Ladies Retreat 2025
September 26, 2025 - September 27, 2025
Main Speaker - Kristy Smith
Kristy grew up in a pastor’s home and later spent 13 years as a pastor’s wife. Today, she serves alongside her husband at Centre County Christian Academy, where she has been the administrator for the past 12 years. Kristy, a dedicated mom of four—three boys (two teens and a tween) and a lively 5-year-old daughter, enjoys the simple joys of country living in a cozy fishing-shack-turned-home along Spring Creek Road in Bellefonte. Kristy’s heart beats for teaching children, especially about Jesus. Her greatest desire is to see each student living a vibrant, Christ-centered life. Her life motto says it all: Know. Trust. Follow. To learn more about Centre County Christian Academy, stop by the information table during the retreat!
Approximate Schedule
Friday, September 26, 2025
4:00 – 6:30 PM | Check-In (Chapel)
6:30–7:00 PM | Welcome, Encouragement & Charcuterie Meal
7:15 PM | Session #1
8:45 PM | Recap & Evening Announcements
9:15 PM | Campfire & Social Time
Saturday, September 27, 2025
7:00 – 8:30 AM | Check-In (Dining Hall) & Continental Breakfast
8:45 AM | Announcements & Activity Introductions
9:00 AM | Session #2
10:00 AM | Activity #1 (Spiritual Stretching, Craft, Prayer Chapel, or Quiet Time)
11:00 AM | Activity #2 (Same options as above)
12:30 PM | Brunch
1:45 PM | Basket Drawings & Housekeeping
2:00 PM | Final Session #3 & Communion
3:00 PM | Clean-Up & Head Home
Remember!
Remember To Bring
- Bible | Pen | Jacket | Umbrella | Flashlight
A seat cushion if needed - Comfortable walking shoes
- Hammock (for relaxing during downtime)
- Exercise or yoga mat (for the spiritual stretching class)
If Spending The Night
Please remember to bring linens (or sleeping bag), blanket, pillow, toiletries, & warm & cool weather clothing.
Other Info
Friday Night Activities
We’re keeping things low-key Friday night with a casual campfire, reading, board games, and time to just hang out. Feel free to bring a game you’d like to share!
We’ll put out some snacky leftovers from the charcuterie tables for anyone who wants to nibble. If you’d like to bring a treat to add to the mix, you’re more than welcome!
Free-Will Offering
As part of our retreat weekend, a free-will offering will be received during Friday and Saturday’s check-ins, with offering boxes also available during free time.
All gifts will go towards the mortgage principal of the Lodge, helping us continue to create a space where lives can be transformed for Christ. If you’re bringing a check, please make it out to Sylvan Hills and note “Ladies’ Retreat Offering” on the memo line.
Thank you for giving as the Lord leads.
Basket Raffle
Our popular Basket Raffle is back! Baskets will be on display throughout the weekend. Each church is encouraged to donate a themed basket—please reach out to your church’s contact person if you’d like to contribute to your church’s basket. Individuals or groups are also welcome to donate their own basket if they’d like!
Tickets will be available during designated times, and the drawing will take place after lunch on Saturday.
Devotional/Book Exchange
Have a devotional or religious book you’re ready to pass along? Bring it to add to our exchange table and browse for something new to you!
Feel free to take a book even if you didn’t bring one. If you’d like to take extra or simply support the cause, a donation container will be available—completely optional. All proceeds will go toward the Lodge principal.
Any books left on the table after the retreat will be donated.
Cost
Before August 30, 2025
Ages 18+
Both days: $40 | One day: $30
Ages 12–18
Both days: $30 | One day: $20
After August 30, 2025 & Walk-ins
Ages 18+
Both days: $50 | One day: $40
Ages 12–18
Both days: $40 | One day: $30