Host Guide
Welcome
Welcome to your Retreat Guide.
We've created a memorable retreat experience so you can focus on what you do best: growing your community through retreat participation and connecting with your community in a meaningful way during the retreat.
Stress-free.
NEXT STEPS
1. SHARE, INVITE
GET THE WORD OUT. MARKETING + SHARE YOUR RETREAT
2. RETREAT PLANNING FORM
VIEW RETREAT EXPERIENCES + COMPLETE YOUR RETREAT PLANNING FORM
3. FOR YOU
ANY QUESTIONS? VIEW ALL INFORMATION AND DETAILS IN OUR FAQ SECTION BELOW.
Retreat Experience
Keys to a Successful Retreat Experience
Review your retreat experience timeline below (based on the length of your specific retreat). Then complete your pre-arrival planning form to add details about the workshops and classes you'll be facilitating, along with any additional add-ons or enhancements you’d like to add.
Please complete your pre-arrival retreat planning form no later than 30 days prior to your arrival date. This is super important for our team in order to get everything prepared for your group! Thank you!
When complete, email to hannah@rivermountain.org.
Arrival Day - Night 1
3PM CHECK-IN BEGINS Guests arrive at their accommodations, settle in, and exhale after travel.
5PM WELCOME SOCIAL HAPPY HOUR Get to know one another -- relaxing and casual, connect with new faces, reconnect with those you know.
6PM WELCOME + ORIENTATION FROM RIVER MOUNTAIN A warm welcome from River Mountain team.
6PM COMMUNITY FARM TABLE DINNER Community happens around the table. Enjoy a delicious evening meal gathered around our gorgeous, Amish-crafted farm tables.
CAMPFIRE CONVERSATIONS *Identify the Retreat Icebreakers and Intentions for your Retreat* Set the tone and intentions for your group. Take time to allow each guest to speak, share, and be heard.
Day 1 - Night 2
RISE NATURALLY As the sun gently rises, its soft glow filters through your windows, gradually filling your space with warmth and brightness. This natural awakening aligns with your body's circadian rhythm, signaling the start of a new day in a gentle and organic manner.
MORNING MEANDER TO BREAKFAST Starting your day with a relaxing meander in nature sets a serene tone for what lies ahead. As the sun rises, breathe in the crisp morning air and let the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds wash over you. Wander along the path, allowing your mind to unwind and connect with the natural world.
8:30-10AM BREAKFAST Nourishment to fuel your first day's journey, available in the Old Log Cabin.
MORNING SESSION *HOST LED CLASS* Please provide the name and description in your pre-arrival planning form.
NOON LUNCH Conversations surrounded by nature over a fresh and fulfilling Noon-time meal.
1PM GUIDED HISTORICAL HIKE Join River Mountain to learn about the footsteps that came before us on this land and to discover the Appalachian highlands ecosystem.
AFTERNOON RETREAT Time to Nurture You - Rest, Connect, Explore River Mountain Amenities
AFTERNOON OPTIONAL SESSION *RIVER MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE, HOST LED CLASS, OR RELAX* Optional -- Guide your guests on one of our River Mountain experiences OR lead a workshop OR add a River Mountain Enhancement OR let guests relax.
4:30PM EVENING EXHALE Gather, laugh, and stroll together to happy hour.
5-6PM SOCIAL HAPPY HOUR Unwind and relax as the sun begins to slowly set.
6PM COMMUNITY FARM TABLE DINNER It’s about creating meaningful connections, celebrating the day’s moments, and savoring the simple joys of community.
CAMPFIRE SESSIONS Soothing Flicker of the Flame and Crackle of the Fire -- It's up to you if you'd like to facilitate a yoga or meditation session around the campfire, start the campfire conversation, or simply unwind with s'mores.
Departure Day
RISE NATURALLY There's a peacefulness in waking up to the quiet moments of early morning before the day’s activities begin. Feel the tranquility of these hours, offering a peaceful space for reflection and calm. The natural light creates a grounding sensation, connecting us to Mother Nature’s rhythms.
MORNING MEANDER TO BREAKFAST Engage all your senses to fully appreciate nature’s beauty. Feel the texture of tree bark, smell the earthy scent of the forest, and notice how the sunlight filters through the canopy. Carry the sense of peace and connection with nature into the rest of your day.
8:30-10AM BREAKFAST Nourishment to fuel the day, available in the Old Log Cabin.
MORNING SESSION *HOST LED CLASS* Please provide the name and description in your pre-arrival planning form.
DEPARTURE OPTIONAL TREE PLANTING Leave your mark at River Mountain. Seasonal and based on availability of trees. If you'd like to do tree plantings prior to departure, let us know in your pre-arrival planning form.
FAREWELLS Departure by 11AM.
Enhancements and Add-Ons
Welcome Gifts - $14
Welcome note from host, River Mountain mug, tea, sweet, and salty treats -- placed at each guest's accommodation prior to arrival. $14 per person.
Host Provided Welcome Items Placed in Accommodations - $10
Host purchases items and ships to River Mountain. River Mountain will place them at each guest's accommodation prior to arrival. $10 per person.
Beekeeping 101 - $200
Join Darci, beekeeper and host extraordinaire, to learn more about the amazing life of bees. Suit up in bee suits to explore River Mountain's Apiary and hives in this absolutely awesome guided experience. 1-2 Hour Guided Experience. Most Mondays, Thursdays at 3:30PM. Most Sundays at 11AM. $200 for the entire retreat.
Woodburning Workshop - $40
Relax and learn the art of wood burning! Design your own charcuterie wood board to take home. Enjoy a glass of our Sweet Root Sangria while relaxing and creating during this wilderness workshop. 1-2 Hour Guided Experience. Daily at 3:30PM. $40 per person.
Paint and Chill Kits - $25
Plein Air Meets Paint by Numbers - a relaxing time painting and slowing down. Our Paint Kits are packaged and easy for retreats to use whenever and wherever they’d like. $25 per person.
Birthday or Celebration Decadent Chocolate Torte - $50
Celebrate! Enjoy our decadent and absolutely delicious chocolate torte. It’s also gluten-free and vegan, so everyone can enjoy it. Feeds up to 12 people.
Happy Hour Grazing Boards - $50
Available at 5PM daily for social happy hour. Select one or both boards. $50 per board. Each board feeds up to 12 people.
Charcuterie Board - Local Cured Meats | Cheeses | Nuts | Fruit | Mustard | Pretzels
Crudite Board - Fresh Veggies | Hummus | Naan
Lunch Day of Arrival/Departure - $16
If you or any of your guests plan on arriving before check-in or staying after check-out, we are happy to provide lunch. $16 per person.
Dinner Pairing - River Mountain Mead - $50
Pair dinner with our fantastic River Mountain Honey Mead. $50 for up to 12 guests.
Dinner Pairing Shrub Mocktails - $50
Pair dinner with our deliciously fresh River Mountain Shrub Mocktails. $50 for up to 12 guests.
Wine with Dinner - $50
Pair dinner with a Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc for guests. $50 for up to 12 guests.
Champagne with Dinner - $50
Pair dinner with a little celebration bubbly champagne. $50 for up to 12 guests.
Mimosas - $50
Morning brunch or afternoon chill - enjoy mimosas with champagne and orange juice. $50 for up to 12 guests.
Unlimited Ice - $20
Unlimited Charcoal - $20
Additional Catering Setup - $50 per hour
Additional Space/Property/Decor Setup - $50 per hour
Self Guided Experiences
We've created guides for you to assist with experiential activities grounded in nature. Please download our guides and use these experiences anytime during your retreat.
