Preparing for Your Visit
What to Expect at a Retreat
Every moment at Copper Beech Institute is a moment for growth—to deepen your capacity for compassion, self-care and a joyful life. We offer quiet places to rest, 48 wooded acres to wander, creative food to nourish your health, meditation and yoga classes to renew body and spirit and a compassionate staff to support you on every step of your journey.
Accommodations
Because retreats are occasions of rest and personal exploration, each guest receives a private room to enjoy unless a roommate is requested. Our accommodations are simple and impeccably clean, as our dedicated housekeeping staff cares deeply about helping our guests feel at home and at peace. The nearly 30 bedrooms dedicated to the institute have been renovated with new furnishings, queen size beds and air-conditioning. Most of the remaining 130 bedrooms available have twin size beds and are shared with the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, a nonprofit organization we lease our space from, that shares our mission of fostering growth and the peace of the human family. Most rooms have hall restrooms, though there are a limited number of suites available with private bathrooms.
Nourishment
At Copper Beech we practice mindful eating. This practice during meals allows us to nurture ourselves, strengthen our community, and be better prepared to serve all living beings. At our retreats you can expect a variety of different, lovingly prepared comfort foods to feed the body and spirit, while satisfying the palate.
To the best of our ability and with ample notice, we will happily accommodate the special dietary needs of our guests (such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free). Please feel free to e-mail us with any questions or special requests regarding your food needs, and be sure to specify your unique dietary needs in your registration form.
What to Pack
*Toiletries such as shampoo, soap, a toothbrush, etc.
*Hair dryer
*Water bottle
*Alarm clock
*Slip on shoes for the shower and a bathrobe for hallways with shared bathrooms
*Loose fitting clothing for mindful movement and/or meditation
*Comfortable clothes and shoes for exploring our trails and labyrinth
*Outdoor clothing to enjoy our beautiful campus in all seasons and weather conditions
*While yoga mats and meditation cushions are provided, we welcome you to bring your own too
*For some, bringing their own pillow can ensure a comfortable rest
All bedding and any towels you need are provided to you by our housekeeping staff.
Commuters
We welcome commuters to attend our retreats, but you must register in advance for all programs. Commuter pricing includes tuition, meals, amenities and activities. At this time, we do not offer a commuter rate without meals.
Arrival
For overnight retreats, you are welcome to join us any time after 4:30 p.m. on the day when your retreat begins. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. An orientation for all guests begins at 7:15 p.m on Friday and concludes on Sunday after lunch around noon, with room checkout at 1:00 p.m.
Late Arrival
If you plan on arriving after 7:00 p.m. on Friday, please e-mail us at info@copperbeechinstitute.org to make special arrangements.
Cell Phone Etiquette
While many guests choose to "unplug" while attending a retreat, we know this isn’t possible for everyone. However, we seek to create a tranquil and restful space for all our guests during their stay. We ask that cell phones not be used for talking or texting in public spaces such as the dining room or program rooms. Cell phone usage is allowed outside, in your car or in your bedroom.
Emergency
If an emergency arises while you are on retreat, phones in the hallway are available. Dial 911 to reach emergency personnel. For non-emergency issues, call the contacts listed on the phone directory posted next to the phones.