What Programs and Activities Are Available at Holmes Camp & Retreat Center?

Updated

Holmes Camp & Retreat Center runs a published program schedule for 2026 that includes community, service, faith, and seasonal events, alongside year-round on-site recreation on its 500-plus acres in the Hudson Valley. Programs range from a Community Night and Confirmation Retreat to Earth Care in Action, Men's Service Retreat, Women's Retreat, and Christmas Lessons and Carols. You do not need to be Presbyterian or identify with any faith to attend.

Scheduled programs and events

The site lists a 2026 Program Schedule as the main calendar of what's happening through the year. Named programs and events include:

  • Community Night
  • Confirmation Retreat
  • Earth Care in Action
  • Men's Service Retreat
  • Minister and Elders Luncheon
  • Women's Retreat
  • Christmas Lessons and Carols
  • Friends Day
  • Volunteer Work Days
  • Tag, Plant and Bake Sale
  • Lobster Bake
  • Fundraising Dinner & Awards

These span several categories: community gatherings, faith-based retreats, service and volunteer opportunities, seasonal celebrations, and fundraising events. If you're planning around a specific one, check the 2026 Program Schedule for dates, since the site presents it as the authoritative listing.

Ways to participate beyond attending a program

Not everything requires joining a scheduled event:

  • Volunteer Work Days — hands-on participation in caring for the site.
  • Financial Aid — listed as a program area, indicating support is available for those who need it to take part.
  • Facility Rental — groups can book the site for their own retreats and gatherings rather than joining a public program.
  • Pastoral Respite — a dedicated option listed under Rentals.

On-site recreation and things to do

The grounds themselves are a major part of the experience. Holmes sits on over 500 acres of hills, forest, and wetlands, less than two hours from New York City. On-site features include:

  • Four lakes
  • Ten miles of trails
  • Outdoor and indoor meeting spaces
  • A small conference center with lodging, dorms, cabins, and rustic youth summer camp facilities

Nearby landmarks and state parks add further options for recreation and renewal. The site frames these as opportunities for "recreation and renewal" rather than a fixed activity list, so the specific things you do depend on your group and the season.

Who the programs are for

The center's stated mission is to Educate | Empower | Renew, guided by core values of faith, education, conservation, community, recreation, hospitality, and renewal. It serves individuals, churches, nonprofits, and other groups.

A key point for anyone wondering about eligibility: your group does not need to be associated with the Presbyterian church, or identify with a faith, to attend. Beyond faith-affiliated groups, Holmes serves nonprofits, community organizations, scouting groups, social groups, and corporate clients whose aims are compatible with its mission and values.

How to get specifics

Because the excerpt here only names the programs and the 2026 schedule without dates or details, the practical next step is to consult the full 2026 Program Schedule on the site, or contact the center directly:

  • Address: 60 Denton Lake Road, Holmes, NY 12531
  • Phone: 845-878-6383
  • Email: available via the site's "Send Us Email" link
  • Newsletter: sign-up is offered for updates on news and events

For a group booking or a specific retreat, Facility Rental and the contact channels are the right entry points; for individual participation, the 2026 Program Schedule and Financial Aid pages are where to start.