How do I schedule a group for the Urban Challenge?
To schedule a group, please email info@romero-center.org or call (856)-964-9777.
How much does the Urban Challenge cost?
Rate per person:
1 Night $90.00
2 Nights $160.00
3 Nights $235.00
4 Nights $305.00
5 Nights $380.00
6 Nights $450.00
We require a 20% non-refundable deposit in order to reserve your Urban Challenge experience. The deposit you send is due 10 business days after you schedule and is deducted from the total cost of your trip.
What are the accommodations at the Romero Center?
Our accommodations at the Romero Center are comfortable but simple. Participants will sleep in same-sex rooms of two or four. There are separate communal bathrooms for men and women. We have large community rooms for reflections and activities, a chapel, kitchens, and dining rooms.
What does a typical Urban Challenge retreat day consist of?
The day typically begins at 8:00 AM when all participants gather for morning prayer and reflection. From there, the students leave for their work sites at 8:30 and return to the Romero Center around 2:30 PM. Upon their return, participants will process their service experiences and what they are learning about themselves and the world around them. The rest of the day may include a tour of Camden, dinner, and various educational social justice activities or speakers. We end the evening with a reflection and prayer. We encourage participants to get as much rest as possible as we maintain a very ambitious schedule!
What kind of work will I be doing at the service sites?
We offer a variety of service sites to choose from throughout Camden and Philadelphia. The work sites may include: schools and pre-schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters, soup kitchens and food banks, housing rehabilitation, drop-in centers for persons infected and affected with HIV and AIDS, and other social service agencies in the area. Some sites require more physical labor than others. More often than not, participants will be asked to be a ministry of presence for those they are serving.
How safe will I be while in Camden?
Romero Center Ministries takes the utmost precaution in keeping all of our visitors safe during their time with us. We are located on a parish campus with much activity, and our building itself is equipped with an alarm system and secure locks on both our doors and gate. Students are always accompanied by an adult. We work with social service sites in both Camden and Philadelphia with whom we have long-standing relationships. Our staff is here throughout the day and well into the evening and adult chaperones stay with the students overnight. If you have specific concerns about safety, please feel free to contact us so that we can address your concerns directly.
I am not Catholic. Will I be welcome to participate in the programs that the Romero Center has to offer?
Absolutely. Our retreats are rooted in the biblical and social teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, but we welcome people of all faiths and spiritual traditions, as well as those who are struggling with or discerning their spiritual journey. We strive to provide a hospitable atmosphere to all those who come to Romero Center Ministries, and we promise to walk with you, no matter where you are on your journey of faith.
What should I bring?
- Sleeping bag or twin-size bed sheets, towel, wash cloth
- Personal toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, sunscreen, etc.)
- Journal or notebook
- $3.00 for social justice activity
- Water bottle (to take with you to the service sites)
- Appropriate clothes:
- Long pants and closed-toed shoes are mandatory for all service sites
- Shorts must be long
- Shirts must be appropriate and modest
- Sandals or flip-flops may be worn at the Romero Center only, not at service sites
- Be prepared for hot, cold, rain, wind, whatever!
- Bring church clothes if you will be here for Sunday morning
What can’t I bring?
- iPods, MP3 players, etc.
- Cell phones (If you bring one, it will stay in your room at all times and you will leave it at the Romero Center while you’re at the work site)
- Anything that is not replaceable or has significant value (e.g. jewelry, i-pod, etc.)
- A lot of money