Hope Springs Retreat FAQ

● Where will this retreat be held?

This retreat will be held at the Hope Springs Institute in Appalachian Ohio. Hope Springs was founded in 1995 as a fertile place for transformational work. Located a few miles outside the rim of the Serpent Mound Crater, one of only 28 impact craters in the country, this area is ecologically and energetically rich and a haven for birders, biologists and botanists.

● Who is this for?

15-20 delightful human hearts usually attend and all kind folks ready to engage with this body of being are welcome. Single and shared rooms are available.

● How do I get there?

The retreat center is located in Peebles, Ohio. The local time zone is Eastern Standard Time. If you are interested in carpooling please let me know, and I will connect you to others driving in from your city or airport if applicable.

  • 1.5 hour drive from Cincinnati (CVG)

  • 2 hour drive from Columbus (CMH)

  • 4 hour drive from Cleveland

  • 6 hour drive from Chicago or Pittsburgh

● When do I arrive and depart?

Arrival is between 3:00pm and 5:00pm on Thursday, December 12th. Our first gathering will be for dinner that night, please arrive before 5pm.

We’ll close with lunch on Sunday.

● Tell me about the Shared Rooms.

Shared rooms are available with space for 2-3 people in separate beds.

You can book together, or if interested in being matched with a roommate please let me know on the booking form. I do so with great care.

● Is Hope Springs an accessible space?

Paved, uncovered footpaths connect the Dining Hall, Studio, and Farmhouse, while there is a short walk over grass to reach the Spirit House. There is ADA rooming/bathrooms available. Please let me know if you have any specific needs or questions and we can discuss in greater detail. We aim to provide spaces that can support a variety of sensory needs.

● What is “Sometimes Silence”?

Silence is never really silent, there is so much waiting to be heard in the quiet. Our format of “sometimes silence” is permissive quietude with some ground rules of engagement. A schedule with outline times of quiet and times that are open for intentional conversation. If you ever have a question or a need, I’m there for you.

● What is the retreat like?

We often talk about spaces like this as being “healing”. I think of healing as reconciliation, the tending and mending of repair, of bringing together as a whole. It inspires a sense of connection and belonging, self-to-self, self-to-others, self-to-greater nature. Though the retreat offered here is designed to be potent yet gentle in nature, more invitation for spaciousness and curiosity than anything else, nothing forced, emotions can arise as we allow more space for our tender being.

I encourage you to have diversified support in your care. Please check in with yourself and possibly trusted caregivers, to see if this is right for you at this time.

● How are you approaching health and safety?

As facilitators we are committed to reducing harm in wellness spaces through ongoing learning and the integration of practices that acknowledge and affirm all different types of bodies, identities, orientations, and lived experiences.

We’ll be adhering to CDC guidelines regarding covid and will keep an eye on what this looks like as we get closer to our gathering. Expect clear communication as we move forward and fingers crossed for a healthy summer and fall. Please note: depending on case loads you may be asked to pass a test prior to attending the retreat.

● What’s the food like?

Nourishing meals will be prepared for us each day and you’ll have access to tea and snacks throughout the retreat. Please let us know of any dietary needs.

● What do I need to supply or bring?

Plan to bring clothing appropriate for the weather and a few personal items to create an altar space as we honor our time together. I’ll share a suggested packing list as we get closer.

● Anything I shouldn’t bring?

There is no cell service at Hope Springs, so plan on taking a little technology break and leave any unnecessary devices at home. Wi-fi, and a landline telephone, are available if needed.

● What is your cancellation policy?

If you are paying in full: the total amount, minus a deposit fee, can be refunded before November 10th. Beginning November 11th you will only be refunded if the retreat is full or if you find someone to take your spot.

If you have registered with a payment plan: all deposits and fee payments are non-refundable and are required to hold your reservation.

Insurance and Cancellations: I recommend purchasing travel insurance for your own peace of mind. In the very unlikely circumstance that our retreat is impacted by forces beyond our control and the retreat is cancelled, your fees and payments may be retained and our gathering rescheduled. This is the best option due to the significant amount of planning and investment both on the side of the facilitator and our venue.

Also - shit happens! Please reach out, we’ll do our best to figure it out together.

Have another question? Please send it to: hi@gwendolynren.com