Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center

08/14/2026

A nice article about the Center and our open house this weekend.

For Executive Director Rika Beckley, the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center has remained a hidden treasure in the town of Carefree. Read about it at thefoothillsfocus.com/features/spirit-in-the-desert-welcomes-community/article_337e1918-fb72-4e25-826e-a71ebfd28892.html.

08/12/2026

Sneak peek at some of the treasures you’ll find at this week’s pop-up sale!

🗓 Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

📍 7415 E. Elbow Bend Road, Carefree

Enjoy refreshments and a tour of the Spirit in the Desert campus while you’re here. We look forward to your visit!

08/11/2026

Preview of our pop up sale items. Stop by this Friday 8-5 and Saturday 8-5.

08/11/2026

We’re excited to host this fun evening at Spirit in the Desert! 💃🕺
Join us Saturday, September 19, for Dancing with the Stars, Arizona style, all while supporting organizations that strengthen our Desert Foothills community.

💃Looking for a fun night out that gives back?

Imagine Dancing with the Stars—Arizona style! Watch Arizona TV personalities compete in an entertaining dance competition while cheering for your favorite nonprofit.

Your ticket helps provide programming for all ages that sparks creativity, encourages lifelong learning, brings neighbors together, and builds the relationships that make our community stronger.

We're honored to stand alongside fellow nonprofits working toward the same goal—a healthier, more connected Desert Foothills.

📅Saturday, September 19 | 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
📍Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center | 7415 E Elbow Bend Rd, Carefree
🎟 Details and tickets, visit: https://scullylearningcenter.com/dancing/

08/10/2026

We were honored to welcome Stepping Stones of Hope to Spirit in the Desert for this meaningful weekend of reflection, connection, and dreaming about the future. 💚 We’re grateful to be a place where important conversations and new possibilities can take root.

Reimagining the Future 💚

What happens when you bring together the people who know and love Stepping Stones of Hope? You listen, reflect, dream—and imagine what’s possible.

More than 25 past campers, volunteers, board members, and friends gathered at Spirit in the Desert for a meaningful weekend of connection, personal discovery, and collaboration.

Together, we shared experiences, explored the values that define our community, and helped shape ideas for the future of our camps and programs.
We left the weekend reminded that Stepping Stones of Hope has always been about more than a camp—it’s about compassion, connection, healing, and hope.

To everyone who shared their voice, their stories, their ideas, and their heart with us: thank you. 💚

The next chapter is beginning, and we’re excited to create it together.

08/04/2026

Need a midweek pause?

Join us this Wednesday, August 5, at 4 p.m. for Wednesday Respite, a peaceful 30-minute service led by Spiritual Director Henry Rojas.

Through Scripture, prayer, music, communion, and community, we’ll step away from the busyness of the week and make space to be refreshed.

Free and open to everyone. We hope you’ll join us in the Sunset Chapel at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center.

07/31/2026

All are welcome.

07/28/2026

We’re growing our hospitality team! Spirit in the Desert is hiring housekeepers and mid-week dishwashers. If you take pride in your work and enjoy serving others as part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Rob at 480-488-5218 or [email protected].

Please share with someone who might be a great fit!

07/25/2026

Join us for Spirit in the Desert's Open House & Pop-Up Sale on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15!

Come explore our peaceful campus, tour the grounds, enjoy refreshments, and discover what makes Spirit in the Desert such a special place for rest, reflection, and renewal. You'll also find great bargains at our pop-up sale!

Whether you're a longtime friend or have never visited before, we'd love to welcome you.

📍 Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
7415 E. Elbow Bend Dr., Carefree

See you there!

07/19/2026

Seven stones. Seven invitations to pause, reflect and pray.

The Campbell Prayer Pathway is based on The 7 Steps of Morning Prayer from Joyce Rupp’s meditation book, Out of the Ordinary.

Along the path, seven stones invite us to reflect on Gratitude, Love, Hope, Compassion, Generosity, Laughter and Patience.

Which of these words speaks most deeply to you today?

Come walk the Campbell Prayer Pathway at Spirit in the Desert. The short, flat, wheelchair- accessible path is located between the Labyrinth in the Desert and the Islands of Silence.