Frequently Asked Questions & Other Useful Stuff
![]() Q. Can we visit the retreat center before booking our retreat?
A. Absolutely! We would love to give you the nickel tour of our facility. Just call or email and we can set it up. Q. How do I book a retreat? A. It’s pretty simple really, and we are here to walk you though the process. Just fill out a “Reservation & Rental Agreement” form which is part of the booking packet. Once that is filled out and a deposit is submitted, we will lock in your date. Important to note that if you need to change dates or cancel, you must let us know as soon as possible. We are very accommodating and want to make your retreat awesome. Q. What does my booking include? A. El Shaddai Retreat Center (ESRC) will provide a Retreat Director and staff to operate the facilities, inc duding someone at the swimming pool, pond, and challenge course (during scheduled times). Remember that we need a copy of your schedule, minimum two weeks in advance so we can schedule staff for activities. We also provide lodging and meals scheduled. Note: Guests are not allowed in the kitchen due to insurance and safety requirements. Q. What do I need to provide as a retreat leader? A. The retreat group will organize its own program and provide a schedule as soon as possible. There must be at least one leader for each 10 minors per dorm or cabin. Adult leaders must be present at all functions. Q. What does each attendee need to provide? A. Each attendee will need:
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Q. How are meals scheduled?
A. Meals are scheduled at 8am, 12pm and 5pm unless you require an adjustment. We are happy to work with your schedule but in order for us to schedule staff work hours, this request must be received at least two weeks prior to arrival. If we do not receive a request, we will schedule our normal meal times. What happens at checkout? Final inspection will be performed prior to your groups departure. Facilities should be left as they were found. (Please gather your trash in bags place outside the door and don’t forget to take the items you brought.) Thank you for your cooperation on this. Q. We have heard you have hobbits at ESRC. Is this true? We also heard you have Keebler Elves making cookies for the center. Any truth to all this? A. Yes and maybe?. No to the Keebler Elves. We would NEVER hire elves who live in trees and makes cookies in tree ovens. We have a burn ban most of the time in Texas and come on...it’s just not sanitary. About the hobbits... No hobbits, but we do have several short kitchen workers and some are known to want second breakfast too. We call them precious and we understand the confusion. Important Rules The following items are prohibited: Candles (battery powered are ok!), Alcohol, Weapons, Narcotics, Profane Language, Pets, Chewing Gum, Tobacco. Also, no open food, drinks or ice chests in sleeping areas. Vehicles are restricted to gravel roads (10 MPH) and must park in designated areas. Vehicles are not normally used to transport guests around the retreat center. Walking is encouraged. It’s a great time to walk and pray but please don’t close your eyes when doing so. Recycling is recommended. If plastic bottles are brought to ESRC, empty bottles must be removed upon departure. We are unable to recycle plastic bottles. We do have containers for cans. Swimming is only in the pool and at scheduled times with a lifeguard present. Night swimming is not allowed. Swimming is not allowed in the pond or creek. It’s Texas and wildlife use the pond and creek. Life jackets are required when using the canoes or pedal boats. Adult supervision is required at all relational sites at all times. |
Finally
We are here to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. It’s our prayer that God uses this facility to help you relax and recharge. If you have any questions, suggestions, concerns, or just want to say hello, please call or email. Now that you have read this document, all you need to do is fill out the retreat request and your journey begins.
It all starts here...
We are here to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. It’s our prayer that God uses this facility to help you relax and recharge. If you have any questions, suggestions, concerns, or just want to say hello, please call or email. Now that you have read this document, all you need to do is fill out the retreat request and your journey begins.
It all starts here...