FAQ

What to Expect on a Retreat

Why is the retreat center closed?
At Trinity Retreat Center, our mission is to welcome people to heal and connect with God in safe, nourishing ways. During this time of pandemic, we have spent time in prayer and reflection to consider how to proceed given the uncertainties that the fall may bring. Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to cancel all retreats through March 1, 2021. We know that this will come as a disappointment to all who have come, and wish to come, to the Retreat Center for community and for solace, but care and concern for the health and well-being of everyone—our guests and our staff—is our highest value. We look forward to being able to gather together once again. To be notified when we reopen, join our mailing list.

Who is welcome at the Trinity Retreat Center?
Trinity Retreat Center is an Episcopal mission of Trinity Church Wall Street, and is open to everyone, regardless of denomination and faith. For group retreats, we host religious groups (all faiths are welcome) and educational nonprofit groups.

Will there be church services during our retreat? Does everyone have to participate in church services?
We are a mission of Trinity Church Wall Street, an Episcopal parish in New York City. We offer daily morning and evening prayer services in the historic stone chapel. You are welcome to join us in prayer. However, attending services, like all programming at the retreat center, is completely optional. We like to think every activity at the retreat center, whether it’s canoeing on the river, doing a puzzle by the fireplace or just being still among God’s Creation, is a form of prayer.

What time is check-in and check-out?
For retreats scheduled for multiple days, check-in is typically 4pm on the first day of your retreat. Check-out on the final day depends on the specific retreat.

Children

Are children allowed at the retreat center?
Yes! Several of our themed retreats are appropriate for families with children; see retreat descriptions.

I’m bringing young children. What do you provide and what do I need to bring?
We offer several amenities for parents of young children, including cribs, crib sheets, baby baths, toys, books, high chairs, and easily accessible storage areas for breast milk/regular milk. Call us before your retreat and we’ll work with you to make sure your young child’s needs are met.

Meals

What times are meals served?
During this period of social distancing, we will not be able to serve our traditional family-style meals. TRC Canteen, a new concept located in the Dining Room, is the pickup location for meals, which should be eaten in designated areas or outside, while respecting social distancing guidelines. The Canteen will be open from 8am–9am and again from 12pm–1pm and 5:30pm–6:30pm for meal pickups. We will also offer snacks available for purchase throughout the day.

What kinds of food do you serve?
At the retreat center, the kitchen is our second chapel and the table is our second altar. Much of the food at the retreat center is farm-to-table, sourced both from the retreat center’s farm and local farms. We offer seasonal farm-to-table meals and freshly baked desserts. Everything is made from scratch, including the bread and granola. With enough lead time, we can also prepare our kitchen for kosher and other religious-based diets.

I have food allergies, or I’m gluten- or dairy-free. Will I be able to eat the food at the retreat center?
Yes. In fact, the kitchen staff prides itself on making creative and delicious vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu offerings. Let us know at least two weeks before your arrival and we will make sure your dietary needs are met.

Bringing Your Group

For group retreats, do you provide a program, or do I plan it myself?
We'll work with you to design a program to meet the needs of your group.

How many people can you host?
At double- and multiple-occupancy, we can comfortably welcome 54 guests. At single-occupancy, we can welcome 26 guests. Currently, due to social distancing guidelines, a maximum of 25 guests will stay at the Trinity Retreat Center at a given time.

Is there a minimum number of nights?
No, you can stay a night or a week. However, during our popular holiday retreats, we require at least a two-night stay.

Miscellaneous

What amenities are provided and what should I bring?
Rooms come stocked with towels, hand soap, shampoo, and body wash. We provide blow dryers, irons, and ironing boards upon request at the front desk. Guests should bring their own toiletries, masks and hand sanitizer; however, if you forget something, we sell bug spray, sunscreen, and lip balm at our small gift shop, and we also make occasional runs for supplies to the general store in nearby Cornwall Bridge. Hand sanitizer stations have also been set up across the TRC campus and buildings. For our guests with chemical sensitivities, we ask that you refrain from wearing perfume or cologne.

Is the retreat center wheel-chair accessible?
Yes. We have one ADA guest room.

How do I pay for my retreat and when is payment due?
If you are booking a group retreat for your church, team, or organization, our guest house staff will send you a contract to sign. We request a non-refundable deposit for group retreats, with the balance due at the time of the event. For individual and family retreats hosted by the retreat center, we require payment immediately. Unfortunately, we cannot refund your payment if you cancel within two weeks of the retreat.

How can I get to the retreat center?
Find directions here.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is not allowed in or around buildings, including the outdoor chapel, on the trails, and at the Trinity Root sculpture. If you need to smoke, there is a designated area near the parking lot.

Is alcohol served at the Trinity Retreat Center?
Yes. For groups retreats, alcohol is available upon request prior to your stay, depending on the retreat. Requests must be made by group leaders. We offer a selection of beer and wine upon request at extra charge. Wine is sold by the bottle and consumption is limited to designated areas. For themed, R&R, and holiday retreats, we occasionally serve alcohol at mealtimes. Outside alcohol is not allowed.

What's your cancellation policy?
As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, you will receive a full refund if you must cancel a retreat due to restrictions or illness caused by the novel coronavirus.