Retreat FAQ
PLEASE READ! Hosts are not responsible for your misinformation if you don't read this!!
How does the lodging work?
Lodging will be in the lovely Reid Jones Jr. Lodge which has hotel-like rooms with up to three beds (including linens) and a private bathroom. For more information see: Location
What are the meals like?
Meals will be held in the main dining hall, located in the Smith Central Activities Building, which is an easy walk across the street from our lodge. Your event registration includes Brunch, which is served at 10:00 am, and Dinner, which is served at 5:30 pm. For more information about the dinning hall see: Location. Meals are cooked by the wonderful 4-H staff and are served buffet style. The food is good, filling, and we don't have to cook it or clean up afterwards!! HOORAY! We offer specific meal regimes for those who need them: vegetarian, gluten free, or dairy free. Our conference room kitchen includes an oven, a stove and a full sized refrigerator. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks or additional food. And bring a mug for coffee or tea (we don't do Styrofoam).
What does the cost of the weekend cover?
The cost of the weekend covers lodging and meals for the ticket you have chosen, use of the spacious conference room, and a ton of fun! You will have access to the back deck, the lake side gazebo, miles of walking paths with beautiful views of the lake as well as free access to the Wiss Miniature Golf course. Exact pricing is available on the registration site.
Will there be fiber vendors?
The retreat is sponsored by Yarn Seasons, our local yarn store, and there will be a guest vendor at the shop for the weekend in addition to the yarn shop's regular wonderful stock of yarny goodness.
Do I need to bring a mask?
No, we are no longer requiring masks at the retreat! However if you feel you would be more comfortable wearing a mask please do not hesitate to bring it. We are very supportive of mask wearing!
Is there a schedule of events?
Our general schedule is: Eat, sleep, craft, repeat. We are planning a few, low-key, optional mini classes. The point of this weekend is not to be tied to a list of frenetic activities, but to relax and enjoy guilt free time to hang out with your friends, work on your current projects, start new ones, admire other's work, and did we mention RELAX?
How does check-in and check-out work?
Long Weekend check-in will start on Thursday at 10:00 am. Short Weekend check-in starts at 10:00 am Friday. At the check-in desk you will get your room assignment and any other pertinent information. You DO NOT need to bring a printed copy of your registration. Room check-out is usually 10:00 am Sunday morning, but you don't have to leave that early! We have the conference room until 3:00 pm! Plan to stay as long as you can! Day Tripper check-in starts at 9:00 am on the day of your ticket.
What is the cancellation/adding policy?
If you find that life has taken a turn and you need to cancel your reservation, email us and we will do what we can to help. NO cancellations will be accepted after a certain date (Noon, March 6th 2024), or earlier if the event sells out. If we fill to capacity we will put it up on the website, Facebook, and Instagram. All refunds will be handled through checks mailed to you, and will include a $20 cancellation fee. Do not hesitate to email us if you have questions.
Why are people taking pictures?
Dorothea or Sheila, or our favorite professional photographer James Carroll, might be taking pictures at the event. These are used to market the event and could be used on Facebook, Instagram, our website, or event fliers. Your attendance at the event is permission to use your likeness, if it is captured in an image. If you have concerns about this let us know by email after you have registered.
What else is in the area if I wanted to get away for a few hours?
Our 4-H camp in located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the edge of Smith Mountain Lake. We are about 10 minutes away from the greater Westlake area, where there are shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. There are several breweries and wineries within a short drive. The Emerson Creek Pottery is nearby, and Harvester Performance Center in nearby Rocky Mount offers regional and national live entertainment. For those interested in history, there’s the Booker T. Washington National Monument, and the National D-Day Memorial, as well as the bright lights and big city thrills of Roanoke, Virginia.
Can I bring my pet?
No, the 4-H rules prohibit guests from bringing their pets. If you have a service animal please contact us directly for an application.
Can I bring my children?
No. We consider this an adult only event, and therefore children, of any age, would be out of place.
Is there legal mumbo jumbo that I should read or not read and say I did?
Yes! You can read (or pretend to read) the legal stuff Here you go!
