join us in ORLANDO JANUARY DATES, 2027
A weekend at Universal Studios Orlando Resort for grieving fathers to recharge their batteries and understand what it means to reclaim their joy.
AN INVITATION TO ENJOY THE JOURNEY
Our annual “Dad Pack” trip is what started The Beacon Project. A weekend with men who share a bond that no person would ever pay for willingly. Not a normal “retreat,” this weekend is about breaking bread, starting new friendships, going on roller coasters until our heads spin, and hitting a theme park from open to close with every hilarious late-night on the itinerary (usually Burger King at 11 pm).
A look inside A WEEKEND AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
RETREAT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
Arrival
Introductions
Dinner at City Walk
Hang Time
SATURDAY
EARLY Wake Up
Rope Drop Universal
Go between Universal and Islands of Adventure
Meals in the Parks
Late-night hangouts
SUNDAY
Head to the airport
Fly Home
RETREAT FAQS
WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN GRIEF RETREAT?
The sole focus of each retreat we host will be for men to engage God in the midst of their grief, hear who they are while they carry it, and allow Jesus to invite them into a new sense of belonging.
We will spend time sharing meals, adventuring (or riding roller coasters), late-night conversations, praying, making memories, and forging relationships that will last a lifetime.
WHO CAN ATTEND THE RETREATS?
Almost every retreat is available to men who have suffered any unexpected loss (parent, spouse, sibling, child) at any stage of life. We host a retreat every January/February specifically for men who have lost a child late in pregnancy, at birth, or beyond.
DO I HAVE TO SHARE MY STORY?
Our goal is for these retreats to spur you into vulnerability with your new brothers in Christ. While sharing isn’t required, it’s a natural byproduct of the culture of who we are as an organization.
WHAT IF I’M NOT READY TO TALK ABOUT MY GRIEF?
Still come and join us; you’d be surprised at how comfortable you’ll feel from the start. Plus, roller coasters.
HOW MUCH DOES THIS RETREAT COST?
Our experience retreats are usually available to attendees for free (hotel stays, theme park tickets, and the first night’s dinner), thanks to our incredible donors and sponsors! If we cannot cover the fees in full, we will subsidize the cost however we can for men to get there. Attendees will be responsible for all travel and meals not covered by The Beacon Project (including snacks).
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Orlando, FL’s airport (MCO) is one of the most used airports in the country. When the trip is finalized, all attendees will be placed in a group chat, and we can coordinate ubers/ride sharing upon arrival!
IS THERE ALCOHOL?
The Beacon Project is a dry organization. Any event that we host will be void of any alcoholic beverages so as not to cause a brother to stumble (Romans 14:21) in the midst of their grief. We cannot control that at Universal Studios; however, we do kindly request that you refrain from drinking alcohol throughout the weekend.
IS THERE SUPPORT AFTER THE RETREAT ENDS?
Yes! Every retreat group will be added to a private communication channel to remain connected to one another.