California-Pacific Annual Conference

Strength for the Journey Retreat in San Diego, founded in 1988, is an annual week-long retreat each September for persons living with HIV/AIDS held at Camp Cedar Glen in Julian, California. The retreat is organized each year by a diverse group of peers and volunteers who are assisted by medical and behavioral healthcare professionals, workshop facilitators, health educators, and certified therapists who provide massage, acupuncture, and other complimentary care. The week includes traditional camp activities such as hiking, swimming, arts & crafts, campfires, and a talent show. Lodging is provided in comfortable cabins and the meals provided in the dining hall are both delicious and nutritious. Over 30 years the camp experience has changed from a hospice-like environment in the late 1980s to an atmosphere of resilience, where campers rest, relax, connect with others, share their stories, and discover how to successfully manage their HIV disease. The retreat is non-religious and open to all persons regardless of religion, race, preferred language, sexual orientation or gender identity.

 Many attendees are able to attend only through scholarships that are funded through grants and donations from people like you. The retreat is a program of the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church, and as such, all donations are tax deductible.