"I didn't want it to end. I mean, I knew the physical part of the trip had to stop, but what I particularly didn't want to end was the feeling of wholeness and connection. And so far it hasn't, even six months later."
~ Rev. Stephanie Perdew
"Renewal in the Wilderness led me into a place without distractions, where there was no escape from what I most fear and what I most deeply desire. It allowed me to acknowledge my limits and needs.
"For me, taking a trip with Renewal in the Wilderness was an act of resistance against the narcissistic values of our society. The world promotes limitless self-indulgence and consumption, but the RITW trip reminded me of how little we need to be profoundly happy. The world teaches us to be anxious and dissatisfied, but the RITW trip left my heart feeling peaceful and complete."
~ Julie R. Harley
"I just wanted to tell you thanks for doing what you do. We just got back from Maui [where] we went to see Wayne Dyer and Ram Das. It was wonderful. But it's people like you that keep the spirit going.
Thank you."
~ Dan and Sharon Morley
Trips
Trips, by length of stay
Trips, by location
- Apostle Islands, WI
- NEW: Boulder Junction, WI, WINTER RETREAT
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area, MN
- NEW: Crete, GREECE
- NEW: Kenai Fjords National Park, ALASKA
- Kishwaukee River, IL
- Lake Powell, Utah
- Wisconsin River, WI
Please note: Trip fees include boats, paddles and food. Fees do not include any clothing or transportation to and from the outfitter from your home. For more information, check out Policies, FAQ and Safety, and the trip-by-trip information itself.
Now accepting applications for Renewal in the Wilderness 2010 trips. Reserve your spot in the boat today! Call 847.869.5885.
5-8 DAY TRIPS
NEW!!
Winter Retreat in Boulder Junction, WI
February 10-14, 2010
Trip #: RITWBJ1
In a radical departure from our normal water-based spiritual adventures, we've reserved a secluded lakeside cabin in Boulder Junction, at the northern tip of Wisconsin, to enjoy the astonishing outdoor beauty of winter. We'll XC ski, snowshoe, maybe chop a hole in the ice and go for a dip (or, maybe not), then warm up in the sauna, eat terrific food by the fire, drink Glühwein and have great conversations. Ideal for couples.
COST: $910 for clergy, $1,070 for lay people (per person)
DEADLINE for registration: January 10, 2010
MINIMUM NUMBER: 6
TO REGISTER: Click here for form (PDF) or call 847.869.5885.
Sea Kayaking, Lake Powell, UT
April 18-24, 2010
Trip #RITWLP1
There are few places in the U.S. that are more magnificent than this. Surrounded by the beautiful redrock that makes up Glen Canyon, we'll explore the hidden-most parts of Lake Powell that have only recently become accessible to kayaks, and only to kayaks. Imagine a painted sky at the end of the day that changes from a breathtaking sunset to a star-filled night so brilliant that it defies description. It shows us why the desert was such a formative place for so many religions. It doesn't get any better than this! Join us. Minimum participants = 7 people.
COST: $1,900 for clergy, $2,240 for lay people (per person)
DEADLINE for registration: March 1, 2010
TO REGISTER: Click here for form (PDF) or call 847.869.5885.
NEW!!
Sea Kayaking in the Kenai Fjords National Park, ALASKA
July 11-15, 2010
Trip #: RITWAK1
Remote, pristine and rarely visited, Northwestern Fjord in Kenai Fjords National Park is truly one of the world's most remarkable sea kayaking destinations, and embodies all the deep and simple spiritual values that were so eloquently described in the recent PBS special on the national parks. We'll paddle amidst icebergs and seals while watching tidewater glaciers calve into protected waters. This stunning location is all the more dramatic and rare due to the relatively recent glacial retreat; the areas we’ll paddle were under a mile of ice as recently as the early 1900's.
COST: $2,300 for clergy, $2,700 for lay people (per person)
DEADLINE for registration: April 1, 2010
TO REGISTER: Click here for form (PDF) or call 847.869.5885
Sea Kayaking, Apostle Islands, WI
August 27-September 1, 2010
Trip #RITWAI1
Rich in sea caves, lighthouses, wind-and-water carved arches and pillars, and sandy shores the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a kayaker's dream. And what an amazing place for a spiritual journey! This pristine collection of islands offera stunning scenery that is uniquely accessible to kayaks. We'll spend six days paddling the deep blue waters of Lake Superior, sleeping each night under the immense inland ocean sky.
IMPORTANT NOTE: On some days we’ll make three-mile open water crossings between islands, among waves that could be 2-3’ high. These crossings are very do-able with advance preparation. Therefore, while prior instruction is not mandatory to participate in this trip, it's HIGHLY recommended that participants get kayak training that includes paddle strokes, wet exits and rescue techniques for capsized kayakers. Of course, there will be skills assessment and instruction on our first day together. In the Chicago area these preparatory courses are available at the Northwest Passage (www.nwpassage.com, click on the "instruction" button on the main page). Outside the Chicago area, look for introductory courses that include wet exits, rescue and paddle techniques. Your safety is paramount, and with some advance preparation before your Apostle Islands adventure, you'll be more comfortable in the potentially challenging conditions on Lake Superior.
COST: $1,300 for clergy, $1,550 for lay people (per person)
DEADLINE for registration: July 6, 2010
PLEASE NOTE: Prior experience is highly recommended but
is
not required. See shaded box above for training suggestions.
TO REGISTER: Click here for form (PDF) or call 847.869.5885.
CANOEING, BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA
Boundary Waters in Minnesota
September 4-9, 2010
Trip #RITWBW1
Early Fall in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota. In the Lower 48, for me, the Boundary Waters defines the spiritually of the wilderness. The leaves will be changing, the tourists and mosquitoes will be gone, and for the most part we'll have this extraordinarily pristine and intimate area to ourselves. We could see and hear wolves, beaver, otter, loons, ducks, geese, eagles, muskrat, moose, etc. Beautiful at any time of year, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) wilderness is exceptional in the Fall, and a place of enormous spiritual potential.
COST: $1,275 for clergy, $1,500 for lay people (per person)
DEADLINE for registration: July 30, 2010
TO REGISTER: Click here for form (PDF) or call 847.869.5885.
NEW!!
Sea Kayaking in Crete, Greece
September 27-October 4, 2010
Trip #: RITWCG1
We'll spend our days kayaking in the azure Libyan Sea on the south end of Crete, and spend each night in an intimate seaside inn. We’ll also do some hiking in the Samarian Gorge (for those who are able and willing), visit Minoan ruins (home of the mythical Minotaur), visit an 11th century chapel dedicated to St. Paul and walk where he walked, and eat delicious, healthy Mediterranean food every day. There is nothing wrong with this picture! We’ll practice yoga as well, and meditate on the beach. Simply being in Crete, doing what we’ll do is a spiritual experience in itself, and when we add the intentional spiritual component, in this place, with its history … wow! Valid passports, of course, required.
COST: $3,960 for clergy, $4,500 for lay people (per person)
DEADLINE for registration: July 26, 2010
NOTE: Scholarships are available for UCC clergy on week-long trips.
TO REGISTER: Click here for form (PDF) or call 847.869.5885.
3-DAY CANOE TRIPS
Canoeing on the Beautiful Wisconsin River
June 18-20, 2010
(near Spring Green)
Trip #WR1
July 30-August 1, 2010
(near Spring Green)
Parent-Child Canoe Trip!
Trip #WR2
October 22-24, 2010
(near Boscobel)
Trip #WR3
Spend a long weekend on the beautiful Wisconsin River. A truly gorgeous trip, we'll see bald eagles, blue herons, sand hill cranes and more. These shorter Wisconsin canoe trips are an easy way to get the Renewal in the Wilderness experience Although not as "deep wilderness" as some of our other trips, this gentle river is a wonderful place to renew, or find, your relationship with God.
DEADLINES for registration:
May 29, June 19, October 2, 2010 (respectively)
FEE: $450 per person
TO REGISTER: Click here for form (PDF) or call 847.869.5885.
July 30 - August 1, 2010
Parent-Child Canoe Trip
(near Spring Green)
TRIP #WR/PK1
Because of many requests we've added a parent-child canoe trip on the Wisconsin River; the canoe trip is designed for kids ages 8 through 11. If you've been looking for a way to spend some very high-quality, one-on-one time with your child (or grandchild), away from all electronic distractions, this canoe trip may be exactly what you're looking for.
The Wisconsin River is one of the most beautiful natural places in the Midwest; it flows at a gentle 3 mph, is usually only 6' deep at the deepest, has many lush sand islands that are wonderful to sleep and play on, and supports large populations of bald eagles, sand hill cranes and blue herons. The kids will love the experience, and so will the parents. The trip will have a light spiritual (but not religious) component. Important: Child must be at least 8 years old by date of the trip.
DEADLINE for registration: August 1, 2010
FEE: $650.00 for 1 parent and 1 child
($450.00 for an additional parent; $225.00 for an additional child)
LIMIT: 10 people
TO REGISTER: Click here for form (PDF) or call 847.869.5885.
1-DAY CANOE TRIPS
Kishwaukee River near Rockford, IL: Book Now for Your Group!
May 22, 2010
Trip #KR1
June 5, 2010
Trip #KR2
October 16, 2010
Trip #KR3
All one-day trips take place on the Kishwaukee River (near Rockford, IL, it is a small version of the glorious Wisconsin River) or a good substitute. These trips are available for groups that you put together or groups that we put together. For example: men's or women's groups, church groups, work groups, couple's groups, etc. Please note: a similar river experience may be substituted for the Kishwaukee River if necessary.
DEADLINES for registration:
May 9, May 23, September 26, 2010 (respectively)
FEE: $145 per person
TO REGISTER: Call 847.869.5885 for more information.
CUSTOM GROUP CANOE TRIPS
Renewal in the Wilderness provides contract canoe trips (that is, for groups that you put together) for adults and/or teens (ages 14 and up). Please call us at 847.869.5885 to discuss your needs. These trips can range from one day, to three days, to one week. The shorter trips would take place in the Wisconsin/Illinois area. Longer trips can go further afield.
FEE: varies
TO REGISTER: Call 847.869.5885 for more information.
"In ways that are spiritual, physical and psychological, the wilderness grounds us by setting us free from our self-imposed limitations."
~ from John Lionberger's new book, Renewal in the Wilderness: A Spiritual Guide to Connecting With God in the Natural World
NEED MORE INFO? Check out our FAQ and Policies for details.
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