Details for Fellows
“The week exceeded my wildest expectations. The environment at Knoll Farm — physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual — was highly conducive to deep personal reflection and open sharing. The food was superb, the facilities were comfortable, and the leadership was inspiring. These ingredients enabled each participant to really test their own limits, and build relationships I never would have thought possible in one week’s time.” --2007 retreat participant
Location
Each six-day retreat happens at Knoll Farm, a working farm and forest perched on a hill overlooking the Mad River Valley, near Waitsfield, Vermont.
Lodging
Participants sleep on proper beds in canvas wall tents on wooden platforms or in small yurts. All participants are given the option of sharing a tent with someone else if they would prefer not to be on their own. Those who have never camped before are often surprised to find that our accommodations are quite luxurious in comparison to regular ground tents! Our beautiful solar bathhouse has hot showers and flush toilets.
Accessibility
Knoll Farm really is located on a knoll, and we walk a fair amount on hilly terrain each day. The distance from one end of the campus to the other is about half a mile, up or downhill. We do provide a vehicle up and down the hill, but it is necessary to be comfortable and able to walk on uneven ground.
Food
Delicious and wholesome family-style meals are provided, prepared from produce grown here and at other local farms. Our shared meals together are a wonderful part of the experience, and we eat in an historic timber-frame barn in the center of the farmstead. Specific dietary needs can be cared for, provided we are informed of the details in advance.
Cost
Thanks to several national and regional foundation grants and the generous donations of our alumni, Center for Whole Communities offers these retreats as tuition-free fellowships to all invited participants.
What to bring
Sleeping bag (let us know if you'll need one)
Pillow
1-quart water bottle
Flashlight or headlamp
Warm sweater or fleece (x 2)
Loose comfortable clothing
Sturdy work pants or jeans
Shorts
T-shirts
Boots or shoes you don't mind getting muddy
Extra socks
Sunhat
Raingear
Journal and pen
Swimsuit
Bathroom kit
Towel and washcloth
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
An object of significance to you that will help you introduce yourself to the group
A quotation or reading that inspires you (optional)
A sampling of food native to your region (optional)
An instrument (optional)
What NOT to bring
Tents and sleeping mats
Cell phones / laptops
Work obligations
Pets
Drugs/alcohol