Whether you’re planning a senior retreat weekend, a freshman bonding experience, or a student leadership retreat, our property is built to support your goals.
Discover the Perfect Setting for Your High School Retreat
Escape the classroom and everyday distractions. Bring your high school students to Orange Springs Retreat Center — a private 100-acre lakefront sanctuary on the edge of Florida’s Ocala National Forest. Since 2003, we’ve hosted countless middle and high school groups for meaningful, fun-filled retreats that build friendships, develop leadership, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Exclusive use of the entire property for groups of 60–220+ means no sharing with other guests — your school has the whole place to focus on connection, growth, and adventure.
Plan a transformative student experience at Orange Springs Retreat Center, Florida’s leading “Exclusive-Use” venue. Nestled on the edge of the Ocala National Forest, our facility is designed specifically for school administrators and youth directors who require a balance of high-energy outdoor adventure and modern, comfortable logistics.
Why Administrators Choose Orange Springs:
The difference lies in exclusivity and environment. At Orange Springs, you aren’t sharing the campus with other groups. Your students have the undivided attention of our staff and the full run of our facilities.
Private, Safe, and Fully Controlled Environment
One of the biggest challenges in planning a school retreat is maintaining safety and structure.
At Orange Springs, your group receives:
- Exclusive use of the entire 100 acre property
- No outside guests or shared spaces
- A contained, easy-to-supervise environment
This allows faculty and administrators to run a smooth, organized retreat with confidence.
Florida’s Premier Lakefront Venue for Unforgettable School Trips:
- Climate-controlled comfort year-round — Air-conditioned cabins and meeting spaces keep everyone comfortable, even during Florida’s warmer months.
- Private spring-fed lake + 100 acres of natural beauty — Ideal for reflection, team-building, and outdoor fun just minutes from Gainesville.
- All-inclusive flexibility — We handle meals, lodging, and activities so you can focus on programming and student engagement.
- Proven track record — Trusted by Florida schools, charter schools, private schools, and youth groups for class trips, leadership weekends, and senior retreats.
Activities Tailored for High School Energy & Growth
Our facilities and staff support everything from high-energy fun to purposeful team-building:
- Water Activities — Canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, and inflatable waterpark elements, including a climbing iceberg, on our private spring-fed lake.
- Challenge Courses — High and low ropes courses designed for leadership development, trust-building, and overcoming obstacles.
- Sports & Recreation — Wide-open fields for team games, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball, and more.
- Nature & Exploration — Hiking trails along the Ocala National Forest edge, fishing, and outdoor education opportunities.
- Evening Campfire Gatherings — Perfect for group discussions, reflections, worship (if faith-based), or talent shows.
- Custom Team-Building — Facilitated ropes course sessions or group challenges tailored to your retreat goals.
Add your own programming — chapel sessions, guest speakers, workshops, or service projects — while we handle the logistics.
Comfortable, Modern Facilities for High School Groups
- Lodging — Clean, climate-controlled double cabins with Formica bathrooms (some private options available).
- Meeting & Gathering Spaces — Multiple indoor/outdoor areas perfect for large group sessions, breakouts, or meals.
- Dining — Delicious, hearty meals served buffet style — dietary needs accommodated.
- Full Exclusivity — Your group enjoys private access to the entire 100-acre campus.
Designed Specifically for High School Retreats
We regularly host:
- Public high schools
- Private and charter schools
- Freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior class retreats
- Student leadership and honor society groups
Ideal for These High School Retreats
Our retreat center is a proven fit for:
- Senior class retreats
- Freshman orientation and bonding retreats
- Leadership and student government retreats
- Academic or honor society retreats
- Faith-based school retreats
- Team-building and class unity weekends
What Schools Are Saying
“Our high school senior retreat at Orange Springs was exactly what we needed. The private setting made it easy to run our schedule, and the students had an incredible time. We’ll definitely be back.”
We brought our high school group and had the time of our lives! Staff went above and beyond. We’ll be back next year!” — Andrew Lindner
“Amazing experience! Free rein of the whole camp, wonderful staff, and kept in great condition. Definitely returning.” — Kali McKinney
“Incredible weekend… Food was delicious, cabins clean and comfortable, grounds beautiful. Highly recommend!” — Catarina Diz
Frequently Asked Questions for High School Retreat Planners
What is the minimum group size?
60 attendees for exclusive use.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend 6–12 months for popular weekends, but we often accommodate closer dates — call to check.
Do you offer all-inclusive pricing?
Yes — packages include lodging, meals, and access to facilities/grounds. Activity add-ons available.
Can we customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. Work with our team to blend your educational/leadership goals with our activities.
Ready to Plan Your Best High School Retreat Yet?
Give your students a transformative experience away from screens and routines — in a safe, beautiful, private setting designed for groups just like yours.
Orange Springs Retreat Center
168 Camp Shalom Trail, Hawthorne, FL 32640
(561) 221-7773
Due to our “One Group at a Time” policy we have limited dates open for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 school retreats. Weekends typically book up 12 months in advance. Secure your weekend now.