“The first time I went to Holden Village I was about ten years old. The boat ride was long, and the peanut butter was too crunchy for me, but I made fun friends who showed up at my lodge door and asked my parents “can your girl come out and play?” I’ve probably been back more than 30 times since then, often with youth groups, sometimes with friends or family.
Now I love the peanut butter (the food is better now than in ‘81) and the boat ride. I love that there are quirky people who come to this place who love social justice and consider that a part of their Christian faith. I love that people sit around in the evenings on porch swings with books, guitars, and good conversation. I love that there are trails into the mountains that begin right there in the village. I love that there’s a certain spot on a certain trail with a bench overlooking Railroad Creek where I recite to myself a certain poem by William Stafford. I think you’ll love it too.
Join me on this trip this Summer into the North Cascades to this place like no other—an old mining town-turned-retreat center—that brings together an eclectic group of people. Any way I describe it, you will probably say, “this is not what I expected.” Come and find out what I mean.”
Summer 2026 Spirit Garage journey to Holden Village
Holden Village welcomes all to the wilderness. Located in the North Cascade Mountains, Holden Village welcomes all people to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other.
More information
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Travel
Planes, Buses, Boat…then Bus
It is a journey to get to Holden. Pastor Holly has lots of experience getting there, so we have excellent guidance for this journey.
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Costs
Bring a party of 15-40 to the Village!
Holden is a great place for your family, church, or community organization to experience a change of pace. Throughout the year, Holden welcomes visitor groups of all ages to experience new rhythms of living. However you choose to spend your time, you will find rest and renewal in the Village.
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Cancellation Policy
Deposits to hold your spot are due by December 28, 2025.
By January 1, Pr Holly will know if we have enough participants to secure the group rate. If we do not, you will be given a new price, and the opportunity to withdraw with a full refund.
After the group has been registered on January 2, refunds will be as follows:
—All attempts should be made to find someone to take your place.
—$25 will be retained, as per Holden Village policy
—If plane tickets have been purchased, you will forfeit the amount of that ticket (even if a person is replacing you, because plane tickets are non-transferable). -
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Holden Village Website
Find out more about Holden Village from their website.
Holden Village is a remote wilderness community, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, that welcomes all people into the North Cascade Mountains, above Lake Chelan, Washington.
Since 1962, Holden Village has transformed from a copper mining town into a vibrant community of education, programming, and worship.
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Holden Village Programs & Activities
What will you do when you get there?
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Holden Village is a remote wilderness community, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, that welcomes all people into the North Cascade Mountains, above Lake Chelan, Washington.
Since 1962, Holden Village has transformed from a copper mining town into a vibrant community of education, programming, and worship.
In the summer, the village has about 350 people, including about 130 staff. Between 50-70 people live there year-round.
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Pool Hall & Snack Bar
Bowling Alley
Hot Tub
Hikes
Library
Looms, Pottery, Arts & Crafts
Ice Cream!
Porch Sitting
Bible Study
Education
Conversations
Sit on the “Ark”
Daily Events and Activities
Contemplate the majesty of creation
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Nothing is required, and I encourage you to gather for worship each evening.
Mornings
7:15-8:30—Breakfast in the dining hall (buffet style)
8:30-10—Bible Study or Session / “Narnia” for kids
10-10:15—Morning Coffee Break
10:15—Morning walk or Session
11:45-1:15—Lunch in Dining Hall
Afternoons
Nap / hike / read / play basketball / ice cream / arts and crafts / porchsit / sessions
Evenings
5-6:30—Dinner In the dining hall,
7-7:30—Vespers in the Village Center
8—Evening activities (concerts, open mics, films, more porch sitting, bowling, pool)
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Rooms with two twin or one twin one full bed, or bunk, a desk and two closets
In general, you will have one other roommate
Bedding is provided; you’ll make your own bed
Bathrooms are shared at the end of the hallway
There are 6 lodges; 3 are used for guests.
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Holden serves a diet that emphasizes whole grains and legumes, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy, and is supplemented with ethically sourced meat products.
When possible, Holden supports local food producers and promotes local food systems. They seek out suppliers that support workers rather than corporations. The Holden kitchen uses leftovers creatively and strives to eliminate waste.
Holden can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and preferences, including vegan and gluten free. You are invited to describe your dietary needs during the registration process and when you arrive in the Village.
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In the summer season (May 12 – Oct. 11) a group must consist of 15-40 people.
A group must stay a minimum of 5 nights.
ALL MEMBERS of a group must arrive and depart on the same days
A group must be led by one designated organizer who will handle all reservations, correspondence, and financial arrangements
If you come in or leave at a different time than the group, you are not counted in the group and cannot get the group rate.
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Register and pay a $200 deposit by December 28, 2025 to hold your place.
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Register and pay your deposit here: https://onrealm.org/BethlehemChurch/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=MGZhNTM5NjUtNWVkYi00ODY4LTk3OTctYjM5MjAxMTVlYzll
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During the summer on any given week, there are something like 130 staff people, who are there on staff for anywhere from two weeks to two years. Many of those folks are in their 20's, but there are also some who are older, maybe in some kind of life transition, some families and some retired folks. They are as creative, quirky and curious as Spirit Garage in all the ways. There will also be maybe 200-300 other guests in the village, and those folks tend to be from a progressive Christian crowd of folks.
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Holden Village is an intergenerational community that welcomes people of all ages into the wilderness. YOU are welcome here whether you travel by yourself, with friends, with a group, or with your family.
We understand that traveling with children requires extra care and attention, especially somewhere so remote. If you’re thinking about visiting Holden with your family, here are some considerations to help keep your kids healthy and happy at Holden.
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Visit Holden Village’s FAQ page
AND check in with Pastor Holly (holly@spiritgarage.org)
Request Informational Video
Pastor Holly hosted a Zoom Informational meeting. You can get the recording to watch for more information.