Q: Can I bring more than one daughter?
A: For our original retreat, girls 11-14, we only allow one daughter at a time (twins being the exception). One of the most important aspects of this retreat is the one-on-one time it offers, which is consistently one of the girls’ favorite parts of the retreat in the feedback we receive. Many of our activities are based on a mother/daughter pair as well. For our new High School retreat, you may bring more than one daughter.
Q: Do you offer any scholarships, payment plans, or tips on how to pay for the retreat?
A: We want to make this retreat possible for all to attend and we do our best to keep costs low. We have some partial scholarships available and can also offer payment plans over several months. Please just contact us to apply. We also encourage you to ask family, friends, and Godparents for support. Some of our families have done fundraisers such as selling baked goods, hosting a spaghetti dinner, or selling homemade crafts. Your parish may also be a place of support, particularly the Knights of Columbus who support pro-life causes and religious vocations, both of which are part of our mission. If you need a letter from us to help seek donations, please let us know.
Q: How do I know if my registration went through?
A: You should receive an auto reply with a receipt from our system letting you know you are registered, and more information will be emailed to you 4-6 weeks before your retreat date. If you did not receive this, first check your junk/spam folder, then if not found, please contact us.
Q: Is my deposit refundable? What happens if we can’t attend?
A: Due to costs and limited space, we do require a non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot. We ask you to make a commitment to attend if you sign up. However, we understand life happens and can use your deposit towards a future retreat. If that is not possible, we can use your deposit as a partial scholarship for someone else and send you a tax receipt as we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Q: Can I donate to support this ministry?
A: YES! We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will happily accept your donation. We rely on donations to grow the ministry and help those who cannot afford the full cost. Click here to donate. If your company has a matching donation program and you need a letter about our community impact, please reach out via our Contact Us page. We appreciate your support!
Q: What age do you recommend girls attend?
A: Every child develops differently, and the parent is the best judge of when they are mature enough to sit through talks and receive the information being presented, but we think ages 11 and 12 are ideal. Most girls have started puberty by then or will do so shortly. The retreat offers a very gentle, whole person approach to sharing information about the changes that occur during this time and how they reflect God’s plan for our gift of femininity.
Q: What do you mean by “a whole person approach”?
A: Being created in the image and likeness of God as female is much more than just a physical aspect. And even our physical body tells us something about our nature and how we reflect God to the world. Our retreat teaches about the changes that occur as girls become young women, not only in their body, but also in their minds, spirit, and social aspects. We celebrate these changes as part of our “feminine genius” as St. JPII tells us, and we encourage moms and daughters to view their female nature as a gift meant to be shared with the world.
Q: Do you have a retreat for older girls?
A: YES! We have developed a one day high school retreat which explores these issues more deeply called WAVES. See our registration page for more info or contact us to request retreat in your area.
Q: Where is the retreat offered? Can you come to my area?
A: The retreat started in the metro Phoenix, AZ area and we offer one or more retreats here each year. We have offered retreats in Ohio and California in the past and will have our first international retreat in Canada this year. Please see our registration page for current locations. We are a small volunteer run ministry, but we do have some availability to travel and bring the retreat to your area. We need a local liaison- someone just like you- to help us advertise and find a venue. If you feel called to do this, email us and we will do our best, with God’s help, to make it happen.
Q: Can only mothers bring a girl on retreat?
A: No, every family situation is different, and we welcome stepmoms, grandmas, aunts, Godmothers, etc. to attend if a girls’ mom is unable to.
Q: Is this retreat only for Catholics?
A: The retreat is based on Catholic teaching and incorporates the Saints and Sacramental life but is open to anyone. Much of the information applies to people of all faiths and we welcome those who wish to learn more about their dignity as women and experience a prayerful, fun weekend get away with their daughter.