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A retreat is a conscious effort to remove one’s self from the churn and distractions of daily life to focus and reset. That may be a mental retreat, finding a moment to pray or meditate in the midst of chaos; or it may involve traveling to a location physically distant, to reap the benefits of no cell phones and no Wi-fi connectivity. We believe individual recovery depends on making a conscious effort to look within – to take inventory – to ponder our shortcomings, to celebrate the blessings in our lives, and to grow closer to our Higher Power (or as we call Him, “God”). Toward this end, the Peace Retreat offers a man in recovery a change of scenery and a structured environment.
The idea to host a retreat of like-minded men in recovery came about in 2023 as Bill Z., KC H., and Pat H. discussed what they saw as a growing gap in various 12 Step recovery programs. While most of these programs very clearly and explicitly describe the need for a relationship with a Higher Power as necessary and integral to recovery and healing, the three agreed the increasingly secular nature of what had formerly been God-centered concepts has diluted the message. Men are struggling because their spiritual development is not being fed. The idea to host a retreat of men within their networks came about, and in November 2023, the first-ever Peace Retreat was conducted at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge in Syria, Virginia. That event saw 32 men come together for a weekend of prayer, teaching, meditation and sharing in a nondenominational format focused on basic Christian principles.
We welcome men to participate in the Peace Retreat, granted they meet these simple qualifiers: first, each participant should be in recovery from alcohol or substance abuse; second, each participant should have a desire to not drink or use; and third, each participant must agree to be “honest, open and willing” to explore and work toward a relationship with their Higher Power.
We hold that our Higher Power is God – specifically, the tripart Father, Son and Holy Spirit of the Christian faith as expressed to us in God’s word, the Holy Bible. We want to share Him with you, but will not force you to accept or affirm a particular religious or denominational theism. (We are not Catholic – nor Protestant – nor Jewish – nor LDS – nor any particular flavor. You can accept or reject our position and faith, as you will. That is your choice.) Religion has been a bar to many a man’s spiritual growth, particularly to alcoholics and addicts of our kind!
We ask only that you come to the Peace Retreat, committed to your own spiritual growth, and adhere to our ground rules. Stay as long as you like – leave if you must – but our prayer is that you will gain knowledge, hope and peace, to continue your journey in sobriety.
At Peace Retreats, we believe in building a stronger relationship with a Higher Power to in order to enhance our sobriety. We strive to create a space that is God-centered in the context of a 12-step recovery environment. This retreat is aimed at those new in sobriety as well as those in long-term sobriety, encouraging the interaction of those just getting started and the "old timers" with more days sober seeking a closer walk with their HP. Small groups are used to encourage the sharing of the lessons associated with long-term and short-term sobriety. We will learn together how our God wants us to live happy, joyous and free.
Peace Retreats partners with facilities in the Virginia / North Carolina area which are equipped with state-of-the-art but simple infrastructure
to ensure your comfort and convenience. These partners offer hotel-style or beach house accommodations, meeting spaces and comfortable dining facilities (buffet style, home cooking) – everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. Bring enough for a spiritual overnighter…a change of clothes, toothbrush and even a Bible and your Big Book, if you're taking suggestions!
At Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge, we will have exclusive access to meeting rooms, a fire pit, and a break area for coffee, drinks and snacks. We will be dining in the buffet-style restaurant (trust us, the food is FANTASTIC...you won't go hungry!)
SHARING A ROOM? DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS HAVE EITHER TWO SINGLE BEDS OR TWO QUEEN BEDS.
Accommodations in the Avon and Corolla locations will vary, contact us if you have specific questions or needs.
Our focus over the last three years...
2023 - Who is the God of your understanding?
2024 - Serenity Prayer: the LONG version!
2025 - Old School A.A. - How the Cleveland Group worked a GOD -CENTERED program!
We will focus our 2026 retreats on "maintaining contact with our Higher Power"; you won't want to miss it.
We are planning Fall retreats in September (Graves Mountain) and November (Avon, NC). Plus, a Spring March 2027 in the Corolla, NC area. Stay tuned for more details!
FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE CONTACT: Inquiries@peaceretreats.org
We were blessed to have the support and permission to use the guidebook used by Came To Believe Recovery in the 2025 retreat cycle. Check out what they're doing! (They have some cool SWAG in their Shop section as well!)