Family Retreat Dates & Rates

Please scroll down for our FAQs

Session	Grades	Dates	Rates
Family Retreat	all ages	Fri, May 28 – Mon. May 31, 2021 (4 Days)	$2750

These all-inclusive weekends are $2750 for a family up to 4. This includes a 4 day and 3 night stay in a cabin, plus 3 meals a day. Additional family members are $500 each.

Family Retreat FAQ

All COVID-19 Policies are subject to change

What will a typical Family Retreat look like?

Family Retreats include 4 days and 3 nights, a private cabin for each family unit, and meals. The weekend will be a mix of structured activity offerings and down time. We will offer a variety of rotating activity instruction in the morning, balanced with less structured afternoons for self-guided activities and free swim. We’re excited to offer a taste of the Falling Creek experience to the whole family!

What programming will be offered?

There will be a rotation of several camp activities offered with instruction from Falling Creek staff. These will include, riflery, archery, guided hiking, F.A.R.M. (gardening, chickens, pigs, and beekeeping), mountain biking, fishing, fly fishing, swimming, outdoor skills, climbing wall, canoeing, horseback trail rides, and blacksmithing.

Some of our traditional camp favorites will be offered as well, including Evening Programs, Morning Watch, and Campfire.

Other self guided activities will be available to enjoy at your own pace during the retreat. This includes disc golf, tennis, pickleball, basketball, ping pong, foosball, indoor or outdoor soccer, ultimate frisbee, flag football, board games, orienteering, trail running & hiking, or just taking it easy and relaxing on the grassy knoll.

When will tuition be due?

Families will be invoiced for the Family Retreat upon enrollment, and the tuition will be due at that time.

What if we need to cancel?

Tuition is fully refundable if notice of cancellation is received by January 1. We have asked families on the Waiting List to complete the 14-day screening form so if a family must relinquish their reservation for the health of everyone, another family might meet the screening requirement and be available. After January 1, if we are able to fill the spot, we will refund your payment. If we are unable to fill the spot, we will share the enrollment fee equally between camp and the family.

What will sleeping arrangements be for families in the cabins?

Each family will have their own cabin with shower and bathroom facilities. The cabins are wooden and rustic, with screened windows, a front porch, and furnished with bunk beds. There are outlets, electricity, and hot water in each cabin. The trails leading up to the cabin areas are over varied terrain. Due to the close proximity of cabins, please respect quiet hours in the evenings and mornings.

What should I bring for the weekend?

We’ve put together a Family Retreat Packing List, which we will send to families upon enrollment.

Will camp provide sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels?

Falling Creek will provide sheets and blankets. You will need to bring your own pillows, pillow cases, and towels.

Can I bring my own gear?

We will provide all the gear and equipment necessary to participate in the activities offered, including bikes, canoes, harnesses, etc. Falling Creek’s mountain bikes will only be available for use during guided rides. Helmets are necessary at all times while riding. You do not need to bring any additional equipment (with the exception of an approved PFD for any infant/child under 30lbs), however if you would like to bring your own gear, you are welcome to do so.

What extra measures will you be taking to prevent COVID-19?

We will be requiring both families and staff to complete a pre-screening form during the 14 days prior to their retreat, which includes tracking their temperature each day prior to arrival. Upon arrival and before entering your cabin, families will be screened for virus symptoms. Additionally, families and staff will continue to record their temperature and symptoms daily during their retreat. The risk of possible transmission is minimized due to participation in “family units”. Most programming is in open air spaces. Recommended hand washing and the use of masks worn by staff if social distancing cannot be maintained. We are also encouraging social distance between the families. We will continue to follow the guidelines of our local and state government, the Henderson County Health Department, the American Camp Association, and the CDC.

What if someone shows COVID-19 symptoms:

• Prior to arrival? We will be requiring both families and staff to complete a pre-screening form during the 14 days prior to their retreat, which includes tracking their temperature each day. We consider this pre-screening form a medical document, and falsification of this document is a criminal offense. This 14-day pre-screening form and any assessment by the physician will need to be brought to camp upon arrival. If a family member shows any COVID-19 symptoms during this time prior to arrival, they will need to go to a healthcare provider to assess for COVID-19 and whether or not they can safely participate at a Family Retreat. If anyone in you family has tested positive, been exposed to someone that is suspected or positive for the virus, or has symptoms that are attributed to COVID-19, please notify camp. We have asked families on the Waiting List to complete the 14-day screening form so if a family must relinquish their reservation for the health of everyone, another family might meet the screening requirement and be available. If we are able to fill the spot, we will refund your payment. If we are unable to fill the spot, we will share the enrollment fee equally between camp and the family.

• During their stay? Our staff will continue to record the temperature and symptoms of families daily during their retreat. Anyone showing COVID-19 symptoms during the retreat will be asked that you notify us and return home with your family. No refunds will be given for partial stay.

• Within 14 days of returning home? To help us be good health advocates, any potential or confirmed COVID-19 cases are required to be shared with camp for local Health Department contact tracing.

When is arrival and departure time?

We will be ready to welcome you at 4pm on the first day of your retreat. Please arrive by 5:30pm. The first meal is dinner at 6:30pm. Let us know if you plan to arrive at a different time, so we may plan accordingly. Departure time will be after lunch on the final day of your retreat. Please be out of your cabins by 2pm.

If you are flying, the best airports are either Asheville, NC (AVL), or Greenville-Spartanburg, SC (GSP). Charlotte, NC (CLT) is also an option with a bit of a longer drive to camp (about 2 hours). We do not provide airport transportation for the Family Retreat weekends, so we suggest renting a car.

What are the check-out expectations?

On the day of your departure, we ask that you place your sheets and blankets in the provided bags and leave them on the cabin porch. Please collect all trash and place them in the central trash receptacles nearest your cabin by the 2pm departure.

How far is my cabin from parking?

You will be walking from the parking area to your cabin over varied terrain. Pack your belongings in luggage that you and your family can manage carrying some distance, such as large backpacks or duffel bags. Wheeled suitcases do not work well on the trails to our cabins.

Will there be medical staff available?

Yes, we will have a Registered Nurse available throughout the week to check temperatures and offer basic first aid if necessary.

Can we bring a large group and fill a cabin?

Our intent is one household under one roof acting as a cohort. Should you have any questions about alternate arrangements, please give us a call.

Are there counselors available to watch my children?

As a Family Retreat, we anticipate you going to activities with your children and being responsible for them at all times. Counselors will be in some activity areas throughout the day to facilitate instruction, but will not be responsible for direct supervision. Each child will need an adult supervisor to participate in any activity, whether it is a staffed activity or self-guided activity.

How will activity equipment be sanitized between family use?

Counselors will sanitize all equipment in facilitated activities between families. In self-guided activities, there will be sanitizing gear at each activity. Families will clean shared equipment before and after use in self-guided activities.

Do we need to wear masks?

Masks are welcome but not required when socially distanced. There may be times in certain activities when masks are required due to close proximity. Meals and activities will be structured to allow for social distancing between families. There will be enough activities available for families to spread out around camp. It is your choice to interact with other families, but our expectation is that each cabin unit stay socially distanced from each other at all times.

Is there internet access?

Yes, camp is lucky to have a T-1 line despite our rural location. That being said, bandwidth can become limited if everyone is online at once and may be spotty in some areas of camp. Internet access is only available in and around the Dining Hall.

Will family retreats be “unplugged”?

Our Unplugged Policy that we adhere to during the regular summer sessions will apply to our staff while in camp activities and we hope you will join us.

Can I bring my pets?

Unfortunately no. Although LuLu and Rucker live here as camp dogs, we have a “no pet policy” at Falling Creek.

How will meals be served?

Your family will be assigned the same table in the Blake Dining Hall for the entirety of the weekend, spread out from other family tables. You may choose to eat in the Dining Hall or you have the option to take your meal around camp to eat as a picnic - from the “Top of the World” to the bottom of the falls. This may be enjoyed as you like - on a hike or relaxing in the shade or playing a game of cards. Sitting a responsible distance apart from others when eating outside will be expected. We ask that you dispose of uneaten food in a proper location to avoid attracting animals.

What if I have a dietary need?

There is a space on the registration form to notify us of your dietary needs prior to arrival. Substitutions for dietary needs will be provided.

Can I bring my own food?

Food is prohibited in cabins because it attracts animals. All food you bring must be kept in your car.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes, if you choose to bring a personal cooler, you may store it in your cabin or vehicle. The cooler may only be used for beverages (preferably cans and plastic cups, rather than glass). No food in cabins. If you are of legal drinking age, you may choose to bring alcohol and consume responsibly during your stay. Providing alcohol to any persons under 21 is strictly prohibited. You are restricted from consuming alcohol or being under the influence during participation in activities where awareness is a key safety component. To maintain a family atmosphere, our preference is that you pour beverages into a cup before consuming.

Can our family leave the property during the Family Retreat?

Yes, but the same standards apply out-of-camp as do in-camp. We expect families to be good health advocates in our community and maintain social distancing measures, just as they would at Falling Creek. Families are free to leave camp, but we ask that they let us know so we have accurate numbers for mealtimes. Children cannot be left at Falling Creek without at least one parent/guardian.

Can a member of another cabin come into my cabin?

No, in line with social distancing guidelines only family members may be in your cabin.

Are there any other camp policies we should be aware of?

Our Falling Creek CODE is the expected standard for behavior and interactions with others when in the Falling Creek Community. Our other normal camp rules prohibiting weapons, drug paraphernalia, smoking, and pets will continue to be in place.