Annual Women's Retreat 2019
Welcome to the information page for the Unity Spiritual Center of Denton Women's Retreat for 2019.
Our eighth annual retreat has been booked at our usual facility in the beautiful hill country of Texas!
Retreat Details
When: The last weekend of February, 2019. Thursday, 2/21, at 4pm through Sunday, 2/24, at 11am. Additional nights are possible, if we have at least 10 people committing to that night.
Where: The same beautiful facility in the Texas hill country near Austin!
Who: Any like-minded, spiritual seeker who identifies as female.
How much: $150 for the retreat, $50 for any additional night. A minimum deposit of $25 will hold your spot. Full payment of $150 due before January 1, 2019. Scholarships may be available, please talk with Lisa Allen for additional information.
What: 3+ days of workshops, creativity, movement, and laughter! If it's been a few years since you led a workshop, please consider offering something this year. Contact Carla Quinn or Christine Irving to discuss your great ideas. The theme this year is Harmony.
What's the catch? Every participant is required to follow the guidelines for the retreat (covered on Thursday night, ask Lisa Allen for details). Every participant is also required to participate on a meal team; preparing, serving, and cleaning up for one meal during the retreat.
Where: The same beautiful facility in the Texas hill country near Austin!
Who: Any like-minded, spiritual seeker who identifies as female.
How much: $150 for the retreat, $50 for any additional night. A minimum deposit of $25 will hold your spot. Full payment of $150 due before January 1, 2019. Scholarships may be available, please talk with Lisa Allen for additional information.
What: 3+ days of workshops, creativity, movement, and laughter! If it's been a few years since you led a workshop, please consider offering something this year. Contact Carla Quinn or Christine Irving to discuss your great ideas. The theme this year is Harmony.
What's the catch? Every participant is required to follow the guidelines for the retreat (covered on Thursday night, ask Lisa Allen for details). Every participant is also required to participate on a meal team; preparing, serving, and cleaning up for one meal during the retreat.
FAQ's
Q: How much does the retreat cost this year?
A: $150 plus one team-prepared meal for the group. The full balance is due by January 01, 2019. Other costs might include your preferred beverages, gas to and from (5 hours from Denton), expenses for leading an activity, and any snack or special food items you may desire.
Q. What about extra nights?
A. If you wish to come in on Wednesday night, or stay through Sunday night and check out on Monday, the cost is $50 per night. We will be able to set this up as long as we have 10 people staying that night. (The facility is $500 a night.)
Q: Is this just for the church members?
A: No -- we encourage any "like-minded" individuals to join us. It's a great way to get to know some of the ladies at our church and others, and to enjoy a spiritual, rejuvenating, fun-filled getaway in a beautiful setting.
Q: Is my payment refundable if I can't attend at the last minute?
A: That depends. When there is a waiting list and someone can step in and take your place on a full roster you will get a full refund if your plans change prior to January 1, 2019. After that date please do not expect a full refund. Our operating expenses will not be adjustable. However, our financial situation may allow for a partial refund.
Q: Are there enough beds for everyone?
A: Yes, there are plenty of beds. However, most ladies have to share a bed with others, so you might want to make plans for that in advance. If you know you snore loudly, please share that -- some folks are very light sleepers and probably wouldn't appreciate a heavy snorer. Some bedrooms have several beds, including twin beds, and there are some beds in the recreational areas. All living rooms have couches that fold out into beds, so there are plenty of beds for all. Bring ear plugs as a back up.
Q: Are first floor bedrooms available?
A: Yes, however we have some in our group who can not manage stairs due to health issues and we try to accommodate the needs of those folks first. We do however have fewer bedrooms on the first floor of each cabin than on the second floors.
Q: How many bedrooms are there?
A: There are beds in common areas and in bedrooms (with a door). Many bedrooms have an attached bath. Beds range from king sized to futons and everything in between. Beds are available on a first come, first served basis. You claim a bed on the second floor by setting a personal item (such as your suitcase) on the bed. Remember, beds on the first floor are reserved for people with a medical need (not a personal desire!) for first floor accommodations.
Q: Do we need to clean the facility when we leave?
A: No -- we are required to pay cleaning fees in advance, so cleaning is taken care of!
Q: What amenities are there?
A: This is a luxury facility. We will have access to (reasonably) private hot tubs, an outdoor fire pit, indoor plumbing, and all the comforts of home. The kitchens are stocked with all the basic utensils, pots, pans, silverware, serving pieces, plates and glasses. If your meal requires something special, (like a crock pot) bring it along, just in case.
Each bathroom will have soap and hotel-sized bottles of shampoo & conditioner. Some toilet paper is supplied, but we will be bringing more for the weekend. (They do NOT provide any cleaning/refreshing service while we're there, but there is a washer/dryer in each facility.)
Bath towels are provided, including some towels in the sauna area. They have microwave ovens in each kitchen and full refrigerators. There are dishwashers in every kitchen and plenty of silverware, plates, cups, etc. for the group. There are coffee makers and the brunch teams are going to provide coffee, sugar, and creamer for each cabin.
(NOTE: Coffee drinkers, PLEASE bring special coffee and or special coffee or tea treatments -- do not assume anyone else will bring your special brand.)
Q: How should we dress?
A: Check the weather channel. The first year was pretty cold. It warmed up enough in the afternoon to do some outdoor activities, but the fireside drumming required extra clothing (coats, blankets, hats) to be comfortable. The second year was unseasonably warm, so no coats were ever required the entire weekend. The third year it rained the entire weekend, and we STILL had a blast indoors. Bring a coat and cold-weather attire to be prepared -- comfort is critical. Don't forget comfortable shoes for hiking or participating in exercise or dance! Weather permitting we will have some outdoor activities.
Q: What about carpooling?
A: Carpooling is strongly encouraged for a couple of reasons. #1 is to save some gas money (and we know THAT'S important). #2 is that you'll be tired on the trip home (happy-tired, but tired), and having someone to converse with or share your experience makes the trip go faster and safer. Check the list of attendees to see who lives in your area and contact them to coordinate rides. Check in time is 4:00 on Thursday, February 21st and the trip takes about 5 hours from Denton. If you are going to come after dark please let us know. We will be looking for you.
Q: Will there be an internet connection there?
A: Yes, we have had internet connection available in the past, but remember we're really 'out in the sticks' so those connections can be 'iffy' at times.
Q: What if there's an emergency?
A: The staff at the retreat facility is VERY helpful. They will do what they can to take calls and get messages to us if needed in an emergency.
If you get a chance, thank the owners. They really have been wonderful to us over the years!
Q: Is there a privacy policy?
A: It has been suggested that we remember that some people are more private than others and that we need to be respectful of that fact. Before you share personal information, photos, or other information that might be of a sensitive nature that you ask permission of those you are featuring.
Q: Is there a waiting list? How do you get onto a waiting list?
A: There is a waiting list and we move people onto the attendee list as beds open up when plans change. However, you are not an official attendee until you have paid a deposit and the balance in full by January 1, 2019. We hope to accommodate everyone who wants to go but space is limited. That is what makes this event special. You have time to get to know new people and reacquaint yourself with old friends in a special environment.
Q. What should I bring?
A: For activities, you might want to bring the following, depending on the activities in which you plan to participate:
Be Prepared With the Following:
A: $150 plus one team-prepared meal for the group. The full balance is due by January 01, 2019. Other costs might include your preferred beverages, gas to and from (5 hours from Denton), expenses for leading an activity, and any snack or special food items you may desire.
Q. What about extra nights?
A. If you wish to come in on Wednesday night, or stay through Sunday night and check out on Monday, the cost is $50 per night. We will be able to set this up as long as we have 10 people staying that night. (The facility is $500 a night.)
Q: Is this just for the church members?
A: No -- we encourage any "like-minded" individuals to join us. It's a great way to get to know some of the ladies at our church and others, and to enjoy a spiritual, rejuvenating, fun-filled getaway in a beautiful setting.
Q: Is my payment refundable if I can't attend at the last minute?
A: That depends. When there is a waiting list and someone can step in and take your place on a full roster you will get a full refund if your plans change prior to January 1, 2019. After that date please do not expect a full refund. Our operating expenses will not be adjustable. However, our financial situation may allow for a partial refund.
Q: Are there enough beds for everyone?
A: Yes, there are plenty of beds. However, most ladies have to share a bed with others, so you might want to make plans for that in advance. If you know you snore loudly, please share that -- some folks are very light sleepers and probably wouldn't appreciate a heavy snorer. Some bedrooms have several beds, including twin beds, and there are some beds in the recreational areas. All living rooms have couches that fold out into beds, so there are plenty of beds for all. Bring ear plugs as a back up.
Q: Are first floor bedrooms available?
A: Yes, however we have some in our group who can not manage stairs due to health issues and we try to accommodate the needs of those folks first. We do however have fewer bedrooms on the first floor of each cabin than on the second floors.
Q: How many bedrooms are there?
A: There are beds in common areas and in bedrooms (with a door). Many bedrooms have an attached bath. Beds range from king sized to futons and everything in between. Beds are available on a first come, first served basis. You claim a bed on the second floor by setting a personal item (such as your suitcase) on the bed. Remember, beds on the first floor are reserved for people with a medical need (not a personal desire!) for first floor accommodations.
Q: Do we need to clean the facility when we leave?
A: No -- we are required to pay cleaning fees in advance, so cleaning is taken care of!
Q: What amenities are there?
A: This is a luxury facility. We will have access to (reasonably) private hot tubs, an outdoor fire pit, indoor plumbing, and all the comforts of home. The kitchens are stocked with all the basic utensils, pots, pans, silverware, serving pieces, plates and glasses. If your meal requires something special, (like a crock pot) bring it along, just in case.
Each bathroom will have soap and hotel-sized bottles of shampoo & conditioner. Some toilet paper is supplied, but we will be bringing more for the weekend. (They do NOT provide any cleaning/refreshing service while we're there, but there is a washer/dryer in each facility.)
Bath towels are provided, including some towels in the sauna area. They have microwave ovens in each kitchen and full refrigerators. There are dishwashers in every kitchen and plenty of silverware, plates, cups, etc. for the group. There are coffee makers and the brunch teams are going to provide coffee, sugar, and creamer for each cabin.
(NOTE: Coffee drinkers, PLEASE bring special coffee and or special coffee or tea treatments -- do not assume anyone else will bring your special brand.)
Q: How should we dress?
A: Check the weather channel. The first year was pretty cold. It warmed up enough in the afternoon to do some outdoor activities, but the fireside drumming required extra clothing (coats, blankets, hats) to be comfortable. The second year was unseasonably warm, so no coats were ever required the entire weekend. The third year it rained the entire weekend, and we STILL had a blast indoors. Bring a coat and cold-weather attire to be prepared -- comfort is critical. Don't forget comfortable shoes for hiking or participating in exercise or dance! Weather permitting we will have some outdoor activities.
Q: What about carpooling?
A: Carpooling is strongly encouraged for a couple of reasons. #1 is to save some gas money (and we know THAT'S important). #2 is that you'll be tired on the trip home (happy-tired, but tired), and having someone to converse with or share your experience makes the trip go faster and safer. Check the list of attendees to see who lives in your area and contact them to coordinate rides. Check in time is 4:00 on Thursday, February 21st and the trip takes about 5 hours from Denton. If you are going to come after dark please let us know. We will be looking for you.
Q: Will there be an internet connection there?
A: Yes, we have had internet connection available in the past, but remember we're really 'out in the sticks' so those connections can be 'iffy' at times.
Q: What if there's an emergency?
A: The staff at the retreat facility is VERY helpful. They will do what they can to take calls and get messages to us if needed in an emergency.
If you get a chance, thank the owners. They really have been wonderful to us over the years!
Q: Is there a privacy policy?
A: It has been suggested that we remember that some people are more private than others and that we need to be respectful of that fact. Before you share personal information, photos, or other information that might be of a sensitive nature that you ask permission of those you are featuring.
Q: Is there a waiting list? How do you get onto a waiting list?
A: There is a waiting list and we move people onto the attendee list as beds open up when plans change. However, you are not an official attendee until you have paid a deposit and the balance in full by January 1, 2019. We hope to accommodate everyone who wants to go but space is limited. That is what makes this event special. You have time to get to know new people and reacquaint yourself with old friends in a special environment.
Q. What should I bring?
A: For activities, you might want to bring the following, depending on the activities in which you plan to participate:
- Yoga mat (we do a lot of activities on the floor)
- Journal
- Tote to carry supplies from activity to activity
- 2 gallons of drinking water and your favorite beverages
- Special needs food for diets and restrictions
Be Prepared With the Following:
- All weather jacket (be prepared for winter or spring weather, we have had both)
- Your special sleeping pillow if you are picky
- Swimsuit and swim towel (pool is unheated, but the hot tubs are hot!)
- Tennis Shoes for walking or exercise
- Camera
- Ear plugs
- Sleeping mask
- Wine to share or stash
- All-weather jacket
- Journal
- Sketch book
- Books to swap
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Umbrella
- Flashlight
- Extra blanket (if you tend to get cold)