RANCH 2025 - July 7-13, 2025
Renew. Reconnect. Recommit.
An Unforgettable Week of Adventure, Brotherhood, and Conversion
Fraternus Ranch is a time and place for Catholic men—fathers, sons, and priests— to gather as a brotherhood to test and push past their limits physically and spiritually, while forging deep friendships.
What to Expect –
The Ranch Experience
Each day begins and ends with the Sacraments and liturgical prayer of the Church. Receive challenging formation on being a man rooted in Christ and His Church. Confession is available throughout.
Rotate each day through activities that include white water rafting on the longest class iii and iv rapids of any river in the country, a huge wave pool and water slide, top notch paintball course, rock climbing wall, a high rope tower course, and more.
The final full day is the Warrior Dash where groups compete in a series of exhilarating and challenging physical events.
Each evening concludes with a dynamic and structured program modeled after a Frat Night highlighted by special guest presentations.
Join us for a transformative journey that blends outdoor adventure, physical challenge, and spiritual growth at Ocoee Ridge Camp in the pristine wilderness of the magnificent Cherokee National Forest in east Tennessee.
Ranch was great for my spiritual life, I would spend the rest of my life there if I had the opportunity.
—10th grader
The best thing about Ranch was being with my sons for the week. This was a great spiritual reset for a busy father.
—Father
Ranch is by far the most enriching experience my son and I have ever had together. Nowhere else have we experienced this depth of faith, formation, and challenge oriented to building strong young Catholic men. The future of the Church is here. —Father
Ranch is an experience that elevates boys and young men to reach for virtue first. I can’t imagine a stronger opportunity for boys, young men, and fathers to grow in faith, virtue, and brotherhood. Thanks be to God for the great gift of Fraternus and Ranch!! —Father
Ranch is the ultimate adventure for Catholic men and young men. The level of combined brotherhood, spiritual fulfillment, adventure, teamwork and achievement is unmatched in any other setting. I wish that something like this existed when I was a young man.—Father
Ranch was a great experience for me, but even more importantly it was tremendous for my son. He had reservations about several activities, but was encouraged by several people and he faced his fears. He hasn’t stopped talking about the experience. —Father
Ranch is an experience that elevates boys and young men to reach for virtue first. I can’t imagine a stronger opportunity for boys, young men, and fathers to grow in faith, virtue, and brotherhood. Thanks be to God for the great gift of Fraternus and Ranch!! —Father
Ranch is an incredible experience whether you are a young man or an adult. It is life changing in so many ways from the reverent liturgies to the adoration and confession times, all of the activities that allow you to bond with your brothers. —Father
Fraternus Ranch is an experience which delivers something quite important in this world. It balances outdoor fun and sports with deep inner spiritual contemplation. It helps for younger men to understand what it means to be a man, something which has been distorted and blurred in modern society. I met my closest friend through Ranch a few years ago.—Father
Ranch has been a great opportunity to grow spiritually and grow in brotherhood. The Warrior Dash especially is a great opportunity to grow in brotherhood since friendships are forged in adversity.—Father
Ranch is an experience that elevates boys and young men to reach for virtue first. I can’t imagine a stronger opportunity for boys, young men, and fathers to grow in faith, virtue, and brotherhood. Thanks be to God for the great gift of Fraternus and Ranch!! —Father
It was simply glorious. I have grown spiritually, gotten closer to my brothers, and pushed myself physically. Thank you.— 10th grader
It is a great experience that you can pretty much do only once in a lifetime, but I have been lucky enough to do it for three.—8th grader
It was one of the most holy weeks I have ever experienced. It was the retreat of a lifetime. —10th grader
REGISTRATION AND PRICING
$660 Early Bird Pricing (Ends December 8, 2024)
$710 Regular Rate (December 9 to March 31)
$765 Late pricing (April 1 to June 15)
Deadline to register is June 15
There is nothing like Fraternus Ranch
Fraternus Ranch is more than a vacation, more than a retreat, more than an outdoor getaway.
It is a unique invitation for you to challenge your limits physically and spiritually while having an unforgettably good time.
FAQ
Ranch combines the best elements of a religious retreat but with a significant part of the time spent outdoors being physical and at play.
Yes. Registration is limited to current Chapter members and those in prospective Chapters.
Absolutely. While the Fraternus mission is to mentor the next generation into faithful and virtuous men, it is open to all ages beginning in the fifth grade.
HAWC retreat dates are 7/7 - 7/9
Typical attendance exceeds 500 men and young men.
A detailed packing list will be provided once you register.
Yes, just let us know at registration.
Yes. Check with your Chapter or contact accounting@fraternus.net
Fraternus is a non-profit organization and we are grateful for donors who make it possible for those unable to attend to be part of Ranch including priests and seminarians. You can donate here.
Fathers must accompany sons under 12. Whitewater rafting requirements are 12 years and older.
Check with your Chapter Commander for how to help volunteer your time.
