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Retreat Info & FAQs

"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

- Mark 6:31

Looking for the perfect setting to get away from familiar surroundings  and allow Christ to grow your group closer to Him - and each other?

 

Nestled on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center is a welcoming destination for church retreat groups, ministries, families, and organizations seeking spiritual renewal, team connection, and rest in a peaceful Christian environment.

 

We’re thrilled to welcome you to our retreats, hosted from late August through the last week of June, with our exciting summer program kicking off over the July 4th weekend!  Retreats take a cozy break until just prior to Labor Day, giving us time to fellowship and minister to our summer community. Throughout the rest of the year, Alton Bay is here with a warm, wide range of retreat experiences tailored just for your group-come join us!

 

During all other times of the year, Alton Bay offers a wide range of retreat experiences designed to meet the unique needs of your group:

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  • Church Retreats, including:

    • Christian Youth Group Retreats

    • Christian Young Adult Retreats

    • Men's Retreats

    • Women's Retreats

    • Pastor Retreats

    • Marriage Getaways

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  • Family Getaways & Retreats

  • Family Reunions

  • Corporate / Business Events & Retreats

  • Team Building Retreats

  • Overnight Field Trips for Christian Schools & Homeschool Groups

  • Christian Weddings & Wedding Receptions

 

You can select from a variety of lodging options - from cozy motel-style rooms to lakeside cottages and budget-friendly dormitory facilities.

 

Our friendly and professional staff is dedicated to helping your group feel welcome and cared for every step of the way.  Whether you come in the fall, winter, or spring, your time at Alton Bay will be a chance to relax, renew, and reconnect - mentally, physically, and most importantly, spiritually.

Enjoy fun group activities here at Alton Bay

 

(NOTE: ALL PROGRAMMING IS DONE THROUGH THE RETREAT):

  • Worship services

  • Concerts

  • Bible studies

  • Kids clubs

  • Youth events

  • Vacation Bible School (VBS)

  • Basketball

  • Pickleball

  • Volleyball

  • Soccer

  • Swimming

  • Water skiing

  • Winter Activities: Ice skating, sledding and broom ball are all offered on our magnificent hills and private frozen swimming area!

Nearby outdoor adventures and dining around town:

  • Easy hiking, walking, and biking trails

  • Mount Major (3 miles away) easy, intermediate, expert hikes

  • Gunstock Mountain for snow skiing (15 minutes away)

  • Snowmobiling/sledding trails throughout the campground

  • Ice fishing, Ice skating, FAA Certified airport landing on the lake for planes during later winter months (ice thickness dependent; Late January-February)

  • Many excellent year-round restaurants within walking distance: Pub 23, Shibley’s at the Pier, Fosters, Bayside Diner

  • Seasonal Restaurants: Pop's Clam Shell (summer), Taco Bay

  • Boat Rentals Irwin's Marine (seasonal, walk from campground)

  • Ice cream shops (seasonal) Stillwell's, Shibley's Drive In

  • Mini-Golf within walking distance (seasonal)

Frequently Asked Dining Questions

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Is food provided? and if so, what kind?

Yes, food is provided! All meals are home-cooked and most meals are served buffet-style. This isn't bland cafeteria food. We try to give our guests a variety. For example, if we are having a lunch with beef, we offer chicken or ribs for dinner.

Can you give me an example of a typical retreat menu?

BREAKFAST: Scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, pancakes, French toast, sausage links, pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, bagels, English muffins, toast.

 

LUNCH: This can vary according to the type of group. Examples: Tacos, warm ham & cheese croissant sandwiches, meatball subs, chips, pickles, and homemade cookies or brownies for dessert. If it’s cold outside, we may add a chowder, soup, or stew in place of chips and pickles.

 

DINNER: This also can vary according to the type of group. Examples: Chicken stir fry, ribs, pot roast, pork loin, beef teres major (beef shoulder), rice, mashed potatoes, baby bakers, along with a vegetable and a salad (or coleslaw) with each meat menu item.

 

DESSERT: Homemade desserts, such as caramel bread pudding, apple crisp, chocolate pudding cake (all of those are topped with ice cream), angel food cake with strawberries, chocolate cream pie topped with whipped cream, cheesecake drizzled with caramel and hot fudge, make-your-own ice cream sundaes is always a favorite for the young and old alike!

What about my attendees with food allergies or other dietary needs?

In advance of the retreat, your group will inform us of any food allergies or dietary needs within the group. We do our best to accommodate, so that guests don't have to bring their own food. For example, gluten-free and dairy-free diets can be accommodated.

Can we utilize the kitchen in the dining hall to prepare our own meals?

Except for those staying at Camp Advenchur, groups do not have access to our kitchen. For more details on Camp Advenchur, see the middle of our lodging accomodations page.

Are meal times shared amongst retreat groups?

Meal times and space sharing is determined by Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center - Please call us at (603) 875-6161 for more information.

Frequently Asked Retreat Questions

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Who is allowed to book/attend retreats?

What's the retreat deposit amount?

10%.

What's the cost/price per person for a retreat?

We would be honored to help you plan your next retreat or ministry event at Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center! Our beautiful lakeside campus offers a peaceful setting for groups to gather, worship, and grow together in Christ.

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To begin planning, please call our office at (603) 875-6161 and ask for our Retreat Coordinator, who will work with you personally to customize your event based on your group's needs, size, and goals.

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Here is an example of a typical weekend retreat package (pricing may vary based on your specific plans):

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  • Meals: 3 meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday - 4 meals total - $47 per person

  • Lodging: 2-night stay in our comfortable motel - $100 per person

  • Meeting Space: Use of the Chapel or Youth Center for the weekend - $100 total

  • Total Cost for the Weekend Per Person: $147.00 for 4 meals and 2 nights of lodging.  The Meeting space cost is fixed by retreat, and would be a separate GROUP cost, not INDIVIDUAL cost (the example above would cover use of the Chapel or Youth Center by the group for $100 for the weekend.)

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We'll handle the details so you can focus on what matters most - connecting with God and one another!

How far in advance do I need to reserve a retreat?

Typically, a group will reserve at least 6 months in advance. We do try to accommodate as much as possible, so if your group needs a last-minute retreat facility, Email us at info@altonbay.org or call us at (603) 875-6161 and we'll do our best to fit you in!

What's the process for reserving a retreat?

We try to make it as simple as possible for you. Contact us to get started. Typically, we'll talk with you about what you're looking for, provide you with a quote, send you a contract to electronically sign, and reserve your space. We understand that as the retreat planner, you probably have to get approval from others inside your organization. Email us at info@altonbay.org or call us at (603) 875-6161.

If our group wants to rent cottages for our retreat, can you help facilitate that?

Yes, we can! Availability usually fluctuates by season. Rates vary according to size of home, location, and if it is winterized or not. Email us at info@altonbay.org or call us at (603) 875-6161.

Are there breakout areas available for small groups?

Yes, there's both indoor and outdoor spaces available at no extra charge for group retreats.

If my group wants to reserve/use the tabernacle, chapel or other meeting space, is there an additional fee?

Yes. Please contact us for more details. (603) 875-6161.

Is sound equipment (A/V) available?

Yes, microphones, monitors, CD players, VCR/DVD players, projectors are included in meeting space rental. Contact us for more details.

Can multiple groups have a retreat at the same time?

Yes.

Are recreational activities/facilities shared amongst retreat groups?

Meeting spaces are not shared and can be used/reserved by one group only.

Can I rent out all of Alton Bay Christian Retreat Center for my retreat?

Yes. ~60 person minimum (75% capacity).

What is the maximum group size I can bring for my retreat?

100 people max in the summer & winter.

What is the minimum/maximum number of nights for my retreat if we would like to have lodging available?

We keep things simple: 1 is the minimum number of nights for an overnight group retreat. The maximum number of nights depends on available accommodations (including cottages available for rent) during the retreat. Note that you can come for a retreat for just the day, which is especially handy for organizations (churches, non-profits, etc) and businesses to hold team building activities, planning meetings, etc.

Is there a charge if my retreat brings more or less attendees than originally contracted for?

Yes, there is a charge! When you contract for a certain number of participants, we base lodging, housekeeping, plan our meals, etc. on the amount of attendees you state will be in attendance. Please contact the office for exact costs per person if the person is a no-show or additional people come over the amount contracted for.

Is there a lifeguard on duty at the beach on the campground?

During summertime from July through late August there is usually a lifeguard on duty during the afternoon. Please contact us for more details.

Are pets (dogs, cats, etc) allowed during our retreat?

No, but service animals are allowed.

Is alcohol or tobacco allowed on campus?

No. No Exceptions to this rule!

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