Retreat FAQs
Where is the retreat?
The retreat will be held at Snow Mountain Ranch, a full-service YMCA resort set at 8,750 feet in the wilderness north of Winter Park, CO. It is approximately 70 miles from Denver. Maps and driving directions will be included on the Retreat web site, and in your registration packet later this summer.
What will we do at the retreat?
Imagine, a whole weekend to be with your church community! Time to explore your spirituality, learn together, work side by side, maybe sneak in a nap, sing, dance, worship, laugh, and have the time for conversations that last longer than coffee hour! WOW!
What’s new at this retreat?
We’ll offer compelling workshops in five tracks: spiritual development, the arts, physical and/or outdoor adventure, life skills, and justice/service/UUism.
We’ll have many more opportunities to explore spirituality, including early bird yoga and/or meditation sessions, sessions addressing many aspects of spiritual practice, and worship services both Saturday and Sunday. Our goal is to provide a week-end for spiritual renewal and exploration.
We’ll have dedicated spaces for drop-in meditation, music-making, playing games, or simply sharing a quiet cup of coffee or tea.
We’ll be more intentionally multigenerational. For example, the final Saturday afternoon workshop sessions will be designed for multi-age participation, and YRUU youth won’t be squirreled away in their retreat cabin all weekend – they’ll be warmly included in all retreat activities, but will have time to do their own thing too.
We’ll come together to engage in meaningful and multi-age service work that supports our mission to grow Unitarian Universalism and to transform the world outside our church walls
Finally, we’ll have more time to engage with and enjoy each other’s company—we’ll have more retreat activities on Sunday, including a full-fledged worship service Sunday morning with our senior minister, Rev. Wendy Williams.
What will the teens be doing?
We have a special cabin reserved just for our YRUU high school youth and their adult advisors. Since we want all the generations to get to know each other at this retreat, the youth will split their activities between YRUU and the larger community. All UU high-schoolers are encouraged to come join in the fun, regardless of their participation in YRUU.
What will the younger kids be doing?
We have a terrific “JUC Kids’ Adventure Camp” planned for our school-aged kids (K – 8th grade). After breakfast on Saturday, they’ll enjoy a day of crafts, games, sports, and outdoor activities. All activities will be age-appropriate and supervised by fully trained Ranch staff. Children ages 2 - 4 will take part in a JUC-run preschool program, while our littlest UUs (birth – 2 years) will be lovingly cared for by skilled adult caregivers (hired and vetted by JUC). Parents will pick up children mid-afternoon on Saturday to enjoy either a multigenerational activity or free recreational time together. All the generations will spend the rest of the evening together.
Why should I sign up Early Bird (by June 3rd)?
We have a limited number of rooms reserved; signing up early insures you a spot at the retreat! It also empowers the Retreat Committee to plan effectively for all the activities going on at the retreat. Also, in order to reserve preferred accommodations, we recommend signing up early. Once a lodging option is full, we may need to bump you to the other lodge (we will inform you of this if required). Finally, signing up early saves you cold, hard cash!
What are our lodging options?
We have reserved rooms in the Aspenbrook and Indian Peaks Lodges. Both accommodate up to 6 people per room, in slightly different arrangements. Aspenbrook rooms have 2 queen beds and one set of bunk beds, and Indian Peaks rooms have 2 queen beds and a pullout queen sofa couch. Indian Peaks Lodge is a newer lodge with better sound insulation. In addition, Indian Peaks rooms include a mini fridge and a balcony or patio. All lodge rooms have a full private bath, telephone/ wireless service, and include all bed linens, pillows and blankets. There are no adjoining room options. We will do our best to accommodate your choice of lodging, but they will be assigned first-come, first-served.
I would like to share a room--can you assign me a roommate?
Yes, our registration team will do our best to find roommate(s) for those who would like to reduce their cost for the retreat. We will contact you if we are unable to do so, and let you know what your options are. If you have other questions, please visit us at the Retreat table in the Commons after each Sunday service.
What will we eat?
Friday night we will provide light fare (sandwiches and finger food). Meals on Saturday through Sunday lunch will be at the Ranch’s large cafeteria. YRUUs will prepare some of their own meals, and kids will enjoy a sack lunch provided by the YMCA during their Kids’ Camp, joining their families for the other meals.
Will the food service team at Snow Mountain work with special diets?
The staff has assured us that they are happy to work with anyone with special diets. They will always have a vegetarian option, and can indicate which items are vegan as well. Please indicate on your registration form what your needs are so we can plan accordingly, and put you in touch with the food service staff if necessary.
When is check in and check out?
You can arrive any time after 3 pm on Friday and check in at the main lobby desk. On Sunday you must stash your luggage in your car and check out of your room by 10 am. The retreat will continue with exciting and meaningful activities that fulfill each facet of our church mission statement, including a full-fledged worship service and lunch, but you won’t need your room for that!
Can I come just for the day on Saturday?
We’d encourage you to participate in the entire retreat; however, if this just isn’t possible, please contact a Retreat Coordinator to discuss a day use fee.
Can I come for just one night?
We want everyone to feel welcome and are making every attempt to make it accessible for all. Because of our contract with Snow Mountain Ranch, we are unable to reserve rooms for just one night.
Can we come a day early or stay a day later?
Depending on space availability, you may extend your stay on either side of the retreat for a special rate. Please contact Snow Mountain Ranch directly to extend your stay, and mention that you are with the JUC Fall Retreat so your room assignment will remain consistent. Meals ARE NOT included in these rates, but you may purchase meal tickets at the main desk or at the cafeteria.
Can I stay longer on Sunday?
You are welcome to enjoy the many activities and amenities offered at Snow Mountain Ranch after lunch on Sunday, but there won’t be additional JUC-planned activities. Some charges may apply for certain activities (horse-back riding, arts and crafts, etc.).
Can I bring a non-JUC/UU adult friend?
Sure! Part of our mission is to make this an inclusive retreat, so if you have a friend who would benefit from a weekend of community, we will welcome them. If he/she is sharing your room, list them as an additional adult. If it is another family, have them complete a separate registration form, and indicate that they are not JUC members. Please be aware, however, that space is limited, and we’d like to be sure that all JUC members have the opportunity to participate.
I am bringing a non-JUC partner/friend. What can he/she do during the day?
Your guest is welcome to participate in our retreat break-out sessions and group activities! Other options include using any of the Ranch amenities or enjoying off-site activities such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, or sightseeing.
Can my child bring a friend along to share our room?
Our goal is for our children to form stronger friendships and community with other JUC children; however, we will leave this decision to your family. If a member outside of your immediate family will join us on the retreat, both families must complete Permission Slips, a Medical Information/Waiver Form, and read and sign the Parent Sponsorship Guidelines for Guests. A Retreat Coordinator can supply you with these forms.
What should I wear/bring?
We are hoping for a drop-dead gorgeous fall weekend; however, we all know that autumn weather is extremely variable in our Colorado high country! Average temperatures in October at Snow Mountain are in the mid 50s during the day, and low 30s at night. There is an indoor swimming pool, so bring along swim gear!
My kids need to get to bed early. Will there be any babysitting available in the evening?
Maybe. The issue is that the JUC youth will be either enjoying their own YRUU activities or joining in with the all-church events. We may have local youth helping with the childcare during the day, and could ask if they would be available to babysit in lodge rooms in the evening. The other dilemma is that babysitting in lodge rooms may be logistically difficult. If you have a great idea for this, or think you would take advantage of evening babysitting (at your own expense), please talk to the Retreat Co-Chairs!
What are quiet hours?
The JUC Retreat has established 9:00 pm – 7:00 am as our Retreat’s designated quiet hours in and around the lodge rooms. However, we WILL have fun and lively multigenerational parties planned for both Friday and Saturday nights that will be away from the lodges! In consideration for our young children and early-risers, please keep your voices down in the lodges, including the hallways and common areas.
I forgot something! Is there somewhere on site where I can purchase items?
There is a “General Store” on site that offers some groceries, sunscreen and beverages. There is a Safeway in Fraser and a City Market in Granby. The town of Winter Park is just 12 miles away for other needs.
What is the smoking policy at Snow Mountain Ranch?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas at Snow Mountain Ranch, but not in lodge rooms, cabins, or any inside public space.
Can I bring alcohol?
BYOB. Alcohol can be consumed in your private room and in our retreat meeting spaces, but we will not be serving alcohol at our social gatherings. While you are welcome to bring your own beer or wine, we ask that you consume responsibly as role models for our children and youth. No alcohol is allowed in public spaces at Snow Mountain Ranch.
Can I bring my dog?
Pets are not allowed in any of the lodge rooms. Please leave your companions at home!
Are cribs available?
Yes, cribs are available at no extra charge. Please indicate your need on your registration form.
I’m in a wheelchair and need mobility assistance and a wheelchair accessible room.
No problem! Snow Mountain Ranch has several accessible rooms, and the retreat committee will address any other mobility issues. Please indicate your needs on your registration form, or contact a committee member directly.
Is there cell phone and wireless Internet access at the Ranch?
Wireless service is available in all lodge rooms, lobbies and the YRUU cabin. There are computers you can use for a small fee in the Buckboard Grill. Cell phone reception is generally good, but may depend on your carrier.
Where is the nearest hospital?
Granby, CO has a fully-staffed hospital at the Centura Health/Granby Medical Center. Phone: (970) 887-2117.
I signed up but now can’t attend. What is your refund policy?
We will work with you as much as possible; however, JUC is responsible for full payment for our block of rooms, so we ask that if you can’t make it, then you try to find someone to fill your spot. If you must cancel, here is our refund policy:
Before Aug. 1, 2012: Full refund less $25.00 for reservation handling fee.
Aug. 1 – Aug. 26, 2012: $25.00 reservation handling fee plus 50% of deposit unless we are able to fill your spot.
After Aug. 26, 2012: There will be no refund unless we are able to fill your spot, then you will receive a full refund less $25.00 for reservation handling fee.
Where can I go for additional information?
Please visit us at the Retreat table in the Commons after each Sunday service.
Additional information about Snow Mountain Ranch is available online at www.ymcarockies.org.
For general retreat questions, contact:
Kristi Reeves email: kristi@gates-reeves.us
Chris Sealy email: uucsealy@gmail.com
For registration questions, contact:
Carol Wilsey email: c.wilsey@comcast.net
Last updated April 29, 2012