FAQs
What is Project 5130?
Is the weekend physically challenging?
What time does the retreat begin and end?
Project 5130 is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to personal transformation, leadership development, and spiritual growth. We offer immersive retreats, one-on-one discipleship, and monthly community gatherings designed to foster lasting change. Our model invites participants to begin with a retreat and continue their journey through intentional discipleship and community, with the hope that they will return as volunteer staff for future retreats—creating a powerful cycle of growth, service, and impact.
As Christ-followers, we exist to equip young men to live more authentic, purposeful lives by deepening their connection with themselves, with others, and with God.
Where does the name 5130 come from?
Project 5130 began as a leadership initiative inspired by Psalms 51 and 130. Our weekends are rooted in the life of King David—a man after God’s own heart. Yet, like all men, David had flaws and failures. It took another man, Nathan, to lovingly confront him and shine a light on where he was falling short of his God-given potential. In response, David poured out his heart in Psalm 51. Psalm 130 echoes that same spirit—a powerful prayer of repentance and hope, where the psalmist cries out to God from the depths, seeking mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.
Is 5130 connected to a specific church or denomination?
What does “faith based” mean and do I have to be a Christian to attend?
We are not connected to any one church, denomination, or movement. On the weekend, you will be encouraged to grow and live out your faith in your local church community.
Who goes to these weekends?
Young men that want or need change in their life.
Can I leave if I decide it’s not for me?
5130 uses Biblical teachings to guide the weekend. Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome to attend.
What happens on the Weekend?
If you are like most people, life’s distractions keep you from being present in the moment. We do not provide a detailed schedule of what happens on the weekend in order that you might be fully present, without distraction, to take a fresh look at your life from a different perspective beyond your normal comfort zone. We also believe that you are most likely to experience new levels of honesty and Truth this weekend through a series of exercises which build upon each other and the element of the unknown instead of preparing or performing for what comes next. Most participants who attend the weekend say they were glad no one told them specifically what to expect ahead of time and that there’s value in just trusting the process.
What happens on the Weekend?
What does the price for the retreat include?
What is not included in the price of the retreat?
If you are like most people, life’s distractions keep you from being present in the moment. We do not provide a detailed schedule of what happens on the weekend in order that you might be fully present, without distraction, to take a fresh look at your life from a different perspective beyond your normal comfort zone. We also believe that you are most likely to experience new levels of honesty and Truth this weekend through a series of exercises which build upon each other and the element of the unknown instead of preparing or performing for what comes next. Most participants who attend the weekend say they were glad no one told them specifically what to expect ahead of time and that there’s value in just trusting the process.
It is not a boot camp or health and fitness retreat. Safety protocols are always followed and accommodations are available so that participants at almost every physical level can experience the full weekend. We also ask you to take responsibility for your safety and encourage your communication with staff on the retreat regarding your physical wellbeing. You can choose to pass on any activity.
What should I bring with me?
All participation is voluntary. You are free to decide for yourself what is best, whether to pass on any process or exercise, or leave if you desire. Since the weekend is designed to be challenging, you may experience times when you would rather be somewhere else — just like in life, your job, your relationships and other responsibilities. A key to any growth is not running away but pushing through the limits, fears or truths you may have been avoiding. The participants who persevere are glad they did.
How do I get to the location if I fly in from out of town?
I have diet restrictions. Can I bring my own food?
What if I get sick on the retreat?
Participants should arrive at the retreat site on Friday between 6:45pm and 7:15pm, local time, at the retreat facility. Retreats end at or before 2:00pm on Sunday, in the retreat site's time zone.
Registration includes housing, meals (Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner; Sunday breakfast and lunch), and on-site materials. Participants are assigned an individual bed in a shared room with other participants. Room sizes vary site to site.
The price for the retreat does not include travel to and from the retreat. We encourage you to carpool with other participants. Travel-related meals are not included. Please note that dinner on Friday is not included, participants should eat prior to their arrival.
Should I attend if I get sick prior to the retreat?
Prior to the retreat, you will receive a list of items you are responsible to bring. This will include personal items, such as clothing, toiletries, etc., as well as a couple of common items to share.
While transportation to and from the retreat site is your responsibility, you will be invited to carpool with other participants to and from the airport. Communicate with the coordinator when you receive your weekend registration confirmation.
We work with participants to accommodate food allergies and diet restrictions. You will be given the opportunity to indicate any special needs/restrictions on your Health Form included in the registration process.
What if I have more questions?
We encourage everyone who is ill to postpone attending the retreat until their health is restored. You will have a better experience if you are not sick, and you will prevent the spread of your illness to others by not attending. Registration fees are transferable to another retreat. Communicate as early as possible if your illness will prevent you from attending.
You are responsible for your wellbeing. We encourage participants who become ill during or after the retreat to report to 5130 Retreat Leadership. Safety is important and we will support your decisions regarding any health concerns you might have.
A Participant Coordinator for your specific retreat will contact you via email and will be able to answer questions specific to that retreat. Otherwise, we encourage you to talk with the person who introduced you to The Project5130 Weekend or submit your question online.