Retreats: Info and Policies

Cancellation and Refunds

If the retreat is full and we cannot accept your application, we refund the entire fee including the deposit.

If you cancel more than 48 hours before the retreat begins, there will be a cancellation fee of $50 imposed. If you cancel within 48 hours of the start of a retreat, we reserve the right to retain the entire retreat payment.

If you can't attend a retreat for which you have applied, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can notify someone on the waiting list.

Part-Time Attendance

In every retreat there are two part-time slots available. If a retreat isn't full, more part-time slots will become available. If this is your first retreat with us, you must arrive at the beginning for orientation and the opening talk. Please contact us if you have questions about part-time attendance.

Arrival

Please let us know your travel plans by the Tuesday before retreat begins — especially if you need a ride from Rochester.

If you are driving to Springwater, please arrive by 4:00 p.m. on the day retreat begins. If you plan to arrive before 1:00 p.m., please let us know.

If you are arriving by plane, train, or bus and need a ride from Rochester (see Directions), please arrive in Rochester by 4:00 p.m. on the day retreat begins.

If you would like to arrive a day or more before retreat begins, please contact us in advance. There is a charge for room and board outside of retreat (see Visiting).

Everyone is welcome to stay overnight at no extra charge after retreat. Post-retreat dinner and breakfast the next morning are also included. If you would like to stay longer, please contact us in advance.

Accommodation and Meals

Rooms are simple with separate shared baths. There are usually two to four people per room during retreats. See below for information on single room availability.

All meals are vegetarian with non-dairy options.

Single Rooms

Two single rooms and an apartment are available in every retreat. For 7-day retreats there is a surcharge of $175 if you request and receive a single room and a $225 charge for the apartment (prorated for shorter retreats). If a retreat is less full, people may receive single rooms without having paid a surcharge, but the surcharge will still be applied if one reserve's the apartment.

Please request a single room on your application form. Contact us to confirm its availability. Single rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis — a maximum of four times per person year. Single rooms are available until two weeks before a retreat starts.

Bedding

We have a limited supply of blankets, sheets, and pillows. If possible, please bring bedding and a towel. Bedding is mainly for people arriving by air or from a distance. Foam mattresses are provided.

Clothing

There is no dress code at Springwater. Bring comfortable clothing comfortable for sitting. Outdoor shoes are not worn inside, so bring soft-soled slippers or sandals for indoors.

Bring work clothes for the work period and boots for outdoors in case of wet, muddy weather. Bring a hat in the summer for protection against deerflies.

Transportation and Communication

We are in a rural area without public transportation. Please bring needed pharmaceuticals, toiletries, etc. We can only provide rides to and from the Rochester airport, train, or bus stations (see Directions). We cannot provide visitors with other rides.

A telephone booth is available for calls made by calling card. We do not offer email access for retreatants. Our fax is only available for emergencies.

Alcohol and Drugs

Please do not bring alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs to the Center. Cigarette smoking is permitted outside the building only.