Retreats & Events

“I am so thankful to have had this weekend for rest, reflection, quietness in nature, good food, great fellowship, and spiritual input that was inviting, thought provoking and meaningful.”

Women’s Retreat Participant

RETREAT REGISTRATION OPENS DEC 1st at 9am!

Quick Links

Packing List for Retreats
Register for Retreats & Events

(When registering, choose 2026 Events & Retreats and follow the directions at the top of each page.)

 

Fathers and Kids Retreat | January 16 – 18, 2026

Skating on the lake, building snow forts, snowshoeing through the woods, roasting s’mores over the campfire, and playing games in the dining hall! Dads enjoy free-time Saturday morning (coffee in abundance) while staff provide programming with kids. NOTE: Father is defined as any male adult mentor. See packing list and sample schedule.

FEE: $230 +HST per adult, $60 +HST per child.

 

Women’s Retreat | Jan 30 – Feb 1, 2026

Join Wendy Janzen for a spirited winter retreat. Sessions, free time, yoga, sauna, outdoor activities, laughter, conversation, and good food are guaranteed. Wendy, a pastor and spiritual director, will guide our sessions, tapping into her experience with forest church and eco-spirituality.  See packing list and sample schedule.

FEE:  $285 +HST per person, $175 + HST for under 30 or underemployed.

 

Winter Wanders: Snowshoe/Ski/Hike Adventure | Feb 24 – 26, 2026

Enjoy three days of outdoor adventuring in the Bruce Peninsula! Depending on seasonal conditions, we will cross-country ski near Sauble (available to rent), snowshoe Purple Valley (available to borrow from SLMC), and/or hike to the Grotto in winter. Stay at camp for 2 nights and cozy up to a fire, use the sauna, and settle in for great food and conversation after an invigorating time on the trail! Email Karen B at hr@slmc.ca for more details. See packing list for hiking and camp packing list.

FEE:  $270 +HST per person. Includes 2 nights accommodation, all food, and 3 days of hiking. Option to stay extra night before hike for $60 +HST (food not included).

 

Winter Camp for Grown-Ups | Feb 27 – Mar 1, 2026

This weekend is for 20 & 30 somethings who want to get away on a low-key, relaxing retreat. This unscheduled weekend gives folks the chance to relax with others by the fire, enjoy outdoor hiking or snow-shoeing, chill in the sauna, play various board or card games, and make space for spiritual reflection. This “choose your own adventure” weekend is the perfect winter escape and is a collaborative project between PiE (Pastors in Exile) and SLMC.  See packing list and sample schedule.

FEE: $200 +HST per person. Subsidies ($150 + HST) available upon request.

 

Music Retreat | Apr 10 – 12, 2026

Come to Silver Lake for some time away at camp filled with singing and instrumental music! Sing through songbooks, hymnals and more in the company of music-lovers! Alissa Bender and friends will lead this weekend. Connect and eat great food! All meals provided. See packing list and Sample Music Retreat Schedule.

FEE: $230 +HST per person, $150 + HST for under 30 or underemployed (including youth).

 

Weekday Wanders | Apr 2026 (2 hikes)

Bruce Trail Bonanza | April 20 – 23     

Explore the Bruce Peninsula through loop hikes involving Peninsula side trails at Lion’s Head, Devil’s Monument and the cliffs of Hope Bay. There’s even an ‘Obese Side Trail’! These four days of hikes will take in magnificent views and fascinating geology and involve some challenging terrain. We will be covering up to 18 km (approx 6 hours) per day. Hiking poles are recommended and can be borrowed from camp. After the hike, take in a hot sauna, enjoy a home-cooked meal and explore the camp property!

FEE: $400 +HST per person. Includes 3 nights shared accommodation, 3 suppers, 3 lunches, and 3 breakfasts. Option to stay Sunday night for $60 + HST (food not included).

Cliffs, Caves, and Crevices | April 27 – 29

Spend 3 days walking through crevices, exploring caves and gazing over the bluffs near Owen Sound. We will learn more about the geology of this fascinating area using Beth Gilhespy’s book Walking Through Time and each of the hikes will count toward the Geology badge offered through the Sydenham Bruce Trail Club. Distances will be between 9 and 12 km each day and will involve some tricky footing and challenging terrain. Hiking poles are recommended and can be borrowed from camp. After the hike, take in a hot sauna and/or explore the camp property!

FEE: $270 +HST per person. Includes 2 nights shared accommodation, 2 suppers, 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts.

Email Karen B at hr@slmc.ca for more details on both hikes. See packing list for hiking and camp packing list.

 

Spring Work Weekend | Apr 24 – 26, 2026

This weekend is for those who enjoy doing physical labour and cleaning up camp. It is fun and family friendly. Saturday is spent doing various tasks around the property. Generally people divide into small groups or teams and tackle projects on the list that excite them (and have the skill set for!) Food is provided – really yummy food! Arrival is anytime after dinner on Friday and you can leave Saturday after dinner or stay until Sunday. Saturday meals are provided, plus Sunday breakfast. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or have a parent sign a waiver entrusting them to responsible adult. (That includes CILT 2s from this past summer). See packing list.

FEE: No cost!

 

Newcomer Family Holiday | May 1 – 3, 2026

“I will talk about my first experience canoeing until I’m an old man!” – Shinga

Enjoy a weekend of fun-filled memories! Families experience waterfront activities, sports, campfires and games. Meals provided and much more! Join us for a weekend of fun, good family time, and enjoying everything Silver Lake has to offer. The weekend is for families new to Canada (within the last 3 years) and their sponsors. Each family is encouraged to come with a support person. Please email alissa@slmc.ca for more registration info. Note: those who sign up for the bus must be ready at 50 Kent Ave, Kitchener at 4:15pm on Friday for departure. See packing list and  sample schedule.

Registration Instructions Document

FEE: $100 +HST per individual or $400 +HST per family, one sponsor included in fee (additional sponsors may inquire about availability and pay an additional food cost).

 

The Grand Paddle & Hike Fundraiser | May 8 – 10, 2026

Silver Lake has only one fundraiser each year for our annual budget called The Grand Paddle & Hike. Funds raised from this event are used to support all kinds of camp costs, such as staff wages, camperships, programming, food, etc… Last year was a record-breaking year so let’s continue the trend!

More Info on The Grand Paddle & Hike

 

Family Camp | May 15 – 17, 2026

Enjoy a weekend of fun-filled memories! Families experience waterfront activities, sports, campfires and games. Meals provided and much more! Join us for a weekend of fun, good family time, and enjoying everything Silver Lake has to offer. The weekend is especially beneficial for any camper considering coming to camp for the first time. See packing list and Sample Schedule.

*Family is defined as 4 people living at the same address – each additional family member (13 yrs or above) is an extra $100 for a room or cabin. If you want to share a cabin with another family (that you know), both families must register for “shared cabin” and pay separately.

Private Cabin or Meadows Room:  $525 +HST per family of 4*
Share a Cabin with Another Family:  $425 +HST per family of 4*  (indicate on form which family you are sharing with)

 

Men’s Retreat | Sep 18 – 20, 2026

Come and relax….sauna, campfire, basketball, fishing, sailing and great food with old and new friends. David Lobe is returning as chef/sommelier with a mouthwatering menu that includes shawarma, Spanish meats and cheeses, and a jumbo paella! Pastor Thomas Reimer and Mike Schmidt will lead some thought-provoking reflections. See packing list.

FEE: $285 +HST per person, $175 +HST for under 30 or underemployed. 

 

Fall Work Weekend & CILT 1 Reunion | Oct 30-Nov 1, 2026

This weekend is only for those who enjoy doing physical labour and cleaning up camp. It is fun and family friendly. Saturday is spent doing various tasks around the property. Generally people divide into small groups or teams and tackle projects on the list that excite them (and have the skill set for!) Food is provided – really yummy food! Arrival is anytime after dinner on Friday and you can leave Saturday after dinner or stay until Sunday. Saturday meals are provided, plus Sunday breakfast. See packing list.

Note: CILT 1’s will be supervised by Silver Lake staff throughout the weekend. (Anyone else under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or have a parent sign a waiver entrusting them to responsible adult.)

FEE: No cost!

Cancellation Policy

No refunds for cancellations made less than 2 weeks before the retreat.
Prior to two weeks: $50 cancellation fee (or $100 cancellation fee for retreats over $400).
If a retreat or event is cancelled by Silver Lake, a full refund will be given.

 

Interested in booking the camp?

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp is available for rental from early September to mid-June. Weekend availability is limited.
Click below for more information on availability and pricing.

Group Rental Information