WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RENEW ~ SPIRITUAL RETREAT FOR WRITERS & SPEAKERS?
Our purpose is to allow you to be spiritually renewed and refreshed as a writer and/or speaker in your calling, and even to discover your calling.
We are not seeking to be a typical writing and speaking conference which is often fast-paced and intense. However, we do provide teaching to improve your skills, and an opportunity to build community and network, as well as celebrate you 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 space!
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, who you can learn from.
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF CHOOSING THE PRE-RETREAT THURSDAY ARRIVAL?
Almost half our attendees chose to register for the Thursday pre-retreat. This is a good time to meet the faculty and other attendees, have additional time to write, and relax before the main retreat begins.
You also get the opportunity to attend an additional workshop. Pre-retreat workshops are repeated on Saturday when you can attend a different workshop.
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.
Also, three workshop choices, you won’t want to miss, are available from 2:15-3:30 pm (these are repeated on Saturday).
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, double, or triple 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 brunch on Friday.
Main retreat: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, banquet 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, let the Front Desk staff know your needs and they will happily communicate to the culinary team on your behalf.
WILL THERE BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH A PUBLISHER OR AGENT?
We do not have formal appointments with publishers and agents. However, if publishers and agents are present, you may find there are informal opportunities to talk.
WILL I BE SITTING THE WHOLE WEEKEND?
Only if you choose to. By that, we mean you can choose to write as well as attend workshops and keynote sessions during the weekend.
Camp-of-the-Woods has a beautiful lakefront campus. We encourage you to take advantage of the outdoor environment for rest and relaxation.
We also have two fitness experts (Vicki Heath from “First Place for Health” and Mary Ward from “Body and Soul” ministries) who will keep us moving and encourage us on how to maintain balanced health as writers and speakers.
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! When you arrive, you get to choose your “dedicated desk” in our auditorium with your provided nameplate. This is your reserved seat for writing and all keynote sessions throughout the weekend. The auditorium is a Quiet Area except during the keynote sessions.
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 is offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings in Purdy Lobby before breakfast. Other prayer times will also be scheduled.
WILL ATTENDEE AUTHORS AND FACULTY HAVE THEIR BOOKS AVAILABLE?
Both faculty and attendees are invited to sell their books at our reNEW Book Store located in the back of the auditorium and open for sales at specific times during the weekend.
If you are interested in selling your books, please write to info@renewwriting.com subject line BOOK STORE requesting more information.
WHAT IS THE BOOK CELEBRATION?
Our event kicks off on Friday afternoon at 4 pm with a “Book Celebration.” Allattendees who have a book published in 2023 or 2024 are welcome to take part.
You will have 2-3 minutes to talk about your book and all present will have a chance to share your joy in this accomplishment and purchase a signed copy. If you have a qualifying book write to info@reNEWwriting.com subject line BOOK CELEBRATION.
WHAT IS THE NEAREST AIRPORT AND IS THERE GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO CAMP-OF-THE-WOODS?
The nearest airport is Albany NY – ALB
We will 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.
You are welcome to dress up a little for Saturday night’s celebration banquet.
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 not arrange one-to-one meetings with faculty. Faculty are always available to chat as you attend their workshops, before and after keynotes.
At Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, and the Saturday banquet dinner we will assign faculty tables which allows you to sit and eat with a faculty member during those meals. Nearer the event, we will post other potential offerings.
WHAT COVID-19 GUIDELINES WILL BE FOLLOWED?
We abide by New York State guidelines and follow mandates.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
Deposits are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Balances are due 4 weeks prior to arrival and are also nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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.
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.