Good Shepherd Congregational Retreat

Seeing, Hearing, and Growing Beloved Community: A Little Get-Away for All God's Children

 Friday August 21 to Saturday August 22

Gwinwood Retreat Center, Lacey Washington

  • What is it for? Who is it for?  The retreat is for summertime fun, spiritual enrichment and community building.  It is for anyone and everyone who is part of the Good Shepherd community – kids, teens, adults, seniors. 

  • When does it start and end?  Arrive between 10-11 am on Friday 8/21 to settle in and be ready for noon lunch.  Depart Saturday 8/22 after supper, between 7-7:30 pm

  • What are we going to do all that time?  We will have some specific programming (think worship, singing, art, camp games, Friday night talent show) and a lot of time to relax, reflect and have fun together.  Gwinwood is located on Hicks Lake and has a swimming beach, forest trails, a challenge course, a labyrinth and an amphitheater.

  • Where will we sleep?  The sleeping quarters include private or family bedrooms, with bathrooms down the hall.  There may be some other configurations available depending on how big a group we are and needs.   You bring your own bedding and pillows.  Or you can choose to sleep at home and join in for meals and activities each day.

  • What about meals?  What if I have special food needs?  Meals and snacks are provided, and vegan, non-dairy and gluten-free diets can be accommodated.

  • How much does it cost?  In order to make the retreat as financially accessible as possible, Good Shepherd is offering a sliding scale from $125 to $250 per person, based on your ability to pay, and $300 total for families with children in the home.

  • Gwinwood charges $168 per person ($153 if not staying overnight), so that is our break-even. 

  • Note:  To offset reduced costs for kids and others with low-income, we need those who can to pay near the high end of the sliding scale (and you can always donate even if can’t make it!).  

  • When do I have to commit?  To reserve a space, by May 15 you must complete a registration form and submit $50 deposit on-line at www.gsolympia.org/donate.  By August 5, you must submit the remaining payment.  After mid-May, we will contact those who sign up to gather info on any special food and housing needs.

  • Is this something Good Shepherd has done before?  If so, it has been a very long time!  So this is new to us all!   We will proceed as long as at least 15 members sign up, but the more the merrier.  Help plan to make it wonderful!

  • Questions?  Ask Gracie Stering after church or at gracie.stering@gmail.com or at 206-861-6511