Summer Retreat FAQ
● Where will this retreat be held?
This retreat will be held at Red Clover Ranch in the Driftless region of Wisconsin. The Driftless is an ecologically unique area in the midwest, and Red Clover is situated on 79 acres of woodlands and pasture, offering hiking trails, bird watching, sauna, screened in porches, and a spring fed creek. The spaces at Red Clover are creative, clean, and fresh, and also intimately connected to their natural environment - this is the country after all!
The terrain of Red Clover Ranch is hilly and does pose some accessibility challenges. Please let me know if you have any specific needs or questions and we can discuss in greater detail.
Both the hospitality and land here is so special, and we can’t wait to share it with you!
● Who is this retreat for?
12-15 kind humans will gather for this retreat and all kind folks, of any gender or gender expression, ready to engage with this body of being are welcome. Single and shared rooms are available. 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.
● Tell me about the Rooming Options.
Single and shared rooms are available with the shared rooms having space for 2 people in separate beds (or you may choose to share a queen bedroom). All bedrooms have heat & ac. The cabins share a central bathhouse, offering two full bathrooms, an outdoor shower, a sauna, a summer kitchen, and a lounge area. It is a short walk on a dirt/gravel path over hilly terrain to reach the gathering spaces in the barn (where we’ll eat and practice together).
The Bunkhouse is a two story cabin on property, with a shared room for three people (4) in separate beds and a private bathroom, kitchen, and living room. The bunkhouse is located closer to the gathering spaces and dining hall.
We also understand that price might predicate you selecting a shared room, when a single would really suit you best. There is a checkbox on the registration form where you can put in this request.
You are welcome to book with a roommate. If interested in being matched with a roommate please let us know on the booking form. This may be an option and we do so with great care.
● How do I get there?
The retreat center is located outside the small town of Soldier’s Grove, WI. The local time zone is Central 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!
2 hour drive from Dane County Airport (MSN - near Madison)
4 hour drive from Chicago or Minneapolis
9 hour drive from Cleveland
● When do I arrive and depart?
Arrival is between 3:00pm and 5:00pm on Wednesday, July 16th. Our first gathering will be for dinner that night.
We’ll close at noon on Sunday.
Interested in staying an extra day or two in the area? Viroqua is a super sweet town nearby with various lodging opportunities, great food, and cute local shops. The area also provides easy access to the Kickapoo Reserve and Wildcat Mountain.
● What is 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?
We’ll be adhering to CDC guidelines regarding Covid and any emergent public health concerns 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 winter and spring. Please note: depending on case loads you may be asked to pass a test prior to attending the retreat.
● What kind of food can I expect?
Three nourishing farm to table meals will be prepared for us each day. Please let us know of any dietary requirements or preferences. The food here is amazing, with over 75% of ingredients sourced locally.
● 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. You’ll receive a suggested packing list as we get closer!
● Anything I shouldn’t bring?
Plan on taking a little technology break and leave any unnecessary devices at home. Wi-fi and cell service are available if needed (Verizon is most reliable in this area).
● What is your cancellation policy?
If you are paying in full: the total amount, minus a deposit fee, can be refunded before June 10, 2025. Beginning June 11th you will only be refunded if the retreat is full.
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 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