RETREAT FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Poet Camp retreats

Is Poet Camp for poets only?

All genres are welcome! You are welcome to write in your chosen genre no matter what the label on the course itself invites, so long as you stay within the given word count limit. (The same is true for the prompts, which are intended to be entries into new work, which may or may not be a poem.)

Are Poet Camp Retreats meant for beginning writers or advanced?

Poet Camp Retreats welcomes all levels of women and female identifying writers, from beginning writers to those who have published books. Sessions are designed so writers of every level will find something of value to take away.

*A note about genres/a welcome to non-poets as well! You are welcome to write in your chosen genre no matter what the label on the prompt/course itself invites, so long as you stay within the given word count limit and have discussed ways to share your newly generated work with the class with me before the course begins.

Should I bring my laptop and is there wi-fi at Poet Camp?
All locations we’ve booked so far have had wi-fi, but we may go “off grid” for a more rustic one in the future. You are welcome to use whatever method of writing you feel most comfortable using.
What will I do at Poet Camp?
Each retreat experience is unique – please check out the individual descriptions to find out more about upcoming Poet Camp offerings.
How do I book my room for Poet Camp?
Each camp is in a different location, so it depends on which experience you’re interested in.
Do I need to stay at the Poet Camp hotel/house in order to participate?
If you would prefer to commute to the retreat and stay elsewhere in the area that is fine, too. Please contact me if this is your preference, and we’ll talk about a reduced rate for the camp itself.
How do I sign-up for the actual retreat?

Please fill out the registration form found on the camp’s individual page for the retreat, and either Venmo your payment to @poetcamp or Paypal me at Paypal.me/poetcamp – Please add 3.5% to your payment to cover the Paypal service charges.

Can I stay longer than the scheduled retreat?
You will have to coordinate independently with our hosts/hotel to extend your writing retreat, but many places are amenable to this!
How will meals be handled?
*This depends on the retreat itself.
Can I get my own room or do I have to share with someone?
That is completely up to you. Some participants may choose to share a room to save money or have extra time with a friend, but you may also want your own room for quiet writing time. Some retreats offer very limited single occupancy options, and most retreats are in locations which have off site options.
I think this would be a great weekend for my writing group, can we all sign up and come together?
Yes, I welcome writing groups and time will be provided for writing on your own or with your group. *Please let me know if you plan to do this, as space is limited in most retreats, and I’d like to accommodate groups if your writing group is interested.
What if I prefer to spend the afternoon writing or exploring the area. Are sessions mandatory?
Sessions are here for you to choose to participate in or not, depending on what works best for you. As with everything at Poet Camp (classes and retreats and one-on-ones alike!), take what you like, and leave the rest.
Can I get my money back if I change my mind?

This depends on which specific Poet Camp event, due to early booking arrangements & reservations for specific Poet Camp retreats.

Generally speaking, in-person retreats have a deposit (refundable or partially refundable, depending on the specific retreat 30-90 days in advance of the retreat start date).

At this time, only if we are able to reassign your room to another participant will you be eligible to receive a refund for the remaining amount paid after your deposit was paid. If you cancel 30 days or less before the retreat start date, no refund will be given.

All cancellations must be made to me in writing, and any refund requests must be made in writing to Sarah Ann Winn, PO Box 1535, Manassas, VA 20110, or via email to sarah@poetcamp.com.

If the participant has to leave prior to its conclusion, refunds will not be made for the unused portion of the trip. No refunds will be made for any excursion, meal, class or workshop or other activity that the participant misses or decides not to participate in for any reason.

Please feel free to email any additional questions to me (Sarah Ann Winn) at sarah@poetcamp.com