Campus Ministry
Campus Ministry

ESCAPE

Join one of Georgetown’s most-loved traditions for the past 35 years!

Students on a rock at ESCAPE

See more ESCAPE photos on our Flickr account.

What is ESCAPE?

A 27-hour experience, this overnight retreat is designed as an escape from the Hilltop. Enjoy the chance to meet awesome new people, eat lots of good food, listen to live music, play games, and take a step back from the frenzy of campus life. ESCAPE is accessible to people of all religious and non-religious backgrounds 

Registration is $40.00 and covers the cost of the overnight stay, meals, an ESCAPE t-shirt, and other fun ESCAPE swag. Registration fees are non-refundable. If the fee poses a challenge, financial assistance is available and can be accessed by filling out this form. If you have any questions or concerns about the registration fee or financial assistance, please email escape@georgetown.edu for more information.

Retreats take place at Georgetown’s Calcagnini Contemplative Center in Bluemont, Virginia, over the course of a Friday and Saturday or a Saturday and Sunday, depending on the dates you choose. The facility offers indoor, hotel-style accommodations and breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley. Check out our photos on Flickr or follow us on Instagram to see more pictures of the Calcagnini Contemplative Center!

Reflection is a central part of the overnight. Small groups, led by upper-level student mentors, foster a sense of meaning and belonging throughout the retreat as well as the rest of your Georgetown career. ESCAPE doesn’t end when you leave the Calcagnini Center! As a part of the ESCAPE community, you’ll see your friends and mentors back on campus and reunite for different events.

2025-2026 Retreat Dates:

Fall 2025:

Spring 2026:

Frequently Asked Questions:

If I’m not very religious or not religious at all, will I still enjoy the retreat?

ESCAPE is for everyone. Regardless of how religious you are you will get a lot out of the overnight. While ESCAPE draws on Jesuit tradition, the retreat is accessible to people of all religious and non-religious backgrounds.

Does ESCAPE take up the entire weekend?

ESCAPE is only 27 hours. You can choose between the Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday overnights. You will leave at 4:00 pm and return the next day around 7:00 pm.

I’m really busy right now. Should I wait until next year to attend?

ESCAPE is a first-year retreat. This means only freshmen and transfer students in their first year can attend. Go at a time that is convenient for your schedule. But, keep in mind the last overnights are in March.

Is ESCAPE a camping trip?

ESCAPE is not a camping trip. We will spend most of the weekend indoors in climate-controlled buildings. Still, you will have time to spend outside during your free time, when you can explore the grounds of the Calcagnini Contemplative Center if you like.

What to bring to ESCAPE?