WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RENEW ~ SPIRITUAL RETREAT FOR WRITERS & SPEAKERS?
Our purpose is to allow you to be renewed and refreshed as a writer and/or speaker in your calling, and even to discover your calling.
Unlike a typical writing and speaking conference which is often fast-paced and intense, we allow you to focus on CHRIST, COMMUNITY, CRAFT and CELEBRATION. CHRIST is at the center of everything we do. Building community and being able to network is a valuable part of reNEW. We provide teaching to improve your CRAFT and we celebrate all your achievements as a writer/speaker.
One of the unique features of reNEW is allowing you TIME TO WRITE! In fact, we want you to spend time writing on your current project, prepare your next talk, and even begin writing your first few words. To enable this, we provide you with dedicated writing time!
WHO ATTENDS THE RETREAT?
All levels of writers and speakers attend, both men and women over the age of 18.
DO I HAVE TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR TO ATTEND?
No. Although many published authors do attend, from whom you can learn.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF CHOOSING THE PRE-RETREAT THURSDAY ARRIVAL?
Over half our attendees chose to register for the Thursday pre-retreat. This is a good time for community, to meet the faculty and other attendees, have additional time to write, make a critique or coaching appointment before the main retreat begins.
You also get the opportunity to attend more workshops. Most pre-retreat workshops are repeated on Saturday.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE ON THURSDAY FOR THE PRE-RETREAT?
Arrival and check-in are 2-5pm. The earlier you arrive, the more time you have to write, rest, and meet the faculty and other attendees.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE ON FRIDAY?
Arrival and check-in are 2-4pm to allow you to settle in.
Our kick-off Keynote “Book Celebration” begins at 4:00pm on Friday.
CAN I HAVE MY OWN ROOM OR SHARE A ROOM?
Accommodations at CAMP-of-the-WOODS are hotel-style rooms with private baths. You can select from single or double rooms. If you have preferred roommates, you must indicate names when you register.
ARE MEALS INCLUDED?
All meals are included for the main retreat and the pre-retreat.
Pre-retreat: Dinner on Thursday and breakfast and lunch on Friday.
Main retreat: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner. Sunday breakfast and bag lunch (so you can get on the road).
I HAVE SPECIFIC DIETARY REQUIREMENTS; CAN THESE BE ACCOMMODATED?
When you book your reservation, indicate your dietary restrictions. These are communicated to the culinary team on your behalf.
WILL THERE BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH A PUBLISHER OR AGENT?
If publishers and agents are present at the retreat we will often have appointment opportunities with them. Otherwise, you may find there are informal opportunities to talk during the weekend.
WILL I BE SITTING THE WHOLE WEEKEND?
CAMP-of-the-WOODS has a beautiful lake-front campus. We encourage you to take advantage of the outdoor environment for rest and relaxation. A gym and swimming pool are also available for use.
We also offer some physical activities in the schedule, such as hiking during free time on Saturday afternoon.
WHAT IF I WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WRITING AND SPEAKING?
Then you are in the right place! Our professional faculty are committed believers and well-respected authors and speakers. They will lead keynote sessions, workshops, prayer times, and night-owl gatherings. All sessions are optional, but we hope you will take this opportunity to learn from the best.
DO PEOPLE REALLY WRITE DURING THIS RETREAT?
Absolutely! We offer writing time in the schedule in dedicated spaces.
WILL THERE BE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP AND PRAYER?
Worship, led by CAMP-of-the-WOODS staff, is part of our Friday night and Saturday night keynote sessions, and Sunday morning keynote service.
An optional Prayer Time and Prayer Walk is offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
WILL ATTENDEE AUTHORS AND FACULTY HAVE THEIR BOOKS AVAILABLE?
Both faculty and attendees are invited to sell their books at our reNEW Book Table which is open for sales at specific times during the weekend.
More information about selling books is sent once you are registered for the retreat.
WHAT IS THE NEAREST AIRPORT AND IS THERE GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO CAMP-of-the-WOODS?
The nearest airport is Albany NY – ALB
We provide a CAMP-of-the-WOODS shuttle, for a small charge.
If you are interested in booking a seat on the shuttle, please send an email to info@reNEWwriting.com subject line SHUTTLE.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE FOR THE RETREAT?
We do not have a dress code. We suggest wearing comfortable outdoorsy clothes for late spring weather in the Adirondacks. Bring layers, a raincoat, and walking shoes.
Bring workout wear if you want to participate in physical activities on offer.
WHAT PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES ARE ON OFFER?
COTW has an indoor sports facility offering courts for pickleball, badminton, etc and a fitness center. Walking trails and hiking is available, as are fun outdoor games dependent on the weather.
CAN I ARRANGE A ONE-TO-ONE MEETING WITH SOMEONE ON FACULTY?
We do have critique and coaching one-to-one meetings with faculty. Faculty are always available to chat as you attend their workshops, before and after keynotes.
Nearer the event, we will post other potential offerings.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
Refund requests are on a case-by-case basis according to each extenuating circumstance. Email info@renewwriting.com explaining the circumstance and requesting a refund. Registrations are non-transferable.
WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO I NEED TO PARTICIPATE?
Bring whatever technology you need to write and to take notes during workshops and keynote sessions.
CAN I GET A DISCOUNT?
Unfortunately, there is no discount for this retreat. However, we do offer early-bird pricing.
CAN I BRING MY SPOUSE OR CHILDREN?
We do not allow children to attend. However, your spouse can attend. Choose the option “Non-participant” when registering.
Spouses will join us at meals and can attend the Friday and Saturday evening keynotes sessions and the Sunday morning keynote service but not participate in workshops or other events.