Bay Lake Island
Retreat Center
We have an Island!
Why?
We thought it was a great way to focus and relax at the same time.
Our purpose is to provide a setting that is fun and comfortable
allowing for the peace to be apparent.
It's an introspective time, even when talking with others.
It's building memorable moments -
like the warmth, smell, crackle and colors of a great campfire;
like the first minute in bed after a tiring day;
like sitting in a hammock instead of a hard wooden chair.
And Bay Island Retreat Center is even better
because it's about the happiness of YOU!
We're Thinking Big!
What goes on here>
Conferences | Seminars | Meet and Greets | Life Improving Events | Multi-Day Retreats
Nature Walks on/off Walkways | Baseball games | Campfires | Great Talking Spots |
Outdoor Spiritual Services | Yurts and Tipis | Native American Ceremonies |
Maple Syrup Making | Seasonal Mushroom Harvesting | Outdoor Woodfire Pizza Oven |
Cooking Events in our Full Commercial Kitchen | | Kids arts and Crafts | Many Kids Games | Boating Excursions | Self-Discovery | Practice At Getting Back To Happy!
Staff at this location
Bay Lake Island Retreat Staff >
Bay Lake Retreat Center Director - HR Benefits Specialist
Chef Estelle
Lifeguard
Bay Lake Retreat Center Operations Coordinator
Island Infrastructure
Staff Bios
Meet our Chef
Estelle Cole
Born in Pittsburgh, PA but raised on Cape Cod, I was surrounded with beauty, beaches and incredible food. As an adult, I was able to harness this beauty and creativity into my life's passion - cooking and serving delicious meals. I had some wonderful mentors that taught me how to make tasty home-cooked meals. I was a Religious Sister in a Benedictine Community for 32 years and had many experiences - spending time cooking, living and learning at our mission house in Tuscany, singing and traveling with a world-class choir, and working in our publishing house as well as being the Chef for our Retreat Center and Guest House. My life was steeped in life skills, dedication, commitment, hard-work, and creativity (and fun!) Hospitality is at the core of who I am and how I seek to serve.
My hobbies include vegetable gardening, crafting, sewing, and animal and nature loving.
I look forward to serving on the Bay Lake Staff this summer and share my love and passion for great tasting food with you.
EVENTS
Tangled Anchor - An event for Women Entrepreneurs
May 18, 2023
Strategy workshops, connection time, lunch and guided wilderness hike. Please see their website for more information and how to register!
Island Open House - Please come see!
June 30, 2023 3pm - 7pm
Thinking of booking the island for your next event? Come and tour!
Shuttles available, meet the staff, ask questions, and sample some of Chef Estelle’s baking!
Girls are Bold!
June 23-25, 2023
For girls 5th-12th Grade- Please see their website for more information and how to register!
Good Eats, Songs, Memories
June 3, 2023
A celebration in memory of this island's 1976 Bay Lake Camp Manager John Rudeen.
Ayllu-Connection with the Living World of Energy
July 13-16, 2023
Excited to welcome International Master Teacher & Healer T’ito Q’osñipa Kuntur
Please see their website for more information and how to register!
The Naming Project
July 23-28, 2023
For 13-18 year-olds or those who have completed 7th-12th grades who are of any sexual orientation or gender identity or expression to further understand their own spiritual journeys with other teen campers. Please see their website for more information and how to register!
Laurel Leaf Yoga and Retreats
August 18-20, 2023
Adult Self-Care Summer Camp!
Please see website for more information and how to register!