Tips for First-Timers

The Retreat Planning Committee has planned this weekend with many options for learning, sharing, connecting, and also for taking time for quiet reflection. We encourage you to do--and not do--whatever you need to get the most out of your retreat experience. You are free to attend as many or as few of the planned activities as fits your needs; to take breaks for prayer, meditation, or exercise; and to seek out other members of our group if you need extra assistance, comfort, or guidance.

• Take the time to look at the St. Dorothy's map and familiarize yourself with the buildings. Meals, as well as most events, will be held in Main House, the Chapel, or Lydia House. You may be assigned a sleeping space in Main, Miriam, Lydia, Grace, or Farmer.
  
• Look through the Program so you can plan your time in advance. Ask questions of other members if you need help.
  
• When you arrive, go first to the registration table in the Main House lobby for your room assignment, name badge, and any additional information.
  
• Attend the Welcome and Ice Breaker on Friday.
  
• Make use of the Chapel, common rooms, and outdoor spaces as your needs dictate.
  
• Don't overdo it! It is not necessary to attend every activity. If you need it, allow for down time to process or to recover your stamina.
  
• Snacks and rest will help to prevent you from going into HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). Hot and cold water and a variety of teas are always available in the lobby of the Main House.
• Make the most of social time by making connections. Introduce yourself to new people, join a new table for a meal... the retreat is a great place to expand your support circle.
  
• Share contact information with other attendees so you can remain in contact after the retreat.
  

Stay aware of your need for self care!

• Am I in HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired)?
  
• Am I isolating? (e.g. suffering in silence, "I don't want to be a bother," "I don't want to cry in front of others.")
  
• Consult your Higher Power for guidance.
  
• Consider what "outer circle" (self-care) activity you can do to support yourself.
  
• Ask a fellow COSA for help.

Helpful Items Bring

The retreat center provides all meals, and does an excellent job of accommodating a variety of food needs. They also provide all bed linens, blankets, and towels. However, here are a few tips on items you may wish to consider packing:

• Toiletries (e.g. a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo and soap, which are not provided).
• Comfortable clothing. Warm clothing (it gets chilly up there at night!), as well as lighter clothing (it can be warm and sunny during the day). Layering is key.
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes. (The property is rural and has some steep hills. There are also some beautiful hiking trails in the surrounding woods.)
• Additional blanket, if you tend to get cold during the night.
• A flashlight. (The grounds are generally well-lit during our meeting and workshop times, but we often find it helpful to have extra light walking between buildings and within the buildings in the middle of the night).
• Snacks for outside of meal times or supplemental food if you have unique dietary needs. (The retreat center generally accommodates vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, and dairy free diets.)
• Your favorite personal survival "musts" such as pain reliever, gum, cough drops, refillable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

Helpful Extras for Workshops and Events

• A notebook and pen for note-taking.
• Your stepwork.
• COSA Recovery Big Blue Book.
• Recovery-related readings or books.
• Yoga mat/accessories.
• A camp chair for s'mores night, if you will be uncomfortable sitting on benches.
• Cash for 7th tradition donations. We will also collect a voluntary donations for a group tip to the staff at the end of the weekend.
• Anything else you need to help you feel safe, serene, and comfortable.