2023 Retreats and 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

*Registration for 2023 Retreats is now open!*
Packing List for Retreats
Register for Events & Retreats Listed Below

(After you sign in, choose 2023 Events & Retreats and follow the directions at the top of each page.)


Important Information about Retreats

Silver Lake will follow all current Public Health regulations including COVID prevention practices. Any changes to public health guidance will be communicated to participants prior to each retreat.

Cancellation Policy: A refund less a $20 fee will be given for cancellations that are made one week or more in advance. No refunds are given for cancellations within 7 days of the start of the retreat unless the event is cancelled by Silver Lake, in which case a full refund will be given.


Indigenous Learning Retreat for People Connected with the Church: April 26-27 at SLMC

Indigenous cultural awareness workshop with Diane Giroux, Giiwe Coordinator at M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre of Owen Sound and award-winning presenter, George Couchie whose spirit name is Zoogiday ‘strong heart’.

Come to Silver Lake Wednesday evening for a 6:30pm supper and enjoy the evening at camp.  Thursday enjoy breakfast, a sesion, lunch, an afternoon session and dinner, then depart.  Be inspired and learn about indigenous culture. As Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples come together to build relationships and trust, it is imperative that we recognize there is a different way of knowing. This session provides the learner with a glimpse into the fundamental understanding of spirituality of the First Nations People in Ontario. Native spirituality forms a basis for the culture as a whole.  Native spirituality does not exist separately from other processes within the community such as history, politics, education, justice and social structure.

SLMC Work Weekend starts on April 28th. If you awant to stay at camp to help with maintenance, register for Work Weekend (no charge) at the same time!

Cost for the Learning Retreat:  $150 (+HST) per person         See overnight packing list           Register


Spring Work Weekend: April 28-30, 2023

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! You can leave Saturday after dinner or stay and leave Sunday. Sunday breakfast is provided. 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.)           Packing List               Register


Weekday Wanders

Learn more about the fascinating natural history of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula on this series of all-inclusive 2 day adventures. Stay in camp cabins and be treated to homecooked meals while taking in the beauty of the local landscape and natural and cultural history. Shared or private rooms available. Participants can also explore the trails and waterfront of Silver Lake!

Bruce Trail Bonanza:  May 2-4

Passionate hikers unite for 2 fun-filled days on the Bruce Trail on the Peninsula! Day 1 will be exploring around the Owen Sound area – Boyd’s Crevice, the Palisades and Inglis Falls. Day 2 will be completing the Lion’s Head loop. Participants should be willing and able to complete up to 20 km on moderate to difficult terrain.

Cost:  $200 (+HST) per person per event                               Register


Newcomer Family Holiday May 5-7, 2023

“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 must come with a support person. Please contact karen@slmc.ca for more details.


The Grand Paddle & Hike Fundraiser: May 12-14, 2023

Silver Lake has only one fundraiser each year for it’s annual budget called Paddle the Grand. 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! For more details visit The Grand Paddle & Hike Fundraising Page!


Youth CampMay 12-14, 2023

Can’t wait for summer?  Come enjoy a weekend of fun-filled memories! Waterfront activities, sports, campfires and games along with great food and much more!  Join us for a weekend of fun, and enjoying everything Silver Lake has to offer.  The weekend is for youth of high school age (13-17) and youth sponsors.  We hope many sponsors will come and also know that there are a number of churches who do not have sponsors.  Youth can come with or without a sponsor.

Cost:  $200  (+HST) per youth,  $100 (+HST) per sponsor.       Click here for packing list and schedule      Register


Family CampMay 19-21, 2023

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.

*Family is defined as 4 people living at the same address – each additional family member is an extra $100 for a room or cabin. If you want to share a cabin with another family, both families must register and pay separately, then email fun@slmc.ca to let us know which family you will be sharing with.

Cost:  $425  (+HST) per family of 4*        See packing list and Schedule       Register


2023 Fall Retreats will open at a later date


Men’s Retreat: September 15-17, 2023

Participants enjoy a weekend of relaxation, connection, good food, swimming, boating, games, campfires, nature walks and time together at Silver Lake.

Click here for the packing list

Cost:  $250 (+HST)              See packing list


Bruce Trail Hike: September 17-21

Looking for an energetic, week-long hike up the Peninsula section of the Bruce Trail?  This is the hike for you!  Come to camp Sunday night, get an introduction and orientation and then take off up the Bruce Trail. Hike approximately 15-20 kms a day. Enjoy relaxation, great food  and a comfortable room at the end of the day!  All food and accommodations (shared accommodation at camp) included. This hike is geared to adults and requires participants to have their own car or carpool to hiking locations each day.

Cost:   $400 (+HST) per person       See packing list


Family Fall Hike Retreat: September 29-October 1

Come stay at camp for the weekend, carve a pumpkin and spend Saturday hiking on a nearby section of the Bruce Trail. The hike is approximately 5.5 km and is suitable for young children. Enjoy relaxation, great food  and a comfortable room at the end of the day!  COVID-19 health and safety protocols will be followed. Two nights (Friday and Saturday) accommodation and Saturday breakfast to Sunday breakfast included. Participants will need their own vehicles to get to and from the Bruce Trail.

Cost per Adult: $200 (+HST)   Cost per Child: 50 (+HST)         See packing list

“The weekend was amazing! We had such a great time on the family hike weekend. Girls loved it and everything was well run with lots of great ideas to keep folks busy.”     – 2020 Hiker


Fall Work Weekend & CILT 1 Reunion: October 27-29, 2023

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! You can leave Saturday after dinner or stay and leave Sunday. Sunday breakfast is provided. 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 2’s from this past summer.)

No cost!


The 2024 Retreat Season – Not yet open for registration


Fathers and Kids Retreat: January 19-21, 2024

Skating on the lake, building snow forts, snowshoeing through the woods, roasting smores 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.

Cost per Father: $200 (+HST)   Cost per Child: 50 (+HST)      See packing list and schedule


Women’s Retreat: February 2-4, 2024

Come, experience the beauty of creation. Be nourished by the relaxed pace, good food and meaningful conversation. Leah Reesor-Keller will guide us through the weekend.  Play in the snow, breathe deeply in yoga, cross country ski, go on a snowshoe hike through the woods, laugh into the wee hours of the night. Come, the circle is welcoming and wide!

Cost:  $250 (+HST) per person      See packing list and schedule


Valentine’s Day Getaway: February 9-11, 2024

Take time away to reconnect and enjoy a weekend away together. No meals to make. No obligations pulling you in different directions. Time to relax and breathe deeply to rejuvenate. Wake up to the sounds of nature. Enjoy the fire. Find yourself in good conversation, savouring delicious food, tuning into workshops and enjoying time outdoors.

Cost:  $200 (+HST) per person        Click here for the packing list and schedule


Winter Camp for Grown-Ups: March 2024

This weekend is for 20 & 30 somethings who want to do camp again! This “choose your own adventure” weekend is the perfect winter escape and is a collaborative project between PiE (Pastors in Exile) and SLMC.  Click here for packing list and schedule

Fees per Person:  Full Pop ($150+HST), Subsidized ($110+HST), Student/Underemployed ($60+HST)


March Break Family Getaway: March 2024

Come to Silver Lake for some time away at camp and build your own adventure! Homecooked meals and a room or cabin for each family will be provided. Enjoy time as a family playing board games, having campfires and just hanging out at camp! Some winter equipment will also be available for your use. Information about local areas and attractions can be provided for those who want to explore Grey Bruce County. There are many local snowshoe, cross country ski trails and sledding locations – weather dependent of course! And don’t forget about the nearby Blue Mountains and Bruce Peninsula National Park. A meal schedule will be sent to registrants prior to arrival. 1pm check-in and 11am check-out. Click here for packing list

Cost:  $450 (+HST) per family of 4  (family is defined as living at the same address up to 4 people – each additional person is an additional $100) for a room or cabin


Interested in booking the camp?

Silver Lake Mennonite Camp is available for rental from early September to late June. Weekend availability is limited.

To find out about rental availability and pricing, please contact fun@slmc.ca or 519-422-1401