St. Columba Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center Offers new Opportunities to get Outside, Connect With Nature

Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee
Posted Mar 1, 2021

ADA-compliant lodges feature woods and lake views, screened porches, fireplaces. Each building sleeps 18 guests in six bedrooms with private bathrooms. Includes a meeting room, dining room, kitchen.

On March 1, St. Columba Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center is thrilled to begin welcoming guests to the newly-constructed Coleman and Johnson Lodges. These buildings add to the existing Scheibler and Sanders Lodges on the grounds, along with two private Hermitage retreat facilities. Nearly a year after pandemic measures restricted social gathering opportunities, St. Columba will be able to invite even more families and groups to gather safely indoors while enjoying a beautiful natural sanctuary outdoors.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, Americans have flocked to outdoor recreation amid COVID-19 restrictions, seeking both physical and mental wellness activities. St. Columba offers easy access for campers and hikers. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Memphis, the lodges are surrounded by 145 acres of woods, trails and wildlife. Both of the new ADA-compliant lodges feature six bedrooms with three beds and private bathrooms. Additionally, there is a full kitchen, great room, conference room, screened-in sun porch and two fireplaces. The flexible space can host campers, families, and church and business retreats for day or overnight events. Groups can hike and fish, or add high adventure, such as zip lining, for an additional fee.

“We are ecstatic that despite challenges from the pandemic, work continued on these two new lodges. This is the culmination of years of work from our staff and generous donations from our friends,” commented Executive Director Brad Thompson. “Interest in spending time outdoors is at all-time high as a direct result of the coronavirus. At the same time, families and groups are desperate to connect in-person. These lodges offer plenty of space for smaller groups to socially distance inside, while providing immediate access to St. Columba’s beautiful property.”

For more information visit www.saintcolumbamemphis.org, email suzanne@saintcolumbamemphis.org or call 901-377-9284.