When groups arrive at Orange Springs Retreat Center, they expect a beautiful spring-fed lake, exciting activities, meaningful conversations, and time away from everyday distractions.
What they don’t expect is that one of the biggest highlights of their retreat will be the food.
Ask returning guests what surprised them most, and one name comes up again and again: Chef Kevin.
More Than “Camp Food”
Let’s be honest.
When people hear they’re staying at a retreat center, they often imagine basic cafeteria meals or typical camp food.
That’s not what they find at Orange Springs.
Chef Kevin has become one of the most appreciated members of our team, preparing countless meals for church retreats, schools, youth groups, corporate teams, and private organizations. His philosophy is simple: great food helps create great retreats.
After a day spent paddling across the lake, climbing the rock wall, competing on the sports fields, gathering for worship, or building stronger teams, everyone eventually ends up in the dining hall. And for many groups, that’s where some of the best memories are made.
Guests Say It Better Than We Can
We could tell you how much people enjoy Chef Kevin’s meals.
But we’d rather let our guests do the talking:
“Best of all, we loved the food. Shout out to Chef Kevin!!!!!! Can’t wait for next year!”
— Sam H., 140-student high school retreat | Read full review on TripAdvisor
“The food is AMAZING, Chef did his thing! We will be coming back!!”
— Julissa Lawes, Christian youth group | View on Google
“Friendly staff, clean venue, and fully customizable experiences. Oh I almost forgot…the AMAZING FOOD!!! They have the best cooks and my group was so impressed all around.”
— Staci Campbell | View on Google
“My daughter attended cheer camp… She’s a fairly picky eater and enjoyed every meal.”
— Stephanie Baldwin | View on Google
“The staff, Chris, and Chef Kevin were beyond kind and helpful… food, cabins, and activities are wonderful.”
— Mina Mikhail | View on Google
Reading these reviews, one thing becomes clear: People don’t just remember the activities. They remember the meals — and the people who prepared them.
A Menu Designed Around Your Group
Every retreat is different, so Chef Kevin works with group leaders to create menus that fit each group’s schedule, age, preferences, and dietary needs.
Whether you’re feeding 60 people or 200, our goal is the same: serve meals that everyone looks forward to.
Here’s an example of a real multi-day retreat menu:
| Meal | Menu Items |
| Day 1 – Dinner | Fried Chicken, Yellow Rice, Salad Bar, Roast Veggies, Cake, Fruit Punch |
| Day 2 – Breakfast | Coffee, Toast Bar, Milk, OJ, Fruit, Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, Pancakes, Oatmeal |
| Day 2 – Lunch | Burgers, Hot Dogs, Coleslaw, French Fries |
| Day 2 – Dinner | Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, Brownies, Fruit Punch |
| Day 3 – Breakfast | Coffee, Toast Bar, Milk, OJ, Fruit, Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, French Toast, Oatmeal |
| Day 3 – Lunch | Cold Cuts (Turkey, Salami) Subs, Salad Bar with Egg Salad & Tuna Salad |
| Day 3 – Dinner | Boneless Grilled Chicken, White Rice, Black Beans, Salad Bar, Roast Veggies, Cake, Fruit Punch |
| Day 4 – Breakfast | Coffee, Toast Bar, Milk, OJ, Fruit, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Hash Browns, Pancakes, Oatmeal |
Note: Menus are fully customizable. Please advise us in advance of any food allergies or requirements including vegetarian, vegan, or dairy and gluten free options.
Dietary Accommodations? Absolutely.
Every retreat includes guests with different dietary needs, and we believe everyone deserves a meal they’ll enjoy.
With advance notice, Chef Kevin and his team can accommodate many requests, including:
- Vegetarian meals
- Vegan meals
- Gluten-free and celiac-friendly options
- Food allergies
- Kosher dietary accommodations (with advance planning)
- Other dietary restrictions
Our goal is simple: Everyone should be excited when it’s time to eat.
Why Meals Matter
For retreat coordinators, food is one of the biggest concerns when choosing a venue.
A well-fed group has more energy, better morale, and a better overall experience.
Some of the best conversations don’t happen during breakout groups, keynote sessions, or around the campfire. They happen over breakfast. They happen while sharing dessert. They happen when students, pastors, teachers, coaches, and coworkers gather around the same table.
Chef Kevin understands that every meal is another opportunity to serve — not just another item on the schedule.
Come Hungry
At Orange Springs Retreat Center, we’re proud of our spring-fed lake, our private 100-acre campus, our activities, comfortable lodging, and our exclusive-use experience.
But we’re equally proud that so many guests leave talking about the food.
If you’re planning a church retreat, youth retreat, school leadership weekend, corporate off-site, or private group gathering, we’d love to welcome you — and introduce you to Chef Kevin.
Because if our guests are any indication…
You may come for the lake.
You may come for the privacy.
You may come for the activities.
But don’t be surprised if everyone leaves talking about Chef Kevin.
You can read more about our story, mission, and what makes us different on our About Orange Springs Retreat Center page.
__________________________________________________________
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.
Orange Springs Retreat Center | Florida’s Exclusive-Use Retreat Venue for Private Groups, Schools & Churches (60–200 Guests)
What separates us from other retreat venues is true exclusivity: “One Group At a Time Always- No Shared Spaces, No Outside Guests”
See how Orange Springs Retreat was featured in The New York Times in the article “For Sleep-Away Camps, More Endless Summers.”
Ready to explore 2027 dates? Call or text Mike directly at 561-221-7773 or use the contact form on our website. We look forward to helping your group create a memorable, distraction-free retreat experience.