Retreat Q & A

​Q: You're hosting a retreat during COVID?  Why?  How?
A: Great questions. 
Why--as we're approaching year 2 of this pandemic, we're needing connection more than ever.  
On a personal note, I've spent the last 2 years in survival mode (we all have) and haven't been thriving personally or professionally.  At work, I've been doing 99% admin and risk management work, with very minimal client care capability.  Facilitating groups is my passion, my purpose.  This fall I reached a breaking point where I KNOW that I have to pursue my passion if I'm going to stay on this course.  I've wanted to host groups and retreats for women for years; in the past I've let fear and imposter syndrome put it on hold, make it a "some day" and if I've learned anything in the last 2 years it's---don't put anything on hold.  When I have been lucky enough to facilitate groups, the experience has been life changing and the power of womxn in community is undeniable.  I want more of that.  I need more of that.  I think we all do. 
 
How!?
We take COVID VERY seriously. Synergy's team are all vaccinated and boosted.  
We'll continually monitor the situation, adapt, and follow public health recommendations at the time of the retreat.
A requirement to participate in the retreat is that you are fully vaccinated and current (boosted) by the time we meet on October 21st.  Depending on where we are with COVID rates, you may be asked to present a negative test before coming to the retreat.  Details on all of this will be provided leading up to the retreat. 
We also encourage all staff and campers to exercise extra caution in the weeks leading up to camp, to minimize exposure risk as much as possible, so that nothing can get in the way of coming to epic camp for grown ass ladies. 

The Suttle Lake Retreat Center is the PERFECT location for a COVID cautious retreat in many ways: 
Their staff are following all precautions.  Any staff we interact with will be masked and most are vaccinated.  
Staff are sanitizing and cleaning spaces regularly and diligently. 
We will have an entire section of the grounds to ourselves. 
When in the dining hall, meals are served in an assembly line, with plastic shield barriers over the food.  The dining hall is HUGE and allows for physical distancing.  The dining hall has windows that open, for adequate ventilation.  Weather permitting, outside dining is also an option.  If there are other groups at the retreat center at the same time as us, they will distance us or stagger our meal times to minimize occupancy in the dining hall at one time. 
 
We'll have the entire Wesley Meadow Lodge to ourselves; no other campers will be in this space, and the staff presence will be minimal-just for cleaning or maintenance needs. 
Weather permitting, as many of our gatherings and activities as possible will be conducted outside.  The lodge has a beautiful porch and our end of the grounds has a large outdoor covered pavilion. 
The indoor meeting space in Wesley Meadow Lodge is HUGE.  There is plenty of ventilation with windows that open.  We will have HEPA filters running in that space during and between use. 
We will remain masked while indoors, unless public health recommendations no longer require it at the time of our retreat.  (Wouldn't that be amazing?)
We're capping the number of campers at a maximum of 20 folx.  This will allow each person to have their own room, unless they specifically request to share a room with another camper. 
The rooms all have windows that open, for fresh air ventilation. 
There are 4 restrooms and showers in the lodge building.  If our group size exceeds 16, we will have an additional bathroom and shower house available to us. 

Q: How Do I Get There?
A: Suttle Lake Retreat Center is located 13 miles of Sisters, Oregon.  Here are directions:
https://suttlelake.gocamping.org/directions

Q: Tell me more about sleeping arrangements.
A: The rooms are simple, no muss no fuss.  They have beds, a chair, a lamp, and a clothes rack. 
All rooms have windows that open. 
The beds are made of solid wood.  Beds are twin sized and some rooms have bunk beds. 
Campers who are lodging alone (most of us) will have 2 beds at their disposal so you can double up the mattresses if you want extra height or cushion.  Those who are in rooms w/o bunk beds may also push the two twin beds together to make a larger bed.  In this case it's suggested that you bring a memory foam topper with you, because there will be a gap between the two mattresses because of the bed frame design.  Please let us know if you specifically plan to do this, so we can try to put you in a room w/o bunks. 

Q: What will I need to bring?
A: You will receive a detailed informational email before camp.  In general:

• bedding--include mattress pad (if desired), sheets and blankets or sleeping bags
• bath towel and toiletries, bathrobe if you have one/want one for walking from shower to your room
• shower shoes/flip flops are always a good idea in a shared shower situation
• clothing for all weather and activities!  Central Oregon weather is unpredictable at times.  Usually this time of year is crisp and clear during the day and cold at night.  It may be windy.  Sometimes we'll be lounging, sometimes we'll be outside moving around.  Think comfort and warmth.  Bring warm clothing, layers can be nice for adjusting in the  moment.  Bring a coat.  If you plan to paddle the lake, bring water friendly clothes.  
• Sturdy walking shoes will be beneficial for the variable terrain and paths (gravel, dirt, some pavers) 
• sunglasses
  
• sunscreen
  
• mask
  
• your curiosity and a heart that wants to open and connect

​
Q: What’s your cancellation policy?  
A: We have minimum occupancy in order to be able to hold the retreat at the center.  Our cancellation and refund policy may flex depending on whether these minimums have been met, and the proximity of your cancellation to the retreat date.  We are committed to working with you as much as possible, while also honoring the needs of the retreat center and our staff.   If you are ill, please do NOT come to camp (see above notes about being extra cautious leading up to camp so that NOTHING stands in your way of experiencing the awesome!)  In the event of an illness related cancellation we will do everything we can to accommodate your refund.
​
If we have not met minimum occupancy at the time of your cancellation, the $170 deposit may not be refundable. 
Assuming minimums have been met, cancellation refunds are as follows:
Greater than 90 days prior to retreat, full refund minus a $50 admin and supply fee
Between 30 and 90 days prior to retreat, full refund minus a $100 admin and supply fee
Less than 30 days prior to retreat, sorry no refunds.  


Don't find the answers you're looking for here?  Email us to discuss.