in 2016, it was cloudy with light rain (well, most of the time), and moderate temperatures. This time, it was mostly sunny, and as you can expect in Texas, it was very hot and humid. At least the cabins and other indoor areas are nicely air-conditioned.
Because of the heat, the most popular outside activity was swimming in the Medina River.
Despite the heat, there was still plenty of opportunity to ride horses and for some other outdoor activities. We also had some one-on-one and group discussions and I held daily pre-marriage counseling for one couple. Another couple also became engaged while we were there.
Worship services were held every evening, usually inside this time because of the heat. Again the final service was led by a student. For more information on the Mayan Dude Ranch, please visit:
http://mayanranch.com/
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