desales, Brooklyn, MI

Michigan is a state that truly offers something for everyone, especially those looking to step away from the everyday and find a space for reflection, growth, or community building. While many might think of traditional campgrounds with tents and RVs, there are also unique facilities designed for group experiences, retreats, and specialized programs. One such place is the DeSales Retreat Center in Brooklyn, Michigan. More than just a campground in the conventional sense, DeSales provides a dedicated environment for Catholic youth evangelization, spiritual retreats, and various group gatherings, making it a distinctive and valuable resource for communities across Michigan and beyond.

DeSales Retreat Center, also known for its summer program Camp DeSales, has a rich history rooted in supporting spiritual growth and leadership development, particularly among Catholic high school students and parish youth groups. Sponsored by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, the center aims to help participants "encounter Christ, become their best selves, and Live Jesus for life." It serves as a spiritual home and resource for parishes and schools, offering a structured yet inspiring setting for faith-based learning and community.

Beyond its primary mission for youth, DeSales Retreat Center also makes its facilities available for various other non-profit groups, workshops, and individual retreats, showcasing its versatility. Nestled on a beautiful, wooded lakeside property, it offers a tranquil environment conducive to focused activities, learning, and personal reflection. While it may not be a public campground where individuals simply set up a tent for leisure, its well-equipped facilities and natural surroundings make it an exceptional "campground" for groups seeking a purposeful and enriching experience in Michigan’s beautiful Irish Hills region. It’s a clean and well-maintained facility, consistently noted for its inviting atmosphere.

DeSales Retreat Center is located at 1198 DeSales Drive, Brooklyn, MI 49230, USA. This address places it within a scenic and somewhat secluded area of Brooklyn, Michigan, near the picturesque Vineyard Lake. Its location in the Irish Hills region of Lenawee County offers a blend of natural beauty and relatively easy access for groups traveling from various parts of Michigan.

The center is approximately 50 miles from major metropolitan areas such as Toledo, Lansing, and Detroit Metro Airport, and about 200 miles from Chicago. This makes it a convenient destination for regional groups. Directions provided by DeSales indicate that it is located at the end of Daugherty Road, which intersects M-50. For those coming from the Detroit area, taking I-94 West or US-23 South to US-12, then west on US-12 to M-50, and finally a right turn on Daugherty Road, will lead you to the center. From the Toledo area, traveling north on US-23 to M-50 (Dundee), then west on M-50 past US-12 and a right turn on Daugherty Road is the recommended route. For those approaching from Chicago and Lansing, I-94 East to US-127 South, then US-127 South to M-50 East, traveling through Napoleon and Brooklyn, and finally a left turn on Daugherty Road. These clear directions ensure that groups can navigate their way efficiently to the retreat center.

The secluded nature of its location, surrounded by 214 acres of wooded, lakefront property on Vineyard Lake, contributes to its peaceful atmosphere, ideal for focused retreats and camps. Despite its tranquil setting, it's not entirely isolated; the town of Brooklyn offers basic amenities nearby, ensuring convenience for guests. The facility’s deep integration with the natural landscape enhances its appeal as a dedicated "campground" for spiritual and developmental programs.

DeSales Retreat Center offers a variety of services tailored primarily for group retreats and specialized programs:

Lodging Facilities: The center provides various accommodation options, including Lawrence Lodge (sleeping up to 38 in 18 air-conditioned rooms, with additional mattress capacity), Vineyard Cabin, and Blue Cabin, which can collectively accommodate up to 80 guests. Welch Cottage is also available. Pillows and blankets are provided in Lawrence Lodge and Welch Cottage, with linens available for rent, while guests for the cabins need to bring their own.
Meeting and Dining Spaces: Lawrence Lodge features a living room accommodating up to 50 guests and a dining room for up to 80. Groups have full access to a residential-size snack kitchen for meal preparation. Main kitchen facilities in Lawrence Lodge are generally not available for self-prepared meals, but catering options are offered.
Chapel Access: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Chapel is usually available to all visitors and can be reserved for communal prayer by groups. It includes a 1,000-volume Salesian and spiritual library.
Meal Services: DeSales can provide meals for groups, with listed prices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Groups also have the option to self-cater using the snack kitchen or order carry-out from local restaurants.
Program Support: For Camp DeSales and other youth programs, the center provides a structured environment that includes peer group support, opportunities for Catholic discipleship, and a focus on evangelization.
Housekeeping Services: Final clean-up services are available for an additional fee, offering convenience for departing groups.
Outdoor Activities: Access to the 214-acre wooded property allows for activities such as hiking, swimming (in Vineyard Lake), canoeing, and fishing, depending on weather conditions.
Accessibility: Holley Institute, an affiliated non-profit serving those with hearing and vision loss, operates facilities at DeSales Center, indicating a commitment to accessibility for various groups.

DeSales Retreat Center boasts several key features and highlights that make it a unique and valuable destination:

Lakeside Setting on Vineyard Lake: The center is situated on 214 acres of scenic woodland with lakefront access to Vineyard Lake. This provides a serene backdrop for retreats and opportunities for water-based recreational activities like swimming, canoeing, and fishing.
Dedicated Retreat Facilities: Unlike a public campground, DeSales is specifically designed for group retreats, offering tailored spaces like conference rooms, a chapel, and multiple lodging options that foster a focused and communal environment.
Spiritual Focus: As the home of Camp DeSales and a primary venue for Catholic youth evangelization, it offers a unique spiritual dimension that many other "campgrounds" do not. The presence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Chapel is a significant highlight.
Versatile Accommodations: With Lawrence Lodge, Vineyard Cabin, Blue Cabin, and Welch Cottage, the center can comfortably host groups of varying sizes, up to 80 guests, offering both private rooms and communal sleeping arrangements.
Flexible Meal Options: The ability for groups to either utilize the provided meal services or prepare their own meals in the snack kitchen offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Nature Immersion: The expansive wooded property provides ample space for hiking and enjoying nature, contributing to the restorative aspect of retreats.
Community-Oriented Programs: The Salesian Leadership Camp (SLC) and other youth programs emphasize leadership skills, self-confidence, and service, creating a positive and empowering atmosphere for young participants.
Partnerships: Collaboration with organizations like the Holley Institute for programs supporting individuals with hearing and vision loss highlights its commitment to serving diverse community needs.

Given that DeSales Retreat Center primarily serves as a facility for pre-booked group retreats and specialized programs, general "promotions or special offers" in the typical commercial sense are not widely advertised for individual campers. However, interested groups, particularly non-profits or religious organizations, should directly contact the DeSales Retreat Center to inquire about:

Group Rates: Pricing for facility rentals, lodging, and meal services will be based on group size, duration of stay, and specific needs.
Program-Specific Pricing: For programs like Camp DeSales, there will be set fees that cover the full experience.
Off-Season Availability: Facilities are often available during the academic year for retreats, and there might be more flexibility or specific rates during non-peak times.
Day Use Options: Day rental of the Camp (including Lawrence Lodge, Pavilion, Chapel) is available, with specific rates and options to add conference rooms.
Donation-Based Use: A recommended donation for using only the Chapel for communal prayer is listed, indicating a flexible approach for certain uses.

For the most accurate and personalized information regarding availability, pricing, and any current offerings for your specific group or retreat needs, direct contact with the DeSales Retreat Center staff is highly recommended.

For all inquiries, retreat reservations, or to learn more about the DeSales Retreat Center and its programs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1198 DeSales Drive, Brooklyn, MI 49230, USA

Phone for Retreat Reservations (Father Ken McKenna): 517-414-0784

Email for Retreat Reservations: McKenna@desales.org

Email for Hermitage Reservations: Annette@desales.org

Email for DeSales Catholic Youth Camp Reservations: Travoto@desales.org

General contact details for the main office or other inquiries may also be available on their official website.

For Michiganders, DeSales Retreat Center offers a distinct and valuable resource that goes beyond the typical idea of a "campground." While it may not cater to individual tent or RV campers seeking a spontaneous weekend getaway, it serves as an exceptional destination for organized groups, particularly those focused on spiritual development, youth programs, and educational retreats. Its peaceful lakeside setting on Vineyard Lake, combined with comprehensive lodging, meeting spaces, and the beautiful Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Chapel, creates an ideal environment for focused learning, reflection, and community building.

For local schools, churches, non-profit organizations, or any group in Michigan seeking a dedicated space for an enriching retreat experience, DeSales Retreat Center provides a well-equipped, serene, and purpose-driven venue. The opportunity to utilize a facility with such a strong mission, nestled in the natural beauty of the Irish Hills, makes it a truly suitable and beneficial option for various local initiatives. Its commitment to youth evangelization and support for specific communities, like those with hearing and vision loss through its partnership with the Holley Institute, further highlights its unique and valuable role within Michigan's landscape of retreat and camp facilities. It's a place where groups can truly thrive and find a deeper connection, both with each other and with their chosen purpose.