Retreats

Sleighbell Retreat

When

December 4-6, 2026

Where

Portage Lake Bible Camp

Cost

13 & up: $130 3-12: $80 0-2 FREE (with a family fee maximum of $550)

Additional details

Last Day To Sign Up December 1st!!

We are so excited to kick off the holiday season with you! For over 30 years, Manistee has hosted a Historical Sleighbell Parade. Picture this: you have stepped back in time to a picturesque location with nostalgia-filled activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, bagpipers, chestnuts roasted on an open fire and much more! The weekend is topped off with a magical parade where a massive Christmas tree is brought through town and is lit as the crowd sings Christmas carols and a fireworks show follows.

This retreat was inspired by this weekend. We will go into town on Saturday and participate in afternoon activities and the parade but the rest of the weekend will be at camp. This will include meals. Christ-centered Christmas messages and songs, family fun activities such as cookie-decorating, ornament-making, scavenger hunts, etc.

You don’t want to miss this weekend! So grab some friends and/or family and register today!

Click here ( https://manisteesleighbellparade.com/ ) to find more information about the 2025 Historical Manistee Sleighbell Parade.

Click here ( https://www.manisteenews.com/news/article/Old-Christmas-Weekend-is-tribute-to-its-17562867.php ) for an article about the origin of this weekend.

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What to bring

  • Bedding (beds are either twin or full)
  • Pillow
  • Bible & notebook
  • Towels
  • Toiletries
  • Alarm clock
  • Warm clothes
  • Clothes to get messy
  • Walking shoes
  • Snow Gear
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Ready to Experience Portage Lake?

For more than 70 years, Portage Lake Bible Camp has been creating unforgettable experiences where faith grows, friendships form, and adventures never end.

Whether you're looking for the perfect summer camp for your child, a meaningful family getaway, or a transformative retreat for your group, we can't wait to welcome you to our corner of Northern Michigan.