Northwoods Christian Retreat Weekends at Silver Birch Ranch

Silver Birch Ranch sits in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and runs retreats across four categories: adult, family, youth and specialty. Adult weekends include the Spring Men's Retreat (30 April – 2 May 2027), the Fall Men's Retreat (25–27 September 2026), the Ladies' Retreat (10–12 September 2027) and the Marriage Retreat (2–4 April 2027). The men's weekends carry a minimum age of 13. The ladies' weekend mixes teaching and worship with horseback riding in the national forest, trap shooting, the Leap of Faith and walking.

Family retreats include the Father-Son Retreat (9–11 October 2026) for fathers and sons in grades 3–8, the Father-Daughter Retreat (17–20 September 2026) for dads and daughters in grades 6 through adult, the Mother-Daughter Retreat (21–23 May 2027) for daughters in grades K–12, the Adoption Family Retreat (23–25 April 2027), the Homeschool Family Retreat (27–30 August 2026) and three Summer Family Camps in June, July and August 2027. Winter Family Camp runs 27–30 December 2026 with sledding, snowball fights, building forts, hot chocolate by the fireplace, worship and animal ball.

Youth programming includes Winter Jam (12–14 March 2027) for junior high and high school students, with cabin counsellors provided or youth groups bringing their own leaders. Summer Youth Camps run 30 May – 13 August 2026, with 12 camps for those who have completed grades 3–12; some are reserved by specific churches and not open to public registration. Snow Days run January to March for schools, clubs and organisations, and have been hosted since 1968.

Specialty retreats are craft-focused: two Quilters' Retreats (22–25 October 2026 and 29 October – 1 November 2026), Scrapbooking Retreats (13–22 November 2026) and a Do Your Own Thing Retreat (20–22 March 2026) for guests who want to bring unfinished projects and have meals cooked for them. The Scrapbooking Retreat is run for women and includes all meals prepared on site so guests can work uninterrupted.

Across all weekends the format is similar: large group teaching and worship sessions, small group discussions, free time for outdoor activities, and meals served in the dining hall. Activities mentioned across the calendar include horseback riding, zip lining, trap shooting, the Leap of Faith, fishing, campfires, walking and winter snow play. The ranch does not publish a fitness or training schedule, and none of the retreats are sold as fitness programmes.

What's included

- On-site cabin accommodation - Meals prepared for guests - Large group teaching and worship sessions - Small group discussions - Access to outdoor activities including horseback riding, zip lining, trap shooting, the Leap of Faith, fishing and campfires - Cabin counsellors on youth weekends (or youth groups may bring their own leaders)

What's not included

- Travel to and from Silver Birch Ranch - Personal expenses - Any activities or add-ons not listed for your specific retreat - Travel insurance