2025 Camp Bliss Retreats for Veterans, Law Enforcement and People with Disabilities!

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you!  We have been very successful with our legislative pursuits for funding of Veteran Retreats/Getaways at Camp Bliss.

  • Starting January 1st of 2025, we will now charge a $100 refundable registration fee for all our Getaways/Retreats.  What this means is we have reserved a spot exclusively for you, when you cancel another Veteran could have had that spot.  If you attend your scheduled Getaway/Retreat, we will then refund your $100 if you are a qualifying Veteran.  If you cancel within 7 days of the scheduled retreat, you will not get the $100 fee back, as we are required to purchase supplies and food in advance.
  • For non-qualifying Veterans there will be a fee of $100 per person to attend a getaway or retreat.  If you have questions about the guidelines please call Lori at (320) 281-2016.
  • We will now be allowed to include Spouses, children (under 18), and active-duty service members!

You may come up to two retreats per year during MDVA Calendar Year September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025!! We have added many exciting retreats due to this!!  A complete list of 2025 Retreats and Getaways are listed below! **You will still be required to submit the appropriate documentation, DD214 (Member 4) and Driver’s license or state ID.  If a spouse is attending and has a different last name, you will be required to show proof of marriage before you are considered “registered.”  Once you are, please commit fully to attending your retreat as there are limited spots for each one and if you do not show up, that is a Veteran’s spot that you have eliminated

If a Retreat/Getaway says FILLED, please email or call Lori O. to be put on a waiting list: Register@campbliss.org or call 320-281-2016

Click on any of the events below for more information.

All our Getaways & Retreats are alcohol free.

2025 Upcoming Camp Bliss Retreats.            

Veterans Ice Fishing Tournament Getaway – January 22-24, 2025

Veterans Ice Fishing Tournament Getaway – January 24-26, 2025

Female Veterans Getaway – January 31 – February 2, 2025

Veterans & Spouses Ice Fishing Getaway – February 7-9, 2025

Female Veterans Getaway – March 7-9, 2025

Veterans & Spouses R&R Getaway – April 11-13, 2025

Female Veterans Getaway – May 2-4, 2025

Veterans Turkey Hunt Getaway – May 16-18, 2025

 

MDVA Website: https://mn.gov/mdva

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

  • Fri
    25
    Jan
    2019
    Sun
    27
    Jan
    2019
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    Ice Fishing for All with Disabilities 2019

    January 25-27, 2019

     

     Camp Bliss Ice Fishing Retreat Camp Bliss Ice Fishing Retreat

     

    We are excited to have you join us for a weekend of fishing and rejuvenation in our beautiful up north setting! This retreat welcomes anyone with any type of disability.
    Cost: $75.00 for the weekend, if you bring your own PCA, there is an additional charge of $35.00.
    The PCA will also need to register separately for this retreat.
    The fee includes: lodging, fishing/supplies, and all meals/beverages.
    What to bring: clothing, medications, towels, and anything else you will need for the weekend. You must have your fishing license to fish.
    If you are currently a consumer of Independent Lifestyles, transportation to and from Camp Bliss is offered from our Sauk Rapids location for an additional cost of $15.00. Otherwise you are
    responsible for your own transportation.

    To Register: Fill out the registration on the back and return it with your payment to Independent Lifestyles (Attn: Anne R.) 215 N. Benton Dr., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 or email it to anner@independentlifestyles.org or call 320-281-2023. We need to receive your registration ten (10) days prior to Retreat date.

    Check in - Friday, 4:00pm
    Check out - Sunday, 10:00am
    12 people maximum

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Thu
    07
    Feb
    2019
    Sun
    10
    Feb
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Marines Ice Fishing Weekend 2019

    February 7-10, 2019

     

    2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Flyer-Marines Ice Fishing2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Registration-Marines Ice Fishing

     

    Marines and Veterans will enjoy the Perfect Fishing Spot! Camp Bliss is surrounded by three area lakes and offer some of the finest opportunities anywhere. Come and experience an amazing weekend fishing for crappies, pike, perch, bass, northerns, and sunfish. We offer something for everyone! Nothing warms a cold winter day at Camp Bliss like the warm smile of a successful ice angler!

    Cost is $75.00 per person for the weekend and includes lodging and meals.

    The cost to send 1 Veteran to Camp Bliss for a weekend retreat is $400, which includes lodging and all meals. Because of donations/sales from our 2018 Guns and Goods Raffle, we are able to supplement $325 per Veteran, up to 50 Veterans. 

     

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    22
    Feb
    2019
    Sun
    24
    Feb
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Vietnam Veterans Ice Fishing Getaway 2019

    February 22-24, 2019

     

    2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Flyer-Vietnam Vets Ice Fishing2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Registration-Vietnam Vets Ice Fishing

     

    Vietnam Veterans will be welcomed into the serene and supportive setting of Camp Bliss! We are excited to have you join us for a weekend of fishing and rejuvenation in our beautiful up north setting. We will take time to relax and enjoy the beauty of 48 acres of incredible pine and hardwood forest in a breathtaking north woods setting on three lakes!

    Cost is $75.00 per person for the weekend and includes lodging and meals.

    The cost to send 1 Veteran to Camp Bliss for a weekend retreat is $400, which includes lodging and all meals. Because of donations/sales from our 2018 Guns and Goods Raffle, we are able to supplement $325 per Veteran, up to 50 Veterans. 

     

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    22
    Mar
    2019
    Sun
    24
    Mar
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Female Warriors Weekend March 2019

    March 22-24, 2019

     

    2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Flyer-Female Warriors-March2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Registration-Female Warriors-March

     

    We appreciate the women who have served our country! Join us to relax, reflect, rejuvenate, and connect with other female Veterans. Get the special treatment you deserve. Enjoy the beauty of the north woods, learn new ways to unwind, and how to enhance your self-care.

    Massages are offered for an additional $30.00 per ½ hour or $60.00 per 1 hour and must be booked in advance.

    Cost is $75.00 per person for the weekend and includes lodging and meals.

    The cost to send 1 Veteran to Camp Bliss for a weekend retreat is $400, which includes lodging and all meals. Because of donations/sales from our 2018 Guns and Goods Raffle, we are able to supplement $325 per Veteran, up to 50 Veterans. 

     

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    05
    Apr
    2019
    Sun
    07
    Apr
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Mother / Daughter Getaway 2019

    April 5-7, 2019

     

     

     

     

     

    In today’s busy world, it’s important that mothers and daughters take the time to build their relationships, communicate, and have fun together! Bring your daughters for a weekend of fun activities that will help you connect, build self-esteem and confidence and help you see one another in new ways. We will have a photographer on hand to capture these moments to treasure for years to come.

    Daughters age 17+

    $110 per person, which includes lodging and 4 meals.

    Massages are offered for an additional $60.00 per 1 hour and must be booked in advance.

     

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    12
    Apr
    2019
    Sun
    14
    Apr
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Drop and Give Me Zen Yoga Retreat

    April 12-14, 2019

     

      

     

     

     

     

    JOIN US FOR AN INCREDIBLE WEEKEND IN THE WOODS FOR YOGA, GIRL TIME, RELAXATION, AND REJUVENATION.

    Special includes: 2 nights stay in our beautiful 7 bedroom lodge for up to 16 people.
    Retreat includes: Yoga with Certified Yoga Instructor Lindsay Anderson, a course on building resiliency and releasing toxic thoughts with Director and Founder Cara Ruff, five healthy meals, healthy snacks, and fruit infused water, the creation of a personalized salt scrub, and unparalleled surroundings and accommodations for $280. Book with a friend or bring your whole tribe. Space is limited to 16. Call us now to save your place!

     

    Printable Flyer & Registration

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    17
    May
    2019
    Sun
    19
    May
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Wellness and Socialization for Women with Disabilities

    May 17-19,2019

     

    Camp Bliss Wellness for Women Retreat 2019 Camp Bliss Wellness for Women Retreat 2019

     

    Come and learn new ways to socialize, improve your skills, and learn how to take great care of yourself! Activities may include a variety of self-care and wellness opportunities, and time to relax.

    We will be going outdoors to explore Camp Bliss and do some fishing for those who want to fish.
    What to bring: clothing, medications, towels, and anything else you will need for the weekend. You must have your fishing license to fish.
    Cost: $75.00 for the weekend. If you bring your own PCA, there is an additional charge of $35.00. The PCA will also need to register separately for this retreat.
    The fee includes: lodging, fishing/supplies, and all meals/beverages.
    Massages are offered for an additional $30.00 per ½ hour and must be booked in advance.
    If you are currently a consumer of Independent Lifestyles, transportation to and from Camp Bliss is offered from our Sauk Rapids location for an additional cost of $15.00.
    Otherwise you are responsible for your own transportation.

    To Register: Fill out the registration on the back and return it with your payment to Independent Lifestyles (Attn: Anne R.) 215 N. Benton Dr., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 or email it to anner@independentlifestyles.org or call 320-281-2023. We need to receive your registration ten (10) days prior to Retreat date.

    Check in - Friday, 4:00pm
    Check out - Sunday, 10:00am
    12 people maximum

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    31
    May
    2019
    Sun
    02
    Jun
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Fishing for All with Disabilities 2019

    May 31-June 2, 2019

     

     

    Summer is the season to pull out the boats and dust off the fishing rods! Our goal is to open up the great outdoors for people through the world of fishing! We welcome anyone with any type of disability. We want everyone to enjoy just being outside, the excitement of catching a fish, and being able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

    Cost: $75.00 for the weekend, if you bring your own PCA, there is an additional charge of $35.00. The PCA will also need to register separately for this retreat.
    The fee includes: lodging, fishing/supplies, and all meals/beverages.
    What to bring: clothing, medications, towels, and anything else you will need for the weekend. You must have your fishing license to fish.
    If you are currently a consumer of Independent Lifestyles, transportation to and from Camp Bliss is offered from our Sauk Rapids location for an additional cost of $15.00.
    Otherwise you are responsible for your own transportation.

    To Register: Fill out the registration on the back and return it with your payment to Independent Lifestyles (Attn: Anne R.) 215 N. Benton Dr., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 or email it to anner@independentlifestyles.org or call 320-281-2023. We need to receive your registration ten (10) days prior to Retreat date.

    Check in - Friday, 4:00pm
    Check out - Sunday, 10:00am
    12 people maximum

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    06
    Sep
    2019
    Sun
    08
    Sep
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Fishing for Men with Disabilities 2019

    September 6-8, 2019

     

     

     

    Attention all guys! Come up north and find your FISH! Join us in enjoying the outdoors before it gets too cold. This weekend will be filled with fishing, hiking, bon fires, relaxation, and time with the guys!

    Cost: $75.00 for the weekend, if you bring your own PCA, there is an additional charge of $35.00. The PCA will also need to register separately for this retreat.
    The fee includes: lodging, fishing/supplies, and all meals/beverages.
    What to bring: clothing, medications, towels, and anything else you will need for the weekend. You must have your fishing license to fish.
    If you are currently a consumer of Independent Lifestyles, transportation to and from Camp Bliss is offered from our Sauk Rapids location for an additional cost of $15.00.
    Otherwise you are responsible for your own transportation.

    To Register: Fill out the registration on the back and return it with your payment to Independent Lifestyles (Attn: Anne R.) 215 N. Benton Dr., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 or email it to anner@independentlifestyles.org or call 320-281-2023. We need to receive your registration ten (10) days prior to Retreat date.

    Check in - Friday, 4:00pm
    Check out - Sunday, 10:00am
    12 people maximum

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Mon
    09
    Sep
    2019
    Wed
    11
    Sep
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Vietnam Veterans R&R 2019

    September 9-11, 2019

     

    2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Flyer-Vietnam Vets R&R2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Registration-Vietnam Vets R&R

     

    Vietnam Veterans will be welcomed into the serene and supportive setting of Camp Bliss! Come and experience an amazing few days of rest and relaxation. We will take time to relax and enjoy the beauty of 48 acres of incredible pine and hardwood forest in a breathtaking north woods setting on three lakes!

    Cost is $75.00 per person and includes lodging and meals.

    The cost to send 1 Veteran to Camp Bliss for a weekend retreat is $400, which includes lodging and all meals. Because of donations/sales from our 2018 Guns and Goods Raffle, we are able to supplement $325 per Veteran, up to 50 Veterans. 

     

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    20
    Sep
    2019
    Sun
    22
    Sep
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Gold Star Weekend 2019

    September 20-22, 2019

     

     

    We invite families of military fallen from all wars (Iraq, Afghanistan, Desert Storm, Vietnam, Korea, WWII and conflicts in-between) to be our guests for an amazing weekend planned exclusively for you and your family at Camp Bliss, Walker, MN.  You will have time to share your stories with fellow Gold Star Families, relax and laugh together and make wonderful new friends. The way you spend your time is up to you! 

    Numerous activities including canoeing, fishing, nature walks, paddle boarding, kayaking, biking and hiking, and too many more to list.

    Cost is $100 per family for the weekend and includes lodging and all meals. The weekend is limited to a total of 25 people including children. 

    The cost to send 1 Veteran to Camp Bliss for a weekend retreat is $400, which includes lodging and all meals. Because of donations/sales from our 2018 Guns and Goods Raffle, we are able to supplement $325 per Veteran, up to 50 Veterans. 

     

    Printable Flyer and Registration Form

  • Fri
    11
    Oct
    2019
    Sun
    13
    Oct
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Female Warriors Weekend October 2019

    October 11-13, 2019

    This Retreat is currently full.  Please contact us for alternate dates.

    2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Flyer-Female Warriors-Oct.2019 Camp Bliss Retreat Registration-Female Warriors-Oct.

     

    We appreciate the women who have served our country! Join us to relax, reflect, rejuvenate and connect with other female Veterans. Get the special treatment you deserve. Enjoy the beauty of the north woods, learn new ways to unwind, and how to enhance your self-care.

    Massages are offered for an additional $30.00 per ½ hour or $60.00 per 1 hour and must be booked in advance.

    Cost is $75.00 per person for the weekend and includes lodging and meals.

    The cost to send 1 Veteran to Camp Bliss for a weekend retreat is $400, which includes lodging and all meals. Because of donations/sales from our 2018 Guns and Goods Raffle, we are able to supplement $325 per Veteran, up to 50 Veterans. 

     

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

     

  • Fri
    01
    Nov
    2019
    Sun
    03
    Nov
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Wellness and Socialization for Women with Disabilities 2019

    November 1-3, 2019

     

     

    Come and learn new ways to socialize, improve your skills, and learn how to take great care of yourself! Activities will include self-care and wellness, games, and time to relax. We will be going outdoors to explore Camp Bliss and do some fishing for those who want to fish.

    What to bring: clothing, medications, towels, and anything else you will need for the weekend. You must have your fishing license to fish.
    Cost: $75.00 for the weekend. If you bring your own PCA, there is an additional charge of $35.00. The PCA will also need to register separately for this retreat.
    The fee includes: lodging, fishing/supplies, and all meals/beverages.
    Massages are offered for an additional $30.00 per ½ hour and must be booked in advance.
    If you are currently a consumer of Independent Lifestyles, transportation to and from Camp Bliss is offered from our Sauk Rapids location for an additional cost of $15.00.
    Otherwise you are responsible for your own transportation.

    To Register: Fill out the registration on the back and return it with your payment to Independent Lifestyles (Attn: Anne R.) 215 N. Benton Dr., Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 or email it to anner@independentlifestyles.org or call 320-281-2023. We need to receive your registration ten (10) days prior to Retreat date.

    Check in - Friday, 4:00pm
    Check out - Sunday, 10:00am
    12 people maximum

    Printable Flyer and Registration Forms

    Book a Retreat Online

  • Fri
    15
    Nov
    2019
    Sun
    17
    Nov
    2019
    12:00 pmLearn More

    Female Warriors Weekend November 2019

    November 15-17, 2019

     

    THIS RETREAT IS CURRENTLY FULL - PLEASE CONTACT LORI AT 320-281-2016 FOR FUTURE RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES

    We appreciate the women who have served our country! Join us to relax, reflect, rejuvenate and connect with other female Veterans.  Get the special treatment you deserve. Enjoy the beauty of the north woods, learn new ways to unwind and how to enhance your self-care.

     Massages are offered for an additional $60.00 per 1 hour and must be booked in advance.

    Cost is $75.00 per person for the weekend and includes lodging and meals.

    The cost to send 1 Veteran to Camp Bliss for a weekend retreat is $400, which includes lodging and all meals. Because of donations/sales from our 2018 Guns and Goods Raffle, we are able to supplement $325 per Veteran, up to 50 Veterans. 

     

    Printable Flyer & Registration Form

    Book a Retreat Online