2026 Higher Ground Dates
Week 1: May 24 - 29, 2026
Week 2: May 31 - June 5, 2026
Higher Ground is for students who are currently sophomores, juniors, or seniors in high school. This program is sponsored by the Diocese of Grand Island's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Higher Ground is limited to 30 youth participants and 10-12 adult staff who gather in an informal atmosphere where they will build relationships of trust and have a lot of fun. This retreat is an incredible opportunity for students to grow stronger in their relationship with Christ while getting to know their peers from around the diocese. By the end of the retreat, students have a greater love for God and a new community of faith. Participants are required to stay the entire week with the exception of an emergency.
The 2026 registration cost for Higher Ground is $375 with an early bird rate of $325 through February 8, 2026. A late fee of $395 will apply to registrations received after April 15, 2026.
Higher Ground is held at Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, NE. Transportation is the responsibility of participants, but if you need help getting to camp, our office is available to help coordinate rides.
For more information contact Joan Falcon or J. Nesbitt at (308) 254-2828. Thanks!
Higher Ground Extreme Faith (HGXF) Middle School Retreat is a Catholic youth program for those who have completed sixth, seventh, or eighth grade in the spring of 2026. At HGXF, middle schoolers come together at Camp Maranatha where they get to experience the joy of Christ in an amazing week of faith, fun, and friends. The week consists of camp activities, games, small groups, sacraments, and new friendships. They are inspired to reflect on their initiation into the Church at their baptism and our continued call to actively participate in the church we belong to.
This program is sponsored by the Diocese of Grand Island Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. This is a high-energy program with busy days and a lot of engagement. The week begins Sunday afternoon and ends early afternoon on the following Thursday. Participants are required to stay the entire week with the exception of an emergency.
The 2026 registration cost for HGXF is $450 with an early bird rate of $399 through February 8, 2026. A late fee of $490 will apply to registrations received after April 15, 2026.
HGXF is held at Camp Maranatha near Maxwell, NE. Transportation is the responsibility of participants, but if you need help getting to camp, our office is available to help coordinate rides.
For more information contact Joan Falcon or J. Nesbitt at (308) 254-2828. Thanks!
Steubenville Retreat 2026: Worthy
FAQ's
Who can participate in this trip? High school freshmen through graduating seniors from any parish within the diocese. (currently in grades 9-12)
How do I register my teenager for the GI Diocese trip? To attend the trip with our diocese, you must register using the link at the top of the page (registration opens 2/1/2026). This link will take you to the diocesan registration form. Complete the form and submit payment.
Which Steubenville Conference are we going to? There are 25 Steubenville youth conferences held each summer across the country. The Grand Island Diocese is sponsoring a trip to Steubenville of the Rockies on June 19-21, 2026. Location: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Aurora, CO
Where will we stay? Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Aurora, CO
How will we get there? We will be traveling by motorcoach and plan to pick up and drop off at several locations along Interstate 80.
I have never been to a Steubenville Conference, what does the weekend involve? What does the schedule look like? Steubenville Conferences follow a consistent schedule and theme each year, regardless of location. The weekend is designed to give youth a powerful opportunity to connect with peers who share their faith, in an environment that encourages openness to hear God speak to them. This is achieved through keynote talks, breakout sessions, the celebration of the sacraments, and by emphasizing encountering Christ in the Eucharist—often described as fostering a sense of “Eucharistic amazement.”
How much do I have to pay? The cost of Steubenville of the Rockies for 2026 is $450 for students, with an early bird rate of $399 through February 8, 2026. A late fee of $499 will apply after April 15, 2026. All registrations require a $100 non-refundable deposit. All payments are made to the Diocese of Grand Island and are due by April 15, 2026. When a family plans to have kids attend 3 or more diocesan youth events in the same summer, please contact our office to find out about our family discount (yya@gidiocese.org)
What does the fee cover? The fee covers bus transportation, conference fees, lodging (4 students per room) and meals while at the conference. (excluded are meals when traveling).
What if I need financial assistance? We believe the cost should not keep youth from participating. Please contact your parish about whether fundraising opportunities are available to help with the costs beyond the initial non-refundable deposit. In addition to this, there are scholarships available through the diocese for those in need, please contact the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for more information.
What is the refund policy for 2026? We understand that extenuating circumstances do arise and that your child may not be able to attend the youth event for which they have registered. If your child must cancel their registration, refunds will be offered within the following guidelines. Each event has a $100 non-refundable deposit; this amount cannot be refunded for any reason. All remaining fees will be refunded when cancellation is requested prior to the event registration deadline of April 15, 2026. After the registration deadline, refunds will only be given in cases of family or medical emergencies. No refund will be applied if cancellation is within 15 days of the beginning of the event.
Who will be leading this trip? The diocesan trip is being led by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry,
Will there be adult leaders? Yes, we will have the appropriate number of adult leaders. We have a ratio of 1:6 as our standard policy. We request that parishes that have more than three youth attending supply a leader from their parish. In an effort to recruit committed leaders, the Diocese Youth Office is willing to share in the leader's cost along with the applicant and parish. Please meet with your pastor and ask if he will support you in this ministry by paying a part of the fees.
Who do I contact if I need more information? If you need more info or have suggestions on additional FAQs, please feel free to contact Michalene Iversen in the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at yya@gidiocese.org or 308-382-6565 or Joan Falcon or J. Nesbitt. Thanks!
Communications
Please note that all communications relating to diocesan youth events are through email, so please provide us with a current email address you use regularly. You will receive a confirmation email upon registration for this event. Additional communications will be sent approximately 3 weeks prior to the start of this event. Please check your email and junk mail regularly for these communications.
