At Orange Springs Retreat Center, Every group that gathers becomes part of a story that began more than 50 years ago.
What started in 1971 as a beloved summer camp has evolved into one of Florida’s most distinctive exclusive-use retreat venues —
While the purpose of the property has changed over the decades, its heart has remained the same: creating a welcoming place where people can disconnect from daily distractions, build meaningful relationships, and create lasting memories.
The Camp Shalom Years
In 1971, Shelley and David “Big D” Sokol founded the Camp Shalom summer camp program on this beautiful property in Orange Springs, Florida. For more than four decades, the camp welcomed thousands of children each summer. Cabins filled with laughter, the lake buzzed with activity, and lifelong friendships were formed under the tall oaks and along the shoreline.
Those early years established a legacy of genuine hospitality and care that still defines the property today. Many former campers still speak fondly of the sense of belonging they found here — a feeling that would later become central to the retreat experience we offer groups of all kinds.
A New Vision for a Changing World
By the early 2000s, the needs of organized groups were shifting. Schools, churches, youth organizations, corporations, and private groups were looking for more than just a place to stay — they wanted dedicated time and space to focus, connect, and grow together without outside distractions.
In 2002, Mike Sokol, reimagined his family’s camp as Orange Springs Retreat Center. He transformed the property into a year-round, exclusive-use retreat venue designed specifically for groups that need privacy and focus.
The transformation was thoughtful and intentional. Accommodations were upgraded, the waterfront was enhanced, and a high-element ropes course with zip lines was added. Throughout the changes, the peaceful character and natural beauty of the property were carefully preserved. The rolling hills, towering oaks, and pristine spring-fed lake with its white sandy beach remained at the heart of the experience.
National Recognition in 2007
The shift Orange Springs made was part of a growing movement across the country. In 2007, The New York Times featured the property in the article “For Sleep-Away Camps, More Endless Summers.” The piece explored how traditional summer camps were successfully adapting to serve private groups year-round — and Orange Springs was recognized as the pioneers of that forward-thinking trend.
This national spotlight affirmed what Mike and the team had already seen firsthand: groups were hungry for private, distraction-free environments where they could focus on what mattered most — whether that was leadership development, team building, spiritual renewal, or simply deepening relationships.
The One Thing That Never Changed
While the property evolved, one core principle has remained constant since the very beginning: exclusive use.
From the Camp Shalom days through today, every group that comes to Orange Springs has the entire property to themselves. No shared facilities. No outside guests. No competing schedules. Every cabin, meeting space, dining hall, waterfront activity area, sports field, and gathering space belongs exclusively to your group for the duration of your stay.
This exclusive-use model continues to be the foundation of the Orange Springs experience. It creates the focused, private environment that schools, churches, youth groups, corporations, and organizations need to build connections, develop leaders, strengthen faith, and create lasting memories.
The Legacy Continues
Today, Orange Springs Retreat Center remains proudly family-owned and operated under Mike Sokol’s leadership. The same spirit of hospitality that began more than fifty years ago with Camp Shalom still guides everything we do.
More than five decades after the first campers arrived, our purpose remains remarkably consistent: to provide a welcoming, distraction-free place where people can step away from everyday life, connect deeply, and leave with experiences that have a lasting impact.
Ready to experience the Orange Springs difference for your group?
You can read more about our story, mission, and what makes us different on our About Orange Springs Retreat Center page.
Whether you’re planning a church retreat, high school leadership trip, youth group weekend, corporate offsite, or private organizational gathering, we’d be honored to welcome you to this special place that has been creating meaningful connection.
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.”
