About Cummings Creek Sportsman Retreat
A mission-driven Oregon retreat where nature, service,
and community come together.
Our Story
At Cummings Creek Sportsman Retreat, our mission is twofold: to give guests an unforgettable opportunity to experience the peace, adventure, and natural beauty of off-grid life while helping provide restorative outdoor retreats for disabled veterans and first responders.
Individuals, families, and businesses can support this mission in two meaningful ways:
Experience the Retreat
Reserve an all-inclusive cabin stay and enjoy comfortable lodging, home-cooked meals, outdoor recreation, and the serenity of Eastern Oregon. Revenue from each stay helps sustain the nonprofit’s mission and future retreat experiences for those who have served.
Because guests receive lodging, meals, activities, and other benefits in return for their payment, any potential charitable deduction is generally limited to the amount paid above the fair market value of those benefits. Guests should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their individual circumstances. IRS
Sponsor a Retreat
Make a charitable contribution to help provide an unforgettable outdoor experience for a disabled veteran or first responder. Your support can help fund lodging, meals, activities, program supplies, and future retreat opportunities designed to encourage rest, recreation, healing, and connection.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, qualifying direct donations may be tax-deductible as allowed by law. Donors should retain their contribution acknowledgment and consult a tax professional regarding applicable rules and limitations. IRS
Ways to Contribute
Contributions and retreat payments may be made by credit card or check.
To contribute by check, please make it payable to:
Cummings Creek Sportsman Retreat
24000 Alsea Hwy
Philomath, OR 97370
Whether you plan a retreat or sponsor an experience, your participation helps create meaningful moments in nature while supporting those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
Who We Serve
Disabled Veterans
First Responders
Meet John Berger
At the heart of Cummings Creek Sportsman Retreat is John Berger—a disabled firefighter whose life has been shaped by service, resilience, and compassion. Drawing from his own experiences and a lifelong commitment to helping others, John created the retreat as a place where guests can step away from everyday pressures, reconnect with nature, and experience the peace and adventure of Eastern Oregon.
A lifelong outdoorsman, John has thoughtfully developed Cummings Creek into a comfortable off-grid destination. His ingenuity can be seen throughout the property, from the solar panels and battery systems that provide reliable power to the professionally designed 3D archery courses woven into the natural landscape. He is also known for his warm hospitality and thoughtfully prepared meals, giving guests the comforts of home while preserving an authentic wilderness experience.
For John, Cummings Creek is more than a retreat—it is a labor of love and a way to give back. Through Cummings Creek Sportsman Retreat, he is dedicated to creating restorative outdoor experiences for disabled veterans and first responders, honoring those who have sacrificed in service to their country and communities.
John’s vision is simple but meaningful: to create a welcoming place where people can rest, recreate, build connections, and leave feeling renewed—while helping make those same experiences possible for others.
Plan a Retreat
Reserve an all-inclusive retreat experience with lodging, meals, outdoor activities, and the peaceful surroundings of Cummings Creek.
Support the Mission
Individuals and organizations can help support retreat experiences through sponsorships and charitable contributions.
Support the Mission
- Your support helps provide rest, recreation, connection, and unforgettable outdoor experiences for disabled veterans and first responders.
Contributions help support retreat experiences, lodging, meals, activities, supplies, and future improvements.
Testimonial
Norman Jager
"My name is Norman Jager, and I have had the pleasure of spending time at John Berger’s retreat near John Day, Oregon.
I have lived in Oregon for most of my life, but the journey to John’s retreat was a memorable experience. Traveling through the high desert and following the John Day River was a delight.
John’s retreat is located between Dayville and Mt. Vernon. After turning off the main road onto a dirt road/trail, the scenic drive continues through the wilderness. Along the way, you pass through several gates, a bunkhouse, and a trout pond with rainbow trout, some reaching up to 20 inches long. It is also common to see deer along the way.
When you arrive at the main clearing, you are immediately struck by the beauty of the wooden home surrounded by wilderness.
I have been fortunate enough to visit John’s retreat several times. I was surprised to find that the home has all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen, heated bathroom with shower, and washer and dryer.
Although the retreat is off-grid, John’s knowledge and ingenuity have allowed him to install solar panels and battery systems that provide electricity and modern comforts.
The time I have spent at the retreat has given me the opportunity to relax and enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors. I should also mention that John is a great cook. The meals I have enjoyed have been white-tablecloth quality in the wilderness.
I have also helped John with three professional 3D archery courses. These courses are thoughtfully designed and provide an incredible outdoor experience.
Anyone interested in staying at the retreat will have an unforgettable outdoor experience.
As an Army Veteran, I commend John’s commitment to inviting disabled veterans and first responders to experience the retreat and enjoy a special weekend at no cost to them."
Join Us in Making a Difference
- Invite visitors to plan a retreat, support the mission, or contact the organization.
Off-grid serenity, all-inclusive comfort — reconnect with nature at Cummings Creek Retreat.
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