Diakonia Retreat Center
Guest Guidelines

For the safety and well-being of all those who visit, and as good stewards of our beautiful Retreat Center, we require the following:

ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES
• Those who plan to swim must be accompanied by a certified lifeguard; a copy of the certificate must be provided to the Retreat Center Staff at the time of registration.
• Those who plan to use the canoes must attend a brief orientation on canoe safety and must wear a personal floatation device while using the canoes. PFD’s are available at the Center. Canoes must be checked out from the Retreat Center Staff.
• No canoeing or swimming after dark.
• Those who plan to use the Initiatives Course must be supervised by trained facilitators approved in advance by Retreat Center Staff. Group members must assist in assembling Initiative Course Sites and return all equipment to the Retreat Center Staff at the conclusion of the Group session.
• Those who plan to hike in areas away from the campus must obtain a trail map and leave a list of names and an approximate return time with the Retreat Center Staff.
• Fires may be built only in designated fire areas and must be cleared with the Retreat Center Staff. Appropriate fire tools, supplies and instructions must be obtained from the Retreat Center Staff.
• We request all guests observe quiet hours between 11pm and 7am out of respect for others unless special arrangements for after hours activities are cleared in advance with Retreat Center Staff.
• When using sports facilities, good sportsmanship must be observed.

FACILITY GUIDELINES
• Children under the age of twelve should always be under the direct supervision of an adult. Parents or supervising adults are advised to use appropriate discretion regarding children over the age of twelve.
• In order to comply with licensing and health regulations, access to the kitchen facilities is restricted to Retreat Center Staff.
• No weapons, firearms or fireworks are allowed on Retreat Center property.
• The use of alcoholic beverages in moderation by adults (over 21 yrs.) is permitted in the Lodges and Cabins and by prior arrangement in the Dining Hall. Illegal drugs are not permitted.
• All guests should be aware of and make provisions for the presence of natural wildlife and plant life at the Retreat Center. For information, please check with the Retreat Center Staff.
• Help keep our Retreat Center clean and well cared for by properly disposing of any litter and treating all facilities and property with respect.
• Please do not take indoor furniture outside on decks or porches.
• It is Retreat Center policy to provide for the privacy of all guests. This means that groups and individuals are asked not to interfere with on-going programs of other guests.
• Due to fire and smoking regulations, smoking is confined to the outside. Please dispose of matches and butts appropriately to avoid fire hazards.
• Because of resident animals and wildlife, and for the benefit of other guests, pets are allowed only with prior permission and under leash.
• Report any problems with facilities to the Retreat Center Staff immediately.

VEHICLE GUIDELINES
• All vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas.
• Short term parking near the Lodges or Cabins is allowed for loading and unloading only. Please do not leave vehicles unattended at these times.
• Never park in mulched or ungraveled areas; vehicles are easily stuck in these areas.

GENERAL GUIDELINES AND INFORMATION
• Basic first aid supplies are available from the Retreat Center Staff. In case of any serious emergency, please follow the emergency procedures provided at registration and immediately notify Retreat Center Staff.
• Most cell phones do not have service in the area of the Retreat Center. For emergency and other necessary calls, phones are located in the Dining Hall and the Office.
• By choice our cabins and lodges are not equipped with televisions or phones. TV/VCR/DVD equipment may be made available in the Meeting Room upon request to the Retreat Center Staff.
• Because of our rustic setting, appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended. For information, please contact the Retreat Center Staff.
• When necessary for the safety for our guests and/or for the proper stewardship of our Retreat Center, Staff may make alterations, postpone or cancel any activities at any time. Such decisions are within the complete discretion of Retreat Center Staff.

Return to Facilities Page