Retreats: Info and Policies

Arrival and Departure

Please contact reception to let us know your travel plans by the Tuesday before retreat begins — especially if you need rides to and 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. Rides are not available after 8:00 p.m.

If you would like to arrive a day or more before retreat begins, or stay longer after the end of retreat, contact reception in advance for room and ride availability. Rides back to Rochester are not available on Mondays following retreat. 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 included in the retreat fee.

Part-Time Attendance

Please contact reception about part-time attendance. If this is your first retreat at the Center, it will be necessary to arrive at the beginning for orientation and the opening talk.

Cancellation and Refunds

Please let us know as soon as possible if you can't attend a retreat for which you have applied.

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

Financial Assistance to Attend Retreat

Up to half the retreat fee may be available in assistance, depending on need. To apply, please fill in and send the Online Retreat Application, choosing the "I will apply for assistance" option in the Payment section. Then download, print and fill in the Retreat Assistance Application (PDF) file. Mail the form and we will let you know as soon as possible how much assistance can be provided and how much you will need to pay.

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.

Smoking, the use of candles, matches or incense is not permitted in individual rooms or anywhere in the building. Smoking is permitted only in the parking lot area.

Meals are vegan with egg and dairy options.

Single Rooms

Single rooms and an apartment are available in every retreat. Please request a single room on your application form. Contact reception to confirm its availability For 7-day retreats there is a surcharge of $189 if you request and receive a single room and a $245 charge for the apartment (prorated for shorter retreats). 

Clothing and Toiletries

There is no dress code at Springwater. Bring clothing comfortable for sitting. Outdoor shoes are not worn inside, so bring soft-soled slippers or sandals for indoors. Bring outdoor footwear in case of wet, muddy weather.  Bring a hat in the summer for protection against deer flies. Please bring needed pharmaceuticals and toiletries. Please be respectful of the sensitivities of participants, and do not use scented toiletries, sprays or perfumes.

Transportation and Communication

We are in a rural area without public transportation.  We can only provide rides to and from the Rochester airport, train, or bus stations (see Directions). We cannot provide visitors with other rides. Rides are available only on certain days and during certain hours. Please contact reception for ride availability.

WiFi is available in the main building, but please be sensitive to the needs of roommates for an un-busy atmosphere. 

Alcohol and Drugs

Please do not bring alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs to the Center. Cigarette smoking is permitted in the parking lot area only.