We are once again excited to be taking both our Confirmation students as well as Norwalk Catholic Schools 8th graders on a retreat to Damascus Catholic Mission Campus!  

This retreat will take place on November 17-19, 2023.

We will meet in the Convocation center parking lot (the fenced in parking lot by the school) at 4:00pm for check in, we will depart at 4:30pm.   On Sunday we plan to depart Damascus at approximately 1pm.  We plan to arrive in Norwalk between 2:30 and 3:00pm.   

Are you new to Damascus?  Check out their website https://damascus.net/ 

We are proud to partner with Damascus to awaken, empower, and equip a whole new generation of the Catholic Faith so that they can transform the world!  

On the following pages you will find information regarding this year's retreat.  

Please reach out to Jen Sanders with specific questions you do not find answered here.  You can most easily reach her via email at [email protected].

Registration for Damascus can be found here:

REGISTER
 

Please note the following directions: 

1. Create an account and add your student
2. Choose "Confirmation Retreats" 
3. Choose "I belong to a group with reserved space" 
4.  The code for our group is PAULNORW23
5. Complete Registration and Payment

Please note that closer to the time for the trip we will be in contact with parents of teens who require medication or have special dietary or medical concerns to confirm information.  

Payment Information

The total cost for the retreat is $130.00.  Payment for the retreat is made directly to Damascus via their website.   Please reach out to the office if you require financial assistance.  

We know you may have questions about our trip.  The most commonly asked questions are below.  Please feel free to reach out if your question has not been answered! 

What are the cabins like?
Damascus has several styles of cabins. Your group will most likely be in the Hillcrest Cabins, which have two sides with 10 bunks each. See the facilities at https://damascus.net/rentals/facilities/

How are groups determined?
Students will stay with the same group of boys or girls from St. Paul Parish and School. That will be their main unit for the duration of the retreat, led by a missionary.  Groups range from 5-9 students. 

Who stays overnight with the students?
The missionaries will stay with the small groups they are leading. There will always be at least 2 missionaries present with any students.

Will other schools be present on the retreat?
Most likely, yes! It is a great opportunity to experience the wider family of our Catholic Church. In nearly all circumstances, however, the small groups will be separated by school. 

Who are the missionaries? 
Damascus missionaries are young adults who are pursuing a 2-year program of service and Christian formation with Damascus Catholic Mission Campus. The 46 missionaries in formation for the 2022-2023 year represent over 10 different states from around the nation. Find out more about our missionary program at www.damascus.net/mission.

What are their certifications?
Damascus missionaries participate in two trainings for a cumulative 4 weeks of training on activities, programs, small group leadership, policies, and culture. All missionaries have a criminal FBI/BCI background check on file and have been certified through Protecting God’s Children (VIRTUS) safe environment program. Our safe environment practices meet and exceed the Diocese of Columbus’s standards. Many of our missionaries and mission staff hold degrees in theology, education, and a variety of other disciplines from institutions including Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ave Maria University, the Augustine Institute, and the Ohio State University.

What if my student has a food allergy/dietary need?
All of our food is prepared nut-free, meaning no ingredients were processed in a facility with peanuts or tree nuts. The kitchen can accommodate gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian diets. For other allergies (eggs, soy, etc.) please contact Jen Sanders to discuss. 

Can my teen bring their own food?
You may bring snacks, as long as they do not contain nuts. Snacks will be checked both before loading the bus and also upon arrival at Damascus.  

How are medications handled?
Chaperones are responsible for keeping and distributing medications. Students may not keep oral medications on their person or in their cabins. EpiPens and inhalers are typically carried by the student’s counselor. We recommend putting each medication in a ziploc baggie with the student’s name on it.

Are the activities safe?
Yes. As a campus with emphasis on high adventure activities, Damascus has a policy of zero tolerance when it comes to risk in its facilities, equipment, and operation. Every one of our adventure activities undergoes an annual third party inspection or recertification, and all of the staff are trained by a certification body approved by the Association for Challenge Course Technology. The Redwoods Group is our insurer and partner in risk assessment and safety implementation and training.

What happens in case of emergency?
Damascus is located approximately 20 minutes from Knox Community Hospital and Urgent Care, and is accessible in less than 5 minutes by local EMS and fire personnel. In the case of any emergency, Damascus staff is committed to aiding school chaperones in contacting parents and arranging for emergency medical care.

How does communication happen on the retreat? 
Damascus understands the tremendous responsibility it is for parents to entrust them with the care of their child, and their safety and wellbeing is the primary concern of each and every missionary on retreat. Head Counselors are specifically dedicated to making sure that each camper is cared for to the highest degree, and are equipped to collaborate with chaperones in ensuring effective communication between parents and children when it is needed. A St. Paul parish chaperone will be the primary contact for parents who need to reach their children in case of emergency.

What if the weather is bad? 
Damascus lives the adventure in the rain and snow! We will of course make accommodations for extreme weather, but except in case of lightning or extreme cold, you can expect to be outside. Please pack according to the forecast!

Is there a gift shop?
Yes! It will be opened at specific times during the retreat.