Brookhaven Christian Retreat

Are you looking for a peaceful escape in East Texas, a place where you can disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with your faith, your community, or simply the serene beauty of nature? Look no further than Brookhaven Christian Retreat, a dedicated campground and conference center nestled in the heart of Hawkins, TX. Designed with groups in mind, this retreat offers a unique blend of spiritual nourishment, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, making it an ideal destination for various gatherings, from youth summer camps to church conferences and family reunions.

Brookhaven Christian Retreat is more than just a place to stay; it's an environment crafted to foster spiritual growth, team building, and meaningful connections. Operated by Christian Mission Connection, a non-profit organization established in 1997, the retreat continues its long-standing tradition of providing a welcoming space for Christian organizations and other groups seeking a peaceful and purposeful getaway. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, spending your days in thoughtful study or engaging activities, and your evenings under a blanket of Texas stars. This is the experience that Brookhaven aims to deliver, emphasizing an atmosphere where individuals can experience rejuvenation and spiritual fulfillment.

The retreat’s mission is to provide a place for Christian Organizations to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering an environment where God’s Spirit can manifest in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It's a cross-denomination facility, welcoming all churches that profess Jesus Christ as the Son of God, embracing the idea of unity in Christ. The staff strives to ensure every participant experiences a time together in an atmosphere conducive to reflection, learning, and strengthening faith.

While a previous review mentioned some facilities being "kind of outdated," the general sentiment from many visitors points to an experience that "exceeds expectations." This suggests that while some amenities might not be brand new, the value, the staff's dedication, and the overall atmosphere more than compensate, creating a memorable and positive experience for many. The focus here is on the spiritual journey and communal experience, which often transcends the need for ultra-modern facilities.

Brookhaven Christian Retreat is conveniently located in Hawkins, Texas, specifically at 748 Co Rd 3909, Hawkins, TX 75765, USA. For those of us in Texas, its location in East Texas makes it a relatively accessible destination. It’s situated just north of Tyler, approximately 100 miles from Dallas and a similar distance from Shreveport, Louisiana. This makes it an ideal central meeting point for groups coming from various parts of the state or even neighboring states.

The retreat is found in the picturesque rolling hills of East Texas, overlooking Brooks Lake, a 71-acre spring-fed lake. The natural setting contributes significantly to the peaceful and reflective atmosphere of the retreat. While you might find that access to phones and multimedia, TV, and internet can be inconsistent on campus, this is often seen as a benefit, encouraging guests to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in their surroundings and their purpose for visiting. It’s a place where you can genuinely be alone with your thoughts and quiet yourself in the presence of God. This intentional environment allows for deeper communion and a true sense of peace.

Brookhaven Christian Retreat provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to group retreats and camps. Their offerings are designed to facilitate spiritual growth, education, and recreation in a supportive environment.

• Summer Camps: Brookhaven is a prominent host for 14 weeks of summer camps for children, focusing on leadership development programs and providing a fun-filled experience for young attendees.
• Weekend Retreats and Conferences: Throughout the year, the retreat hosts numerous weekend retreats and conferences for churches and various Christian organizations. These are designed to offer a respite from daily life and a chance for spiritual rejuvenation.
• Accommodations: They offer a variety of lodging options to suit different group sizes and preferences, including private rooms (hotel-like), semi-private rooms (lodge-like), dorm and bunkhouse options, and cabins for supplemental accommodations or smaller groups. All accommodations are air-conditioned/heated and have restrooms under the same roof.
• Meeting Spaces: The retreat boasts several conference buildings and meeting spaces, such as the Nazareth Conference Building, Hebron Conference Building, Dorm Meeting Room, Rec Room Meeting Space, and various outdoor meeting spaces. These are equipped to facilitate bible studies, worship services, and group discussions.
• Dining Services: Guests often rave about the food. One review specifically highlights that "every meal we had for 3 days was amazing (it's really really good!)." This indicates a commitment to providing quality and satisfying meals for all guests.
• Servant-hearted Staff: A consistent theme in positive reviews is the kindness and dedication of the staff. They are described as "very kind, faithful and well prepared to serve people," contributing significantly to a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Beyond the core services, Brookhaven Christian Retreat offers several features and highlights that enhance the retreat experience, providing opportunities for both spiritual reflection and engaging recreation.

• Natural Setting: The retreat's location in the rolling hills overlooking Brooks Lake provides a picturesque backdrop, conducive to relaxation and connecting with nature.
• Worship Center: The worship center is noted as being "very spacious and comfortable," aiding in focus during bible study and worship sessions.
• Recreational Activities: For groups looking for team-building or pure fun, Brookhaven offers a number of recreational options, often at no additional cost. These include a swimming pool, a lagoon water playground with a zip line, trapeze, and a huge water slide, a recreation room with air hockey, foosball, and table tennis, an athletic field (roughly the size of a football field), a horizontal climbing wall, sand volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, a GaGa pit, and a Mt. Carmel Campfire Circle.
• Proximity to Attractions: For groups interested in venturing off-site, Brookhaven is just a short drive from local attractions like Canton's First Monday Trade Days, golf courses, skeet shooting facilities, antique shopping, the Azalea Trail, and the Tyler Rose Garden.
• Water Source: The retreat is proud to be provided with some of the best water in the country from deep wells, just half a mile from where Ozarka Water fills their bottles, ensuring a clean and refreshing water supply for guests.

While specific, publicly advertised short-term promotions are not consistently detailed, Brookhaven Christian Retreat primarily focuses on offering affordable rates for group bookings. They encourage groups to call or email for rates and availability, suggesting that pricing may be customized based on group size, dates, and specific facility needs. Given their popularity, especially during peak seasons like summer for camps, it's advisable to book early. Returning groups often receive first right of refusal on their preferred dates, indicating a strong emphasis on repeat business and long-term relationships with the organizations they serve. Their overall model prioritizes offering a valuable and comprehensive retreat experience at a reasonable price, rather than flash sales.

For Texans looking to inquire about booking a retreat or learning more about Brookhaven Christian Retreat, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 748 Co Rd 3909, Hawkins, TX 75765, USA

Phone: (903) 769-2811

Mobile Phone: +1 903-769-2811

Email: Info@BrookhavenRetreat.org (as found on their official website)

It is always recommended to contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding availability, pricing for your specific group needs, and any other inquiries you may have.

For Texans seeking a dedicated space for spiritual growth, community building, or simply a refreshing break from the ordinary, Brookhaven Christian Retreat stands out as a highly suitable option. Its strategic location in East Texas makes it easily accessible for groups across the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing retreat enjoyment. The emphasis on providing a Christian-focused environment means that local churches, youth groups, and spiritual organizations will find a facility perfectly aligned with their mission and values.

The variety of accommodations ensures that groups of all sizes and preferences can be comfortably housed, from intimate leadership teams to large summer camps. The diverse range of services, from well-prepared meals to ample meeting spaces and engaging recreational activities, means that all aspects of a successful retreat are catered for under one roof. The staff's reputation for kindness and preparedness further enhances the experience, ensuring a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.

While one review mentioned some facilities being "outdated," it's clear that the overall experience at Brookhaven Christian Retreat is highly valued by many who visit. The focus here is on the quality of the programming, the spiritual environment, and the human connection, rather than just the newest amenities. For Texans looking for a peaceful, faith-centered, and community-oriented getaway, Brookhaven Christian Retreat offers an authentic and enriching experience that fosters spiritual growth, strengthens bonds, and creates lasting memories in the beautiful setting of East Texas. It’s a place where you can truly find peace and purpose away from the daily demands of life.