What is Retreat?

The Henry Strobel Retreat is a chance for you to meet your future classmates in a stress-free, laid-back environment. The second year class is responsible for making sure the Retreat is an awesome experience for the incoming class, and we take our job seriously. Many current students, faculty, and alumni attend, so you’ll have a chance to meet a lot of your McGovern family.

The 2025 Annual McGovern Retreat will be held at Camp Cho-Yeh this year! The camp is located just over an hour north of Houston and has a wide variety of recreation offerings, including paintball, axe throwing, basketball, rope swings, archery, and a variety of lawn games. The property also has a swimming hole where there will be opportunities to swim, kayak, play sand volleyball, or just sit and enjoy the great outdoors. In between activities, a variety of lunch options will be provided. Transportation from the UTHealth Rec Center to Camp Cho-Yeh and back will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

Disclaimer: please refrain from bringing children to the campsite as there are no childcare services available. Additionally, this retreat will be limited to students, alumni, and faculty due to this being a single day event and not an overnight stay.

Learn more about the history of the Henry Strobel Retreat under “Retreat Beginnings.”

This Year’s Theme: The Great Scooby-Doo Showdown

Attention Mystery Incorporated!

Ruh-roh… The mystery begins now!

You’ve been training your whole life to crack the case—and now it’s your moment to shine! Welcome to the biggest mystery event of the year: The 49th Annual McGovern Retreat – Scooby-Doo Showdown!

Just like the Mystery Inc. gang, your elite crew of clue-cracking sleuths will ride in style as the shuttles (a.k.a. your very own Mystery Machines) whisk you away to Camp Cho-Yeh. There, you’ll take on thrilling challenges, spooky surprises, and friendly team competitions that would make even Fred proud.

Come dressed to impress in your team colors—whether you’re rocking Velma’s orange, Shaggy’s green, or Daphne’s purple, your outfit is your team spirit badge!

Are you ready to solve the mystery, unmask the evil villain, and claim your place in retreat history? Jinkies, the stage is set. The clues await. This is your time to shine. Let the mystery games begin!