Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend SisterSpirit?

All people who identify as female or non-binary and are 18 and older and from all walks of life are welcome. While our retreat has a schedule that helps you to focus on a central theme, you can participate as much as you choose and attend only the events you wish. This retreat is for you and all you need to do is take care of yourself.

Where is the retreat located?

Seabeck Conference Center, on beautiful Hood Canal near Seattle, WA, provides SisterSpirit retreat with the perfect escape from the hectic pace of daily life. The facilities are located on 90 beautiful acres with sweeping views of Hood Canal and the Olympic mountains. The grounds are reminiscent of a small village complete with walkways that meander past manicured lawns wooded trails and resident deer the website link is www.seabeck.org

How shall I prepare for the retreat?

As the date for SisterSpirit nears you will receive a letter via e-mail with further information on preparing for the retreat. Allow yourself to be comfortable. Wear comfortable clothing as we will be doing some movement throughout the retreat. Be sure to make arrangements with work and for child care well in advance and make your travel plans. Plan ahead for our “Divine Expression Theater” (talent show) by bringing any music or costumes, or getting your group together! Know that all activities are optional.

What time does the retreat start and end?

The retreat begins with Registration arrival on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 1:15PM and ends on Sunday, April 2, 2023, after lunch. Please plan on attending our opening session Thursday evening and closing session on Sunday morning. 

What about COVID-19 safety? (Subject to change without notice)

Every attendee must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test completed within 72 hours of arrival, regardless of vaccination status. NOTE: With the recent discovery of a new, more transmissible COVID variant, this requirement may change based on Public Health and/or Seabeck's policies. As of 12/1/22 the negative test requirement is within 72 hours of arrival. This may change to within 24 hours prior to arrival. We will keep you updated with any changes. MASKS are strongly suggested (but not required) of all attendees when interacting with others in all locations, regardless of vaccination status.

Women with specific increased health risk (a person that is both immunologically compromised AND not vaccinated) are requested to not attend. This is to protect you, the other attendees, the Seabeck staff, and other guests at the Retreat Center. Seabeck meals are served buffet style. An outdoor eating option is available.

What does my registration include?

Registration includes all food, lodging, crafts, workshops, concerts, all retreat sessions with Rev. Abigail Schairer, the Dream Team and Rickie Byars, and some extras that are a surprise!

What is not included in my registration?

• Transportation to and leaving Seabeck Conference Center is not included.

• Flight costs, car rental, and extra lodging are not included.

• Breakfast and lunch on Thursday, March 30 are not included.

• Dinner on departure day is not included.

Rooms and room requests:

We will do our best to accommodate every room requirement and request. Room requests are filled in the order registrations are confirmed.

• Room request is released if first installment is not paid by the due date. 

• Payment in full is required to lock in room placement. Room request is subject to release or cancellation if not paid in full by final installment payment date.

What are the Deferred Payment Plan and Due Dates?

• All registrations require a minimum $200 deposit per person.

• Registrations after the first installment due date must include the appropriate installment payment in addition to the deposit.

• First installment payment (1/2 of the remaining balance) is due by 2/14/2023.

• Final installment payment is due 3/16/2023.

• A late fee of $25 will be assessed if balance is not paid in full by 3/16/2023.

• No refunds after 3/29/2023 for any reason. Prior to 3/29/2023, partial refunds may be available.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

If YOU must cancel your registration:

Naturally, no one registers for a retreat with the intention of cancelling or postponing, but unexpected things do happen. Please familiarize yourself with the SisterSpirit Cancellation/Refund policy, which is in place to help both the attendees and the retreat planning team work together in sharing expenses that

may arise from unexpected cancellations. Depending on when you cancel, certain penalties may apply.

• No refunds after 3/29/2023. Exceptions to our policy cannot be made for any reason.

Refunds are determined by the following schedule:

• Prior to and on 1/29/23: A ‘Sister’ may cancel their registration for any reason until 1/29/23 and will receive a 100% refund of the amount paid minus the $50 administrative fee and non-refundable pre-registration deposit (if paid in 2022). If a non-refundable pre-registration deposit was made in 2022, this amount may instead be used as credit for the 2024 SisterSpirit in-person retreat, or we can transfer the pre-registration deposit to another participant upon request. The pre-registration deposit is not refundable as was stated at the time of pre-registration.

• Between 1/30/23 – 3/29/2023: A ‘Sister’ may cancel their registration and request a refund based on a medical emergency. *We will refund 50% of the amount paid minus the $50 administrative fee and non-refundable pre-registration fee (if paid in 2022). If a non-refundable pre-registration deposit was made in 2022, this amount may instead be used as credit for the 2024 SisterSpirit in-person retreat, or we can transfer the pre-registration deposit to another participant upon request. The pre-registration deposit is not refundable as was stated at the time of pre-registration.

  • *A medical emergency is defined as follows:

    • Testing positive or exposure to a COVID-19 positive person on or after 3/15/23.

    • Taking care of a Covid positive family member in the home.

    • Having a Covid positive family member in the hospital.

    • Admitted to the hospital for any reason.

    • Recent death of an immediate family member.

Appeals to the refund policy will be discussed on a case-by case basis and determined by the Dream Team. SisterSpirit is not responsible for any expenses incurred prior to any cancellation, such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip. Any additional costs incurred are the sole responsibility of the attendee.

If SISTERSPIRIT must cancel a booked retreat date:

If SisterSpirit must cancel a booked retreat date for any reason, you may transfer your full retreat payment to a future SisterSpirit retreat, or you may request a refund of your payment to us, constituting a full settlement. SisterSpirit is not responsible for any expenses incurred prior to any cancelled retreat, such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip.

What should I bring?(see our 'What to Bring' tab for a more complete list)

• Water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.

• Layered comfortable/seasonal clothing.

• Comfy shoes.

• Costumes, props, music, etc. if performing at Diving Expression Theater.

• Drums, rattle, flutes, rain sticks, guitars, or other musical instruments for the drumming circle – label all your instruments.

• Yoga mat or towel for the ground/floor if participating in yoga.

• Altar items and/or comfort items for your room.

• Photos of family/friends who have transitioned for our ancestor altar.

How do I get there if I'm not from the Seattle Area?

Fly into the Seattle (SEA-SeaTac) airport. 

From there you can:

• Rent a car (or)

• Take a shuttle to Silverdale (nearby city to Seabeck) https://www.kitsapairporter.com/schedule/ and then take a taxi from Silverdale to Seabeck (or)

• Carpool with somebody who is also flying in or coming locally. As we get closer to the retreat will will invite you to our Closed Group SisterSpirit Facebook Page, where we will pin a conversation to the top of the discussion regarding attendees looking for carpools. We don't manage the carpools, but we do make sure that people who are willing drivers and people looking for rides can find each other. 

How far away is Seabeck Conference Center from Seattle?

From Seattle the conference center is 1.5-2.5 hours drive away

From SeaTec airport, the conference center is about 1.5 hours away

Please factor this into your planning to be sure you arrive on time and stay for the full retreat. 

Can I come in early or stay an extra night?

No. We don't have that arranged with the camp. However, we are in negotiations with some hotels near the airport for the night before and the night after the retreat to get a group discount for those of you coming in from out of town and arriving early or staying late. We'll update you as soon as we complete those negotiations.