Why Retreat
Stress, how the brain and body respond to any demand, affects everyone. All types of demands can be stressful, be they work deadlines, exercise routines, school, life changes or traumatic events. Even before the pandemic a 2019 study showed American stress levels were rising for many demographics, with millennials reporting the highest average stress levels. Although we cannot eliminate stress entirely from our lives, we can minimize it by experiencing less toxic environments.
“I came to quiet my mind. To heal from a job loss, and to plot a plan away from the panic that was setting in. ... I bless this place. It helped to quiet my mind, to be open to my essence. I feel the warmth ofunconditional love, no more needing to prove my worth.” – Jim 2012
“I wanted to run away from life. Instead I ran away to ARC. I found peace and enough insight to get me through.” - J 2014
The Mission
The mission of ARC is to serve individuals and groups seeking time apart for rest and spiritual renewal. ARC embraces people in their full diversity: including all faith traditions and spiritual beliefs. Founded in the spirit of Christian ecumenism, ARC is an interspiritual retreat community. It is nurtured on sacred land, promoting environmental sustainability, and exemplifying a just and inclusive world where every voice is valued and respected.
In a homelike atmosphere, ARC offers sponsored, private, and group retreats year-round on 90 acres of pristine wetlands and woodlands within a majestic white pine forest. Trails are available for walking, skiing, snowshoeing as is a labyrinth for walking meditation.
We offer several opportunities to serve in the kitchen, the buildings, the land and the community at large. In the kitchen volunteers joyfully help with table setting, clearing and washing dishes, especially when we have large groups on weekends. Housekeeping and seasonal project volunteers keep the building in tip top condition using cleaning products that are as merciful to the planet as possible. Outdoor volunteers tend to the gardens, woodshed and trails simply supporting a space in which all beings co-exist in a healthy loving relationship with themselves, each other, with that which they hold as sacred and with the earth. Finally, volunteers that serve in the community at large do so as an extension of ARC, as ambassadors to engage new groups, partners and donors.
ARC History
ARC Retreat Community was born almost 50 years ago from a visionary action that was ahead of its time. In 1972 founder Ruth Halvorson honored her spiritual vision. With the help and support of her family and many individuals, together they developed an organization that has enabled thousands of people to find rest and spiritual renewal through radical hospitality. ARC has been guided and sustained by many surprising happenings that have been described as “God events,” ARC continues to be a place for visioning so that the journey inward – nurturing one’s spirit – inspires the journey outward – nourishing the world in the quest for harmony, peace, and justice.
The ARC land is located within the traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe and the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ peoples. Over thirty years ago, sweat lodges were developed by indigenous people on ARC and continue to this day. ARC offers this land acknowledgement in order to affirm indigenous sovereignty, history, and experiences and is honored to be in contemporary relationships with indigenous communities.