Important Things To Know

SUPER IMPORTANT DETAILS

for 2026 SISTERSPIRIT RETREAT ATTENDEES

Hello there from Rev. Abigail and the Dream Team!

It’s getting close! 2026 SisterSpirit is just a few weeks away, we are excitedly preparing for your arrival!  There’s lots of juicy information in this letter – created to answer all your questions!

Please read this letter carefully, as there are some very important steps and updates that you must know prior to traveling to Seabeck Conference Center and while onsite with us for the event. Keep this letter handy! 

Program Note: The retreat program this year is based on the characters from the two movies, “Wicked” (Part One, a colorful, charming, and complex prequel to The Wizard of Oz,), and “Wicked: For Good” (Part Two with an emphasis on unconditional love and seeking truth and goodness).  It would be really helpful for you to watch the two movies in advance of the retreat, or at a minimum read a film synopsis outlining the two movies’ complete narrative—including the main character arc, key plot points, and crucial ending.

Cancellations: If you are unable to attend the retreat for any reason, it is important that you contact Marylyn Kirk at 408-504-5121 or Cathy Gucker at 541-222-0863 (texting is ok) as soon as you can.  Currently there are a number of women on the wait list wanting very much to attend. If you cannot attend, and have a substitute who can, we need to know as soon as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made.  Be aware that there is limited cell phone reception at Seabeck depending on your carrier. If you cannot reach Marylyn or Cathy by April 15th or after, please call Seabeck Conference Center at 360-830-5010 and leave a message.

Refunds: Refunds are available only if you cancel by April 6, 2026. We will refund 50% of the amount paid (minus the non-refundable pre-registration/advance deposit previously paid). If you cancel less than 10 days before the retreat start date, there is no refund.  However, if you are unable to attend due to illness or unforeseen emergency circumstances, we may offer partial credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. 

Arrival and Departure: Please arrive at Seabeck on Thursday, April 16th, between 1:15-3:30pm to check-in. This will provide adequate time for you to check in at the Historic Inn lobby and unload your gear before our first gathering. Travel time from SEA-TAC airport is approximately 2 hours (68.5 mi) via I-5 S and WA-16 W, and no ferry crossing is required. If you are traveling from north of Seattle, please allow plenty of time to take the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry or the Seattle/Bremerton Ferry. The Ferry schedules can be found at: https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/. Our closing ceremony will be on Sunday morning followed by lunch. Please honor your commitment to arrive on time and remain until the end of the retreat on Sunday.  Plan to depart Seabeck by 2:00pm on Sunday. Seabeck policy requires that all attendees have left the campus by 2:00pm. 

Carpool: Please make your own carpool arrangements on the Google doc located at 2026 Carpool Connections. Check back often on this link and make your own arrangements. It’s fun to share a ride with someone and make new friends while being environmentally friendly. Be sure to share the cost of gas, tolls, car rental, or ferry expenses with your driver. If you have a car with extra space for passengers, please consider helping and add your name to the carpool list. Many of our attendees are from out of state.

Shuttle Transportation: If you fly into the Seattle (SEA-SeaTac) airport, you can take a shuttle to Silverdale (near the city of Seabeck) with Bremerton-Kitsap Airporter Shuttle. Upon arrival at SeaTac airport, head down to carousel 3 baggage claim. You will see a kiosk with the words Kitsap Airporter. Pay for a $43 one-way ticket to Silverdale or $86 round trip. The shuttle stops at the airport at the top of the hour from 4am-9pm. Hand your ticket to the driver of the shuttle bus (a white bus with Kitsap Sea-Tac Airporter on the side.) You will need to make a reservation for your return trip from Silverdale to the airport. Schedule, reservations, and fares can be found at: https://www.kitsapairporter.com/ Once you arrive in Silverdale, take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft from Silverdale to Seabeck. It’s 7.7 miles away- about a 16 minute drive. You will need to make your own transportation arrangements. Be sure to check out the Carpool list!

COVID-19 and FLU safety measures: There is no face mask requirement for the retreat.  Washington State health officials advise people to continue wearing properly fitted face masks in most indoor settings where crowds gather. Mask wearing is your choice. You may also choose to eat outside in the covered Pavilion (dress warmly or bring a blanket!)  Remember that Seabeck policy requires that anyone testing positive or showing signs of COVID-19 should leave the campus grounds immediately. 

Informational volunteer meeting, Welcome gathering, and Orientation: If you are interested in being in sacred service during the retreat, there will be an informational volunteer meeting at 4:15pm in the Meeting Room in PINES first floor meeting room, followed by our Welcome Gathering and Orientation meeting for everyone at 5:00pm in the same location. Dinner will follow at 6:00pm in the DINING ROOM at mid-campus. Our first Session and Opening Ceremony will be at 7:05pm in Pines first floor meeting room. For the retreat Daily Schedule-click https://www.sisterspiritretreat.org/participant-info/daily-schedule-sample

Meals: If you are indicated vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or dairy-free on your registration form, there will be appropriate food choices for you. Our caterer has been informed of any special diets or food allergies that you may have listed. There is a small, shared refrigerator in the Dining Room for special food needs or to store required medications. Or you can bring your own cooler. Ice is available on the porch outside the Dining Room for a nominal fee (couple of dollars). There are also refrigerators in Pines first floor kitchen. Remember to label your food. If not labeled it may be shared with others. Anything left at the end of the retreat will be tossed out.

Fun Clothing: The Dream Team is planning to wear certain colors for each of the main sessions, and we invite you to join in. Of course, this is optional!

●        Thursday PM: Wear Pink.

●        Friday AM: Wear Green or Black, also witches’ hats

●        Friday PM: Representing the Dark Night of the Soul. Wear Red

●        Saturday AM: Wear Blue

●        Sunday AM: Wear Gold and Wings.

Weather: Early April at Seabeck experiences almost constant cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy is about 68%. The average daily high temperature is 55-60 degrees, and average low temperature is 42 degrees. There’s a 50% chance of rain or showers.

Cell Phone and Wi-Fi reception: Cell phone reception is limited especially with Sprint or AT&T carriers.  Wi-Fi service may be spotty. Be prepared to be "technologically unplugged" for a few days, just in case!  Seabeck has a 24-hour phone number to leave with your family, and it is 360-830-5010.

Artisan Faire: On Saturday afternoon there will be an Artisan Faire. If you have personally created art, crafts, jewelry, pottery, fiber art, paintings, have authored a book or produced your own music (CDs or otherwise), this is YOUR time to shine. We’ll have tables set up. Price your items and bring your displays, your own change, Square or paper credit card authorization forms for sales. We can’t wait to see your creations!  It will be fun to support our sisters in their creative endeavors and purchase some unique items.  Bring some extra cash to go shopping! 

Retreat spiritual leader, guest speaker & musician: Rev. Abigail Schairer is our retreat Spiritual Leader. Several of the main sessions will also be facilitated by the Dream Team. The wonderful and inspiring Rickie Byars, a dynamic singer and songwriter, is our featured musician and guest speaker! Get ready for some powerful feminine energy!

Workshops & free time: There will be a variety of workshops to choose from where supplies will be provided. You can also choose to enjoy time to bask in the sun (or rain-LOL), take a nap, read a book, journal, or hike around the area.

Gently Used Small Gift Exchange: Should you have any gently used jewelry, other small spiritual items, or books you would like to give to someone else, please bring them to the Gift Exchange table.  If you find something you like, feel free to give that item a new loving home!

Divine Expression Talent Show: Our Saturday night experience, Divine Expression Talent Show, will be your chance to highlight your entertainment skills. All performance pieces (songs, dances, skits, poetry, stand-up comedy, musical solos, whatever!) are welcome for your 3 minutes of fame. Be sure to bring any props, music, costumes, instruments, CDs, etc., that will enhance your special talents (especially sheet music if you want our fabulous musician to accompany you). Sign up for Divine Expression Talent Show at Registration when you arrive at Seabeck. (Remember to keep your presentation to no more than Three minutes!). Be prepared to provide our emcee with a written introduction for your act, so we can stay on time. There are a limited number of spots available.

Angel Fund Scholarships: Every year, we set the intention that those who really need SisterSpirit can attend. This year we were able to support 11 sisters in need. Thank you for your support! If you can spread some love and donate additional money for a future sister in need, please click here: https://spirit.breezechms.com/form/sister.

Raffle: Each year the dream team brings some items to raffle off to raise money for both the Angel Fund and the Dream Team Fund. The Dream Team fund is used to send the Dream Team to the planning retreat and to partially pay for our Dreamsters who arrive early to help set up. Bring cash or check for the raffle!

Connecting before and after the retreat: NEW THIS YEAR! We have set-up two private social media accounts for the 96 of you who have registered for this year’s retreat. Please join one or both and start connecting! Click here and join the groups:

GroupMe: https://groupme.com/join_group/113240870/TFIy9Wiq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sistersprit2026/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

SisterSpirit 2027 Intention Deposit: SisterSpirit 2027 is scheduled for April 15-18, 2027. You will have an opportunity to complete your Intention Deposit and register for 2027 at the retreat. You can enroll yourself and/or a friend or relative for next year for $99 each. This amount will apply to your 2027 registration fee. You will have first choice of lodging location before registration opens to the public. We have a new system, so you will need to submit your deposit online by April 30th. Credit and debit cards are accepted for enrolling and submitting your Intention Deposit.

We are super excited to see you again or meet for the first time.  We can’t wait to be with you at this transformational retreat where we will experience Courageous Awakening — Joyfully Embracing the Divine!  We will see you at Seabeck on Thursday, April 16th between 1:15 and 3:30pm! 

Must-haves packing list–Please add your name to your belongings. (Painter’s tape works well.)  Labeling ensures that you will be able to retrieve any items left behind!

●        Labeled water bottle with a leakproof lid. There are multiple locations to refill your water bottle.

●        Layered comfortable clothing (jeans, yoga pants, shorts, tops, sweatshirts, etc.).

●        Comfortable shoes.

●        Pajamas, robe, slippers/flip flops, ear plugs (soft ones are available at most drug stores).

●        Menstrual supplies (there’s lots of female energy which could trigger your cycle early).

●        Toiletries -shower gel/soap, shampoo, toothbrush, brush, blow dryer, etc. Towels are provided.

●        Warm jacket, rain gear (Seattle area = rain) hat, gloves, scarf for nighttime or early morning walks.

●        Flashlight and batteries or use your cell phone (bring your phone charger, too).

●        Any special dietary items. There is very limited communal refrigeration in the Dining Room for those with special dietary needs or bring your own cooler.

●        Prescription medications, small first aid kit, insurance cards, and emergency contact information

●        Costumes, props, sheet music, etc., for Divine Expression Talent Show.

Optional items - label these, too!

·         Crazy PJs, costumes, scarves, tiaras, or sarongs. Be yourself! Fun colors for main sessions: Thursday PM: Wear Pink. Friday AM: Wear Green or Black, also witches’ hats. Friday PM: Representing the Dark Night of the Soul. Wear Red.  Saturday AM: Wear Blue. Sunday AM: Wear Gold and Wings.

●        Extra sweater or small blanket. If you are sitting by an outside door, it’s nice to have an extra layer.

●        Personally created arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, fiber art, paintings, etc. to sell at the Artisan Faire, plus displays, extra change, Square and/or paper credit card authorization forms. Wi-Fi may be uncertain.

●        Drums, rattle, flutes, rain sticks, guitars, or other musical instruments for the drumming circle.

●        Yoga mat or towel for the ground/floor if you wish to participate in yoga or stretching.

●        Commuter coffee cup (labeled) with a lid. Cups/mugs from the Dining room need to stay in the Dining room.

●        Family pictures for our communal altar, including photos of those who have transitioned (put your name on the back so we know to whom they belong.)

●        Business cards or event flyers to share at the community table.

●        Gently used jewelry, spiritual items, or books that you wish to give away at the Gift Exchange table.

●        Extra cash: Suggested amount $75-$150 for gas (be sure to share with your carpool driver), meals while traveling, appreciation gifts for staff, money for Artisan Faire purchases, musician/speaker CDs/books, and cash, checks, or credit cards for Intention Deposit for 2027 retreat ($99).

●        Allergy/cold medications/natural remedies or EpiPen for food allergies or bee allergies

●        CPAP and extension cord for those with sleep apnea

●        Sacred or “homey” items to embellish your room, battery operated candles are okay.

●        Board games, puzzles, or outdoor games to share during free time.

●        Personal art/craft materials, a journal, or a book for quiet hour every day (the Colman Craft Center is also available during this time)

●        Headset or ear buds for music players or phones. The walls are thin. Even if you think the volume is low, your neighbors will be able to hear (that includes conversations, so be aware of quiet hour).

●        Bicycles are allowed, so if you are traveling by car and can fit it in, bring your bike to get from location to location.

Please leave the following at home:

●        Pets are not allowed on the property. If you have a service animal that you must bring, please contact Marylyn Kirk at sisterspiritlove@gmail.com and discuss this with her. We do have one registered and certified service animal that will be at the retreat this year. Emotional Support Animals are not allowed on the property, only registered and certified service animals.

●        Unregistered guests - everyone must be registered in advance.

●        Complaints or a closed mind – nobody wants that! 

Love,

Rev. Abigail Schairer, Marylyn Kirk, RScP, Cathy Gucker, Lupe Lopez, Rev. Lynda Lundry-Starr, Cheryl Gifford, and Julieanna Smith

2026 SisterSpirit Dream Team

REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026 RETREAT IS FULL

CLICK HERE FOR THE WAIT LIST