Camp Monarch: Family Retreat Weekend
Join us for Camp Monarch: Family Retreat Weekend. Camp Monarch celebrates the strength, resilience, and transformation found within every family living with a bleeding disorder. Like the monarch butterfly, whose remarkable journey is made possible through perseverance and generations working together, families come together at camp to learn, connect, and grow. Through shared adventures, meaningful conversations, and lasting friendships, Camp Monarch is a place where every family finds support, belonging, and the confidence to continue their bleeding disorder journey together.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Julian, this retreat offers the perfect balance of fun and education. Families can look forward to classic camp programming provided by the YMCA, including archery, campfires, team-building activities, and more — all adapted to be inclusive and safe for individuals with bleeding disorders.
In addition to the outdoor adventure, the retreat will feature interactive educational sessions for parents. Topics may include:
- Pipeline – New Therapies
- Understanding Hympavzi
- Mental Wellness and Coping Strategies
- Infusion Training
WHY ATTEND?
Opportunities for peer connection, small group discussions, and guided support circles will help build lasting relationships and strengthen our shared community.
This retreat is a unique opportunity to blend meaningful education with memorable experiences—all in a supportive and inclusive environment. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing a bleeding disorder for years, there’s something here for everyone.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
Our programs and events are open to individuals with a bleeding disorder, carriers, immediate family members/caregivers living in HASDC’s service area (San Diego & Imperial Counties). Due to limited space, we are unable to accept event registrations for those without a bleeding disorder in their immediate family, as well as family of volunteers, exhibitors, and sponsors.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Families will stay together in comfortable onsite cabins nestled among the pines at YMCA Camp Marston and enjoy a variety of classic camp activities designed for the whole family. From archery, hiking, and arts & crafts to team games, campfires, and outdoor adventures, every activity is an opportunity to have fun together while creating lasting memories.
This retreat is all about community. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with other families who understand the unique challenges and strengths of living with a bleeding disorder. Through shared meals, family activities, and educational sessions, there will be plenty of time to build friendships, share experiences, and strengthen the supportive connections that extend well beyond the weekend. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to reconnect with familiar faces, you’ll leave with new memories, valuable resources, and a stronger sense of belonging.
Please note: This is a family-centered event and childcare will not be provided. Programming is designed for families to participate in together, and all children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
EVENT DETAILS
Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 23, 2026
Venue: YMCA Camp Marston
VENUE ADDRESS
YMCA Camp Marston
4761 Pine Hills Rd.
Julian, CA 92036
REGISTRATION | CHECK-IN
4:00PM – 6:00PM
PARKING
YMCA Camp Marston parking lot.
FAMILY WEEKEND COST
Each family is to pay a non-refundable $50.00 registration fee. Additional retreat costs are underwritten by grants and funds raised by HASDC.
LODGING
You will be staying in the camp’s traditional cabins which sleep up to 6 people per room. Each cabin has two bathrooms inside. If you wish to share a cabin with a specific family, there is a spot in the registration where you can indicate so, otherwise assignments will be made at random.
MEALS
Meals are served buffet-style with a fruit and cereal bar at breakfast, and a salad bar at lunch and dinner. Five meals are included in your stay. (Friday dinner—Sun breakfast) The YMCA caters to vegetarians and, with prior notification, they can accommodate most food allergies and dietary needs. Please refer to the agenda for meal times.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
Arrival
Friday, August 21 at 4:00PM
Departure
Sunday, August 23 at 12:00PM
AGENDA
Activities are subject to change.
Friday, August 21, 2026
| TIME | PROGRAM AGENDA |
|---|---|
| 4:00PM – 6:00PM | Registration Open Please check in at Camp Office (HASDC welcome table) |
| 6:00PM – 7:00PM | Dinner (Dining Hall) |
| 7:45PM – 8:00PM | Cookies! (Dining Hall) |
| 8:00PM – 8:30PM | Night Hike (led by YMCA) |
| 10:00PM | Quiet Hours Begin |
Saturday, August 22, 2026
| TIME | PROGRAM AGENDA |
|---|---|
| 8:00AM | Breakfast Dining Hall |
| 8:45AM | Safety & Activity Orientation |
| 9:30AM – 11:45AM | Presentation: “Understanding Hympavzi” (Upper Holmes) Presentation: “Mental Health and Nature” (Upper Holmes) Open Activities Arts & Crafts Archery Range Climbing Tower Marksmanship Range Paintball Slingshots Self-led Activities: nature hike, Ga Ga, Bouldering Wall, Basketball, Horseshoes, Lower Holmes (ping pong) |
| 12:00PM | Lunch (Dining Hall) |
| 2:00PM – 4:45PM | Open Activities Arts & Crafts Archery Range Climbing Tower Marksmanship Range Paintball Slingshots Self-led Activities: nature hike, Ga Ga, Bouldering Wall, Basketball, Horseshoes, Lower Holmes (ping pong) |
| 4:00PM – 5:00PM | Presentation: “Navigating School with a Bleeding Disorder” (Upper Holmes) |
| 5:30PM | Dinner (Dining Hall) |
| 7:00PM | Campfire/Skit Night |
| 9:00PM | Quiet Hours Begin |
Sunday, August 23, 2026
| TIME | PROGRAM AGENDA |
|---|---|
| 8:00AM | Breakfast (Dining Hall) |
| 8:30AM – 9:30AM | Pack, Clean and Vacate Lodges |
| 9:30AM – 10:30AM | Presentation by Rady Children’s Health HTTC (Upper Holmes) Open Activities Arts & Crafts Archery Range Climbing Tower Marksmanship Range Paintball Slingshots Self-led Activities: nature hike, Ga Ga, Bouldering Wall, Basketball, Horseshoes, Lower Holmes (ping pong) |
| 12:00PM | Departure from Camp Marston |
REGISTRATION
Spots are almost full! Registration closes end of day Wednesday, August 5.
Please note: if you are not currently in our database, you will receive an email to complete our Member Database form before your registration can be confirmed.
PACKING LIST
You will receive a complete packing list and final details to the primary registrants email once your registration is received.
WAITLIST
If you are registering and live outside of HASDC’s service area (San Diego & Imperial Counties), you will be placed on a waitlist. If space is available, we will reach out to you via email to confirm registration for this event.
SMS SHARING DISCLOSURE
No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes.
SPONSORS
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors for making this event possible.
