Group Retreat Protocol in Light of the Covid-19 Pandemic
On May 1, 2020, Washington State announced a four-phase plan for the re-opening of group gatherings and nonessential travel.
As the Grünewald Guild in conjunction with Group Retreat Organizer(s) understand the governor’s guidelines, group retreats will go forward under Phase 3, with some restrictions.
Under Phases 1 and 2, the Grünewald Guild will only host Private Retreats with Physical Distancing and Private Studio Rental. Outdoor spaces are available for individual use only.
Under Phase 3, Group Retreats become feasible. Here are some relevant changes to the guidelines under Phase 3:
- Non-essential travel can resume.
- Groups of 50 or less can gather.
- Restaurants can operate at 75% capacity or less.
- Restaurants can offer maximum seating of 10 people per table.
- High-risk populations, however, still remain at home.
Some additional changes when moving from Phase 3 to Phase 4:
- Facilities can reopen, but need to “practice physical distancing and good hygiene.”
- Groups of 50 or greater can gather.
- High-risk populations can resume public interaction, with physical distancing.
Group Retreats and Guild Programming: Operations under Phase 3
If the guidelines remain in place and Washington State is in Phase 3 or 4, the Guild will host retreat groups and their own programming with the following restrictions/changes under Phase 3:
Attendance: 20 people total, including instructors/organizers
- Default room assignments will be private rooms, unless shared rooms are requested. (The Guild has 11 rooms available, plus a cabin with sleeping both downstairs and in a loft.)
- Off-site housing is available at Beaver Valley Lodge.
For retreats booked prior to May 1, 2020, the rate for a private room will be $65/night.
For retreats booked after May 1, 2020, our regular private rate ($80 in Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, April, May; $65 in Dec, Jan, Feb, March) will be charged.
Facilities
- The staff at the Grunewald Guild is committed to meeting or exceeding all hygiene and physical safety guidelines (cleaning, masks, gloves, hand-washing, etc.)
- With a maximum of 20 people, physical distancing can be practiced both in the Centrum dining room and upstairs gathering space.
- Marks on the floor, spaced six feet apart, will designate the places where people can pause when moving throughout the Centrum. Traffic will flow in one direction.
- Dining Room: No buffet service for meals. Meals will be served from the kitchen pass-through counter. Table seating will be arranged to provide spaces for 20 guests with the safe physical distance criteria met. Staff will eat after the guests have left the dining room. When weather allows, the Guild encourages the use of outdoor tables and chairs for meals.
- The Guild encourages the use of outdoor spaces for communal activities. Such spaces include the Fiber Arts patio, the Centrum back deck with ground-level seating, the Garden, the Labyrinth and Finisterre. We are happy to set up seating for you in these spaces.
- There will be a day-time quarantine space available for a guest exhibiting Covid symptoms until arrangements can be made for the guest to leave.
- Accommodations for day-only attendees are available nearby.
- Fire station/emergency response is less than a mile away.
- Hospital with ER facilities is an approx. thirty-minute drive.
Other Norms, Expectations:
- The Guild Staff and Retreat Attendees will maintain safe physical distances, with frequent hand washing and other safeguards.
- Masks and gloves are encouraged, to the comfort and convenience of attendees. Attendees and the Guild staff understand that masks and gloves are a useful barrier to protect everyone. They do not, however, replace physical distancing, frequent hand washing and other safeguards.
- Equipment for temperature checks will be available.
- Virus checks, at this time, cannot be done onsite.
- Anyone who develops symptoms will isolate until arrangements can be made for their departure.
- Final numbers and final payment will be due to the Guild two weeks prior to the event.
- Retreat leaders will insure that no participants will come to the Guild campus if they have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have been exposed to anyone who has had Covid-19 within 14 days of the retreat. For any retreat attendee who develops coronavirus symptoms within two weeks of the event, the Guild will credit the group retreat invoice for that individual.
- Cancelations of retreats up to two weeks beforehand will have the deposits applied as credit to a future event at the Guild.
Our beautiful campus, cozy facilities, and affordable rates make the Grünewald Guild an ideal location for your next retreat. The Guild’s inclusive community has hosted a variety of church and school retreats, training sessions, and leadership workshops.
Activities
We offer a range of creative, relaxing, and contemplative activities to enhance your retreat experience. A sampling of options is listed below; additional offerings are dependent on seasonal and staff availability. Each activity session is designed to be completed in 3 hours or less.
Art Classes:
- Photography
- Acrylic Painting
- Stained Glass Mosaic
- Contemplative Journaling with Markers
- Printmaking
Workshops:
- Soap Making
- Journal Design & Book Binding
Seasonal Delights:
- Traditional Wood-Fired Sauna Session
- Guided Hiking
Reflection and Meditation:
- Ecumenical Worship Service
- Guided Visio Divina Session
- Candle-lit Community Labyrinth Walk
