Washington Events

All Washington Events | Additional Notes: Work Exchange | Culinary Skills Week | Health and Fitness Week |

Will I have access to a phone and the internet?

Communication to the outside world from the Retreat Center will be available, but limited. Wireless internet access is available, but it gets quite balky when more than a few people use it at once. Phone access and phone cards will be made available. Cell phone coverage is patchy with Verizon offering the best signal. A landline phone is available, but on a limited basis.

What is the accommodation like at the Retreat Center?

There are a few different indoor options including several private double rooms (some with en-suite), and a small dormitory. If we are very tight on accommodation, camping may be called for, which can be a very pleasant experience if this option interests you. If you wish to camp, you are perfectly free to bring a sleeping roll, sleeping bag and tent. If you are intending to camp, be sure to contact events@foodnsport.com as early as possible before the event to assist us in effectively allocating bedding.

Will I have my own room or will the rooms be shared?

There will be two, possibly three people in each room unless you require a private room. If you require a private room please email events@foodnsport.com as soon as possible so that we can endeavor to book you a private room and advise you of the additional charges.

What should I bring?

• Layers, wicking clothing, assuming daytime temps of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and morning temps as low as 40.
• Toiletries, as required. Soap and toilet paper needs are provided..
• Sunscreen, sun sleeves, hat, or other sun protection (if you use it).
• Rain protection (if you use it when out running, walking, etc)
• Comfortable footwear:
  1. If you will be exercising, bring one pair of shoes suitable for general indoor/outdoor athletic play, hiking, etc. A pair of Vibram 'FiveFingers' or your favorite gym shoes would be perfect.
  2. Also bring a second pair of footwear for lounging and easy walking. A pair of sandals, flip-flops or crocs, would be perfect for this.
  3. You may also want footwear to designate as indoor footwear for your stay, as the facility requests we leave shoes on the racks supplied (unless it is footwear only used inside)
  4. If you will be taking culinary classes or working in the kitchen, health codes and the facility's liability insurance require you use closed toed shoes there. We often find that crocs, clogs, or other easy to slip on and off closed toed shoes work well for this.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Camera, there is some stunning scenery around the Retreat Center you may want to capture, as well as memories of fun activities and wonderful meals shared with new friends.
• Some people like to dress up at dinner and/or the final night, so bring clothes for that if you want.
• Optional: Bathing suit and a mesh laundry bag. Sometimes people like to lay out in the sun, or go swimming in swimming holes at the stream.

Work Exchange: Additional Notes

What should I bring?

If you are participating in the Work Exchange program, you should also bring:

• At least one preferred kitchen knife, and any other kitchen tools that you find especially useful. (Please, put some sort of identification on your tools prior to arriving.)
• Something to hold your hair, when working in the kitchen. It could be a hair net, a bandana or a hat, or a shaven head, but something, please.
• A kitchen smock or apron, or clothing that is dedicated to kitchen use. Preferably, this includes an apron of your own.
• Suitable non-slip closed toe shoes to wear in the kitchen. Vibram Five Fingers and other minimalist footwear are not suitable footwear choices for safety in the kitchen.
• Full pad of paper, and several pens, and/or a laptop.
• A watch.

Relax knowing that there are sporting goods, grocery, and drug stores convenient to the Retreat Center, so you can get anything you might have forgotten and/or intentionally not carried. We'll be making frequent 'runs' for incidentals, and will pick up items for you on request.

Culinary Skills Week: Additional Notes

When should I arrive and depart?

Culinary Skills Week is held over 9 days, including arrival and departure dates. The specific dates of the upcoming event can be found here. Work exchange should arrive a day earlier. You should arrive and depart from the Retreat Center in the early afternoon on your arrival and departure days. Please send an email to events@foodnsport.com if you require alternate arrival or departure times.

Health and Fitness Week: Additional Notes

When should I arrive and depart?

Health and Fitness Week is held over 8 days, including arrival and departure dates. The specific dates of the upcoming event can be found here. Work exchange should arrive a day earlier. You should arrive and depart from the Retreat Center in the early afternoon on your arrival and departure days. Please send an email to events@foodnsport.com if you require alternate arrival or departure times.