MARCH 10 – 13, 2026
Play Ball and Connect: A Desert Sojourn Retreat
Back by popular demand! This Spring Training retreat returns to Spirit in the Desert in March, 2026
Join us for an inspiring Spring Training experience in Arizona, where baseball enthusiasts and faith-driven individuals unite to explore the connection between sport and spirituality. This unique retreat, led by Pastor Dave Ellingson, combines fellowship, worship, and the excitement of baseball with opportunities to attend MLB Cactus League games in the vibrant Arizona desert.
Event Highlights
- Daily fellowship gatherings around the theme of baseball and faith
- Baseball-themed entertainment, film screenings, and discussions
- Poolside fellowship and breakfast and dinner provided each day
Schedule of Events
Tuesday, March 10
- Arrival & Check-In
- Dinner
- Meet and Greet
Wednesday, March 11
- Breakfast
- Morning Gathering
- Afternoon Ballgame
- Dinner
- Evening Gathering with Baseball-themed Movie and Snacks
Thursday, March 12
- Breakfast
- Morning Gathering
- Afternoon Ballgame
- Dinner
- Evening Gathering with Baseball-themed Movie and Snacks
Friday, March 13
- Breakfast
- Check-Out and Departure
rETREAT lEADER dAVE eLLINGSON
Rev. Dave Ellingson, the Paddle Pilgrim, has taught courses in spirituality, environmental ethics, human development, and youth ministry at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, Wash. He is a Lutheran pastor, author, Master Gardner, former distance runner and triathlete, and has a Doctorate in Holistic Health.
Dave is married, is the father of five grown children, and enjoys his five grandchildren. He readily admits that from the earliest age, his middle name has been activity!! He lives in Edmonds, WA.
cost
4-Day Retreat, Price per person:
- One person, private room : $775 per person
- Two people, two in a room : $625 per person
- Three people, three in a room : $525 per person
Please Note: The registration cost includes accommodations, meals, and group gatherings. It does not include transportation to and from Carefree, game tickets, or alcoholic beverages.
Space is limited to 10 rooms, so reserve your spot today and experience the excitement of Spring Training baseball with us!
2 Comments
David Kurtz
Please note: We have registered, and when we received the acknowledgement, it said the event was SUNDAY thru THURSDAY, March 10-13. That doesn’t make sense, especially for 2026, so I’m assuming that was in error–AND that the event is indeed from TUESDAY evening, March 10, thru FRIDAY morning, March 13. Please confirm. Thank you….Dave Kurtz
Solveig Muus
Thank you for spotting and reporting this mistake! The correct dates are Tues 3/10 – Fri 3/13. We have fixed the dates on our end. We look forward to seeing you both in March.