The Fall Retreat 2026!
Embracing Change – Transforming Together

Are you looking for a weekend to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect?

The UU Women’s Circle invites you to our Fall Retreat, a special weekend dedicated to women and gender-diverse individuals who feel most comfortable in women-centered spaces. Set against the beautiful, crisp autumn backdrop of Julian, California, this is our time to reconnect with nature, ourselves, and one another as we explore this year's theme: Embracing Change – Transforming Together.

Whether you want to dive into creative arts, hit the hiking trails, or simply sit by a fire with a good book, there is a place for you here.

The Details
  • When: Friday, Nov. 20 (4:00 PM) – Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026 (12:00 PM)
  • Where: Camp Stevens, Julian, CA (approx. 60 miles from First UU)
  • Capacity: Limited to 52 campers across two cozy lodges (Lax-Sadler and Woltersdorf).

Accommodations & Logistics
To foster deep community and connection, we’ve kept things beautifully simple and communal:
  • Lodging: Cozy, shared lodge rooms featuring multiple bunk beds with hallway bathrooms.
  • What to Bring: Please remember to pack your own bed linens, blankets/sleeping bag, and towels.
  • Food: Leave the cooking to us! Your registration includes five delicious, prepared meals (from Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast).
  • Getting There: Don't want to drive alone? We plan to coordinate carpools to make the trip up the mountain easy and eco-friendly.

Retreat Highlights & Activities
We have a wonderful array of collective experiences and optional activities shaping up for the weekend:
  • Spiritual Grounding: Rev. Kristen will guide us through a meaningful Friday evening ingathering to open our sacred space, as well as a beautiful morning service on Sunday before we head home.
  • All-Camp Read: We are thrilled to announce our first-ever All-Camp Read! Ahead of the retreat, we’ll promote and read Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton. Grab a copy, start reading, and get ready for a rich group discussion in the mountains.
  • Music & More: We plan to feature uplifting music throughout the camp weekend.
  • Choose Your Own Adventure: Our activity schedule is bursting with variety. You can participate in as much or as little as you like. Some possible activities:
    • Creativity: Basic drawing and arts & crafts
    • Movement: Hiking, yoga, and strength training
    • Mindfulness: Meditation, journaling, birding, and wandering the labyrinth
    • Connection: Group games and an insightful personality workshop
Registration & Cost
  • Total Registration: $250
  • Deposit: $100 non-refundable deposit due upon registration to secure our spot at the camp.
  • Final Balance: Due by October 20, 2026.
💡 Flexible Attendance Note: Want to join the community but can't stay overnight? To welcome a broader diversity of generations and schedules, we are opening up the retreat to Saturday-only visitors. To participate, simply register and pay for the full weekend, and join us for the daytime festivities!

How to Pay & Register:Space is strictly limited to 52 attendees, so we highly encourage you to lock in your spot as soon as possible!
  1. Register Online: [Click here to register online!]
  2. Pay Online: Go to the First UU Donation page, and select "UU Womens Circle Registration" from the dropdown menu.
  3. Drop your check off at the church office:
    First UU SD, 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA 92103
    (Please write #310 Retreat Deposit & your last name in the memo line).
  4. Paper Registration: Prefer paper? Email Rose Van Oss at [email protected] to request a printed form.

Have Questions? Come See Us!
We would love to chat with you! Stop by our UU Women's Circle patio table after the service on the second Sunday of each month. We can answer questions, help you register, or just talk about how excited we are for November.
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We can't wait to embrace change and transform together with you at Camp Stevens!

Meetings

11:30 on the 3rd Sunday of every month in Room 323 in Bard Hall.
​Join us!

On the Patio

After the service on the second Sunday of every month.
Stop by & say Hello!