Lodging & Meals

Retreat Center in Julian, CA

Nestled in the serene embrace of Volcan Mountain, just beyond the historic mining town of Julian, California, the retreat center we use offers an ideal location to experience the joy of recovery! There are open meadows, nature trails, and scenic areas for quiet reflection, meaningful conversations, connection with others, and enjoying the great outdoors.

CABIN CAMPING

Cabins & Showers

Cabins feature solid wood built-in twin-size bunks with real mattresses. Some cabins include a small sitting area.

Private, residential -style bathroom and shower facilities are inside the cabins. Campers may use the facilities comfortably, unlike some more “rough” outdoor experiences.

All cabins have fresh spring water for drinking. Radiant floor heating keeps cabins warm when it gets chilly.

Campers bring their own pillows and sleeping bag, or linens for a twin-sized bed. Many campers bring decorative items like string lights and prayer flags. For a full list of what to pack, see our FAQs.

The camp's amazing housekeeping team services bathrooms and cabins daily and deep cleans weekly.

Cabin Assignments

Cabin dorm assignments are developed thoughtfully based on a number of factors. One of those is gender. If you identify as non-binary, gender-fluid, or other identifier, and prefer private accommodations, please email us for availability.

Bunking with Buddies

You don't have to know anyone before attending Camp Spiritfire to have a gang of new friends! But if you do know someone else attending and would like to room with them, please include their name(s) during registration.

Since lodging is dorm-style, please be aware of others' need for quiet time. Quiet time in the dorms will vary with the energy and engagement of dorm-mates. However, if you notice campers asleep, take the fun outside the room. If you are a "night owl" and would prefer to dorm with other "night owls," please note this on your registration form under "Anything else we should know."

Throughout the weekend (and at checkout), everyone is expected to follow this simple camp rule: "Leave it nicer than you found it!"

tent camping

Although the retreat center does not have a dedicated tent camping area or sites, they have given us permission to allow a small number of campers to bring a tent to sleep in for those who are not yet comfortable with shared cabin lodging. You must identify your preference to bring your tent when you register; there are only room for a few tents so if this is your preference, it will be best to register early.

If you choose tent camping, you understand that:

Tents will be pitched near cabins, so you will hear the sounds of campers on their way to cabins;
Tent campers will be responsible for locating and clearing their own tent site since staff will be unable to assist due to other camp obligations;
If you change your mind after arriving at camp, you may request placement in a cabin bunk, but it is not a guarantee that a bunk will be available. This will be determined once all CSF campers arrive onsite.

Learn more - read our FAQs

ALL CAMP QUIET TIME

Since outdoor quiet time is at 11 p.m., campers will be encouraged to continue fellowship in the Camp Spiritfire meeting hall after that time. Do Arts & Crafts, hang out in our cozy fellowship fort, play games, or even play music and sing songs with your new friends.

Arrivals

MEALS & DINING

Meals are provided in the dining hall. While we will be dining with other groups staying elsewhere in camp, we will be assigned our own section of tables for dining together throughout the weekend. Meal times are fixed and cannot be adjusted: Breakfast is at 8 a.m., Lunch is at 12:30 p.m., Dinner is at 6 p.m.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available - please note this during registration.

Sample Menu:

Delicious Herb and Parmesan Encrusted Fish
Mouthwatering Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts
Mixed veggie stir fry
Satisfying Rice Pilaf
Hearty roasted mixed vegetables
Fresh baked roll
Freshly prepared Salad Bar

Free coffee and tea will be available throughout the weekend.

TRAVEL & CHECK IN

CHECK IN

Check-in at camp is from 2 – 6 p.m. on Friday.

The retreat center is located in the mountains and is very difficult to locate in the dark. Please know that we will have limited ability to assist anyone with arrivals or check-in after registration ends at 6 p.m. since all counselors will be participating in the programming under way at that time. There will be activities beginning at 3 p.m. – a kickoff meeting, and a Welcome Festival with food, music, and games, so you should plan to arrive during that time. Email campspiritfire@gmail.com to coordinate a late arrival.

If you’d like to arrive early, no problem – just email us so we can coordinate your arrival to keep us from incurring a cost for early arrivals.

TRAVEL & RIDESHARING

It takes about 1.5-2 hours to get to Lake Arrowhead from L.A. Leaving at 12 or 1 p.m., it will likely take from 2-2.5 hours.You will hit VERY heavy traffic if you leave Los Angeles at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, so we strongly suggest taking Friday off, or only working a half-day. Aren’t you and your sanity worth it? (The answer is yes.)

We encourage carpooling and ridesharing! To assist anyone wanting to carpool, campers will be able to utilize the site RickyRides after registering to coordinate shared rides with other Spiritfire campers.