Orange Springs Retreat Center in The New York Times | Private Group Retreats Florida

By Mike Sokol

In 2007, The New York Times examined a growing national trend: traditional sleep-away camps were extending their operations beyond the summer months to serve corporate retreats, church groups, youth programs, and other organizations seeking dedicated spaces for meaningful gatherings. Learn more about how Orange Springs Retreat Center became the “Go-to” for private group retreats in Florida.

The New York Times article, titled “For Sleep-Away Camps, More Endless Summers,” captured a pivotal moment in our history.

Our property, Orange Springs Retreat Center, was featured in the article. Our venue, formerly Camp Shalom since 1971, was noted as an example of this transition. Through thoughtful renovations and a strategic shift to full-time retreat operations, we became trend setters in a movement that would reshape how groups experience time away together.

A Vision That Began Decades Ago

Long before the article was published, our family roots ran deep in the world of summer camp. What started as a beloved sleep-away camp evolved in 2002 when we reimagined the property as a year-round retreat center. We invested in renovations that would support larger groups while preserving the natural beauty and spirit of the original camp experience.

By the time The New York Times took notice in 2007, we had already committed to a model centered on private group retreats — where one organization has exclusive use of the entire property. This approach eliminates distractions and allows groups to focus fully on their goals, whether those involve spiritual renewal, team building, leadership development, or simply rest and connection.

Why This Legacy Matters Today

More than 18 years later, the vision highlighted in that 2007 article remains at the heart of everything we do at Orange Springs Retreat Center.

Our 100+ acre lakefront campus, nestled against the Ocala National Forest, continues to welcome private group retreats in Florida who value privacy, natural beauty, and intentional programming. From church and youth retreats to high school leadership weekends and corporate gatherings, organizations choose Orange Springs because they can have the entire property to themselves — no shared spaces, no outside interruptions.

The same qualities that caught the attention of The New York Times— adaptability, thoughtful infrastructure, and a genuine commitment to group experiences — are what allow us to serve today’s groups so effectively.

Continuing the Tradition of Private, Transformative Retreats

Whether your group is planning a weekend getaway or a multi-day immersion, our exclusive-use model creates the conditions for real connection and growth. Guests enjoy:

Read the Original Article

You can read the full New York Times piece here:

For Sleep-Away Camps, More Endless Summers – October 11, 2007

It’s also featured on our Press page.

Planning Your 2027 Retreat?

As we look ahead, we continue to honor the pioneering spirit that The New York Times documented nearly two decades ago. Our commitment to providing private, high-quality group retreat experiences remains stronger than ever.

If you’re organizing a church retreat, youth program, high school leadership event, corporate offsite, or private group retreats in Florida, we’d be honored to host you.

Plan your retreat at Orange Springs Retreat Center →

Contact us directly to discuss dates and details. We look forward to welcoming your group to this special place.

Located just south of Gainesville, Florida, Orange Springs Retreat Center offers Group Retreat Rentals, Fall & Spring School/Church Camp venue, and an ideal Summer Camp Location. 

What separates us from other retreat venues is true exclusivity: “One Group At a Time Always- No Shared Spaces, No Outside Guests”