Weekend in the Woods 2024: Memorial Day Weekend

 Friday, May 24-Sunday, May 26

Registration is open!

The Weekend in the Woods is held at Camp Havaya in South Sterling, PA 18460, approx 2 hours from Mishkan Shalom

All Mishkan members, their families, friends, and prospective members are welcome!

Click here for our registration form with instructions.

Click here to view our 2024 Weekend in the Woods Poster

Click here to view a draft schedule (pdf) - subject to change

Full Retreat Registration is open!

Private Rooms are only confirmed with both registration form and payment in full.

Click here for our registration form with instructions.

2.  Make your payment

Keep reading for more information!

Retreat Committee Co-Chairs Lisagail Zeitlin and Lisa Moss will happily answer any questions at: mishkanweekendinthewoods@gmail.com

What Do Mishkaners Love About the Retreat?

Yosaif and I had such a warm, fun, meaningful time! It was a real "belonging" experience for us -- so welcoming! And inter-generational. As elders we felt at home with everyone. I hope all Mishkan members can experience the joy of connection that the retreat offers. -- Tsurah August

Looking forward to a great retreat! Time to pray and play, be silent and sing, renew old bonds and ignite new bonds. We are a Mishkan, a Temple for the nurturing of our souls to be more empowered for our healing work in the world. -- David Piver

I really enjoyed boating, arts and crafts, and all the other activities. The cabins were cozy and the food was amazing! I loved everything about the retreat! Everybody becomes friends with each other, which is nice.” (Retreatnik, age 11)

Registered! Can't wait to hang with all of my Mishkan friends at the Weekend in the Woods! -- Marcy Boroff

Got questions? We've got answers! Ask a Retreat-nik! by Lisagail Zeitlin

Q: What’s the food like?
A: Delicious! It’s self-serve -- you grab a plate and decide what you want. Breakfasts are traditional -- eggs, toast, bagels, hot and cold cereal, fruit, yogurt. Lunches are plentiful, and we have a cook-out on Saturday night. The food is kid- and adult-friendly. There’s a huge salad bar out for every meal. There’s always dessert! Coffee, tea, water, snacks and fruit are available all day.

Q: Cabins? Explain.
A: All cabins are a short walk from the dining hall where most activities start. Cabins have bunk beds with camp mattresses. You supply the sleeping bag and pillow. Each bunk bed has a big drawer for your stuff. Each bunk has two single-occupancy bathrooms and showers with plenty of hot water. Lots of windows, all screened, but when we go -- no bugs, yet. Bonus!

For more privacy, book a private room in the lodge above the dining hall. They are limited in number. Most have regular mattresses. Some have private baths. They are first-come, first-served -- so book those as soon as you can!

Q: How is the time scheduled?
A: It’s a very relaxing weekend, but with plenty of choices of things to do. If you want to be active, there’s always something going on. If you want to sit, breathe in the woods, or find a place to chat with new or current friends, you are welcome to do that. You can walk, play, plan your talent show performance. Nothing is required of you -- just enjoy this wonderful Weekend in the Woods!

Click here to view the draft schedule (pdf) - subject to change

What Else Do Mishkaners Love About the Retreat?

The retreat was filled with planned activities, and was somehow relaxed & peaceful at the same time. Good to meet/hang out with people who I don’t usually see.

It is super active and fun. It is so exciting. I love it!!!!! Everything is so nice to do.
(Retreatnik, age 10)

Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! Yay! (Retreatnik, age 8)

Soooo relaxing. Get to know Mishkan people, make new connections, get close to the earth.

The retreat was very fun this year. I loved going in the pool and the lake for the first time. The food was good. I liked playing with friends. (Retreatnik, age 7)

Great meeting & getting to know people I did not know. I love watching kids bond at the retreat. The nature walk with the incomparable Steve Jones is a highlight. It is amazing how much no talent at the no talent show can be so entertaining.

reTREAT. (Retreatnik, age 10)

The retreat is one of the highlights of my year: it combines good company, fun, study.

Children can explore and enjoy nature. Roughing it, but not too rough -- and all meals are made for you! Relax, play, eat, breathe fresh air, and enjoy! Can’t get over how at home my kid felt after the first few minutes!

The nature walk is awesome. The people are great. The food is delicious. I enjoyed paddling on the lake. Lots for kids to have fun.

Retreat Committee Co-Chairs Lisagail Zeitlin and Lisa Moss will happily answer any questions at: mishkanweekendinthewoods@gmail.com

SEE YOU IN THE POCONOS!

Click here to view the draft schedule (pdf) - subject to change