Fall 2026

Two retreats. Two weekends.

Three days of camp-style programming built around the people and skills that make college easier: meet new friends navigating the same journey, pick up resources that give you a head start on classes, learn how to land an internship (and write a resume that gets opened), and leave with mentors who have your back.

Georgia Retreat

September 25 – 27, 2026

North Georgia Christian Camp · Clarkesville, GA

Eligible regions

Southeast, Northeast, Florida, Midwest

Arrival & departure

Participants arrive on-site by Friday around 5 PM. Mentors arrive Thursday evening. Departure Sunday afternoon after 2 PM.

Transportation

Bus transportation from the Atlanta (ATL) airport on Friday afternoon, plus one pickup at a Jamatkhana in metro Atlanta.
Returns on Sunday afternoon to ATL and the metro Atlanta Jamatkhana.
North Georgia Christian Camp is roughly 90 minutes from Atlanta.

Texas Retreat

October 23 – 25, 2026

Lutherhill Camp & Retreat · LaGrange, TX

Eligible regions

Central, Southwest, Midwest, West

Arrival & departure

Participants arrive on-site by Friday around 5 PM. Mentors arrive Thursday evening. Departure Sunday afternoon after 2 PM.

Transportation

Bus transportation from Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin on Friday afternoon, with returns on Sunday afternoon.
Airport rides provided for students flying in from other regions. Aim to land at Houston (IAH) or Austin by 2:00 PM Friday.
Lutherhill is roughly 1 hour from metro Austin, 1.5 hours from metro Houston, and 2 hours from San Antonio and IAH.

What's covered

Your program fee, in plain terms.

The Fall 2026 program fee is $195 for participants and mentors. Financial assistance is available for both the fee and transportation through CJISP — the same process used for AKYSB summer camps.

Included

Lodging in shared cabins
All meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch
Full programming, content sessions, and activities
Ground transportation from designated cities (see each site below)

Not included

Airfare to and from the host region

Pack list

What to bring.

Both sites are rustic and outdoors. Plan for the weather, dress in layers, and travel light.

Bring

Required items

A pillow
Twin XL size sheets
A blanket/comforter OR a sleeping bag
Bath towel
Casual, comfortable attire including activewear
Sleeping clothes
Sneakers or athletic shoes for outdoor activities
- The site strongly recommends closed-toed shoes for outdoor activities.
Medications as needed
Shower slippers
Glasses / contacts as needed
Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash, deodorant, shampoo, etc.)
- You will not be able to purchase these on site.
Sunscreen
Insect repellant / bug spray
Phone charger
Laptop / tablet
- You will need your laptop for the Professional Development content session.
Reusable water bottle

Optional (but recommended)

Swimwear
- There is a swimming pool at the site. Please bring swimwear and appropriate footwear (e.g. flip flops, slippers) if you plan on using the pool.
Mini/small flashlight
Sunglasses
Cap or other sun hat
Board games/card games
Extra towels and blankets

Leave at home

Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vapes, or any paraphernalia
Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives and multi-tools)
Condoms, sexual devices, or related materials
Valuables or large amounts of cash
Speakers or amplified audio gear

From the site

Moments from past Retreats.

A glimpse at the people, the place, and the weekend you'll step into.

Eligibility

First- and second-year Ismaili undergraduates are eligible to apply as participants.
College seniors and young professionals may apply as mentors.
Eligible regions are tied to the site you'll attend — see each retreat card above.
Students who have previously attended a College Retreat are not eligible for either Fall 2026 program.

Trouble booking flights or questions about transportation? team@ysbcollegeretreat.org