Thank you for your interest in attending the 2025 Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult Fall Retreat at St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center!
This retreat is open to all Orthodox College Students and Young Professionals ages 18-35.
DATE:
Adventure Package: October 16 - 19, 2025
Regular Package: October 17 - 19, 2025
AGES: Open to all Orthodox Young Adults, ages 18-35
LOCATION:
St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center
38526 Dunlap Road
Squaw Valley, CA 93675
THEME: “Glory to Thee for Every Step of My Life’s Journey”
Saint Paul instructs us to "walk in the Spirit." As we walk this spiritual ascent, there are stages of spiritual perfection which are the foundation of Orthodox Spirituality. We will explore together the spiritual path to Christ's Kingdom!
SPEAKER: Archdeacon Justin Bosl
Archdeacon Justin Bosl is from Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church in Castro Valley. He has been a deacon since 2021 and was elevated to Archdeacon of our Metropolis in 2023. Prior to that he earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law. For nearly 19 years he was a trial lawyer representing injured workers and consumers. In 2023, he resigned from the firm to focus full time on serving the Church. He graduated from the diaconate program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and holds a Master of Divinity from the Antiochian House of Studies and a Th.M. from Holy Cross. He serves as the chair of the Metropolis Legal Committee and serves on a variety of boards and committees for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops. He and his wife have four children and live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN -
You can secure your spot with a $100 deposit and make payments until October 15 for the remaining balance.
REGULAR WEEKEND PACKAGE: (Friday evening - Sunday afternoon)
$195 for a Dorm Room
(cabins with multiple bunk beds)
-
$230 for Double Occupancy Lodge Room
(hotel style room with two queen beds)
Each person pays this amount to share a room
-
$335 for Single Occupancy Lodge Room
(hotel style room)
Includes 2 nights lodging and all meals: Friday dinner – Sunday breakfast.
OPTIONAL FRIDAY EXCURSION & HIKE ADVENTURE PACKAGE:
If you would like to join us on Friday morning for a day excursion and hike to Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park, we have put together packages that include a Thursday night stay as well as the additional meals (Thursday Dinner, Friday Breakfast and Lunch and snacks) you will have while part of this extra excursion.
ADVENTURE PACKAGE: (Thursday evening - Sunday afternoon)
$300 for a Dorm Room
(cabins with multiple bunk beds)
-
$350 for Double Occupancy Lodge Room
(hotel style room with two queen beds
Each person pays this amount to share a room
-
$510 for Single Occupancy Lodge Room
(hotel style room)
You have your own room
Includes 3 nights lodging and all meals: Thursday dinner – Sunday breakfast.
- ACCOMMODATIONS -
LODGE ROOMS:
Hotel style rooms with two large queen beds and private bathroom with shower. All bedding and towels provided.
—
DORM ROOMS:
Large rooms with multiple bunk beds. All of the dorms have attached bathrooms and electricity. Minimal bedding is provided: pillow, sheets, and light blanket. If you want to bring a sleeping bag or heavier blanket, that is recommended. Towel for showing also provided.
MONASTERY WORK PROJECT ATTIRE
Monastery Liturgy clothing for Women: Modest Long dress or skirt (no slits), long sleeve shirt or sweater, closed toe shoes, and head scarf.
Monastery Liturgy clothing for Men: Long dress pants, dress shirt, closed toe shoes.
Monastery Work Attire for Men & Women: Same as above, but clothes that are able to get a little dirty.
Men can wear jeans and long sleeve shirt.
Women can wear similar outfit as mentioned for Liturgy, just nothing too nice.
Running shoes are recommended for both men and women for the work project day.
FLYING
FRESNO AIRPORT (FAT):
If you are flying, we recommend that you fly into the Fresno Airport. This airport is small and has limited flights (and sometimes expensive) but it is the closest to the Retreat Center. Fresno (FAT) airport is about 45 minutes away and if you fly in anytime after 3pm, someone can pick you up on their way to the retreat.
SAN FRANCISCO (SFO) or SAN JOSE (SJC):
You can also fly into Northern California and road trip about 4 hours south to the retreat center with the Bay Area Group. San Francisco (SFO) or San Jose (SJC) are great airports to fly into on Friday early afternoon (arrive before 4pm), and fly out late Sunday night (after 7pm). Both San Jose and San Francisco airports are about 4 hours north of the retreat center. #roadtrip
WEATHER:
Typical weather is mid 70’s during the day and low 50’s at night.
Make sure to bring a warm jacket for the evening. We will go down to the lake, and it gets a bit chilly.
PACKING LIST:
-sleeping bag and/or warm blankets for a twin size bed (only if staying in the Dorms)
-toiletries
-bath towel (only if staying in the Dorms)
-casual/comfy attire is recommended for throughout the weekend
-It does get colder in the evenings, so a sweatshirt or warm jacket is recommended
-Monastery Liturgy clothing for Women: Modest Long dress or skirt (no slits), long sleeve shirt or sweater, closed toe shoes, and head scarf
-Monastery Liturgy clothing for Men: Long dress pants, dress shirt, closed toe shoes
-Monastery Work Attire for Men & Women: Same as above, but clothes that are able to get a little dirty. Men can wear jeans and long sleeve shirt, Women can wear similar outfit as mentioned for Liturgy, just nothing too nice. Running shoes are recommended for both men and women for the work project day.
-flashlight (we walk down to the lake Saturday night)
-musical instrument for campfire
-phone charger
-chapstick and sunscreen
-water bottle
-playing cards & board games
-notebook to take notes
-money to spend in the Monastery Bookstore. They only take cash or checks.
Check out the video from the 2016 Metropolis Young Adult Fall Retreat!