And Why Yours Might Want To, Too.

A youth pastor brought a group of teens to the mountains for what he hoped would be a weekend of fun, connection, and maybe a few spiritual breakthroughs.

That first night, they sat around the fire at a camp in Arizona, laughing over burnt marshmallows and swapping stories. But then something shifted. One student opened up about a struggle he’d never shared before. One by one, they shared—some with laughter, others with raw honesty. Someone prayed out loud for the first time.

By the end of the evening, the group was different. Not because of a flashy speaker or a perfect program. But because they were in a place designed for connection.

That’s what happens at retreat camps like Emmanuel Pines.

More and more pastors and ministry leaders are choosing Christian camps as the place to host retreats—not just in the summer, and not just for youth. They’re finding that what makes camp special for kids makes it powerful for adults, too.

At Emmanuel Pines, we regularly welcome church groups of all ages—men’s retreats, women’s weekends, family gatherings, and youth retreats. While we’re known for being a top summer camp in Prescott, our facilities are open year-round and intentionally designed to help your group connect with God and one another in a powerful way.

Summer camps are uniquely equipped for group retreats. Whether you’re bringing 20 or 200 people, camps are built with group lodging, dining halls, worship spaces, and meeting rooms already in place. That means you can focus on ministry—not logistics.

At Emmanuel Pines, you’ll find flexible sleeping arrangements, indoor and outdoor gathering areas, and plenty of room to spread out. No need to piece together hotels, restaurants, and event spaces. It’s all here.

There’s something about being in the mountains of Prescott that naturally draws people closer—to God and to each other.

Unlike a typical Prescott resort and conference center, a campground surrounds your group with pine trees, peaceful trails, and open skies. The quiet invites reflection. The scenery encourages prayer. And the stillness allows your group to pause, breathe, and be.

Most retreat centers in Arizona aren’t built with worship in mind—but Christian camps are.

At Emmanuel Pines, you’ll find spaces to worship indoors and out, from our chapel and meeting rooms to an outdoor fire pit and amphitheater. Whether you’re planning morning devotions, evening worship, or quiet times of personal reflection, we’ve created an atmosphere that supports it all.

Unlike hotels or corporate venues, retreat centers understand your ministry goals. We’re here to support your mission.

Because camps like Emmanuel Pines are nonprofit retreat camps, we’re able to offer affordable pricing, flexible group packages, and a shared heart for ministry. We also work hard to accommodate the needs of churches of all sizes.

Don’t let the phrase “summer camp” fool you. At Emmanuel Pines Christian Camp, we operate year-round.

While we’re known for Prescott summer camps in June and July, we host retreats every season. Think youth winter weekends, fall men’s retreats, and spring women’s conferences. If you’re looking for a retreat center in Arizona or a church camp near you that leaders trust, consider the year-round possibilities of a Christian camp setting.

If you’re looking for a place that combines faith, fun, flexibility, and a foundation in Christ, a camp like Emmanuel Pines may be exactly what your group needs.

From small church groups to large congregational gatherings, we’re honored to provide the space, support, and setting for meaningful retreats throughout the year.