COVID Protocols at Our Retreat Center

Update: March 1, 2022

Dear Friends,

Masks are now optional at the Highlights Foundation Retreat Center. On February 25, 2022 the CDC provided updated guidance dropping the requirement of masking to optional in areas of low to medium risk.

Vaccination. We strongly recommend full vaccination of our staff and guests who are able. However, vaccination is not a requirement of staff or guests.

Masks. All our staff will be masked when interacting with guests. We limit our staff interaction with guests, balanced by our commitment to providing a quality experience.

Dining. Meals are served buffet style, and all staff are required to wear masks in and around buffet and food service stations.

We have multiple dining tables available in both indoor and outdoor spaces (in good weather.) Tables are spread out for social distancing, and we encourage you to limit the number of people at a table.

You are welcome to take a plate to your room or a private space. We can prepare “carry-out” meals for you to grab and go if you prefer that option. Just let us know.

Capacity and Physical Distancing. The indoor capacity in The Barn (our main dining and meeting space) is 100+. During this season on campus, our guest count on campus will be limited to one-third capacity. It is a large, open building with high ceilings; a ceiling fan on to circulate air; and the ability to open sliding glass doors and windows, weather permitting. Our heating and cooling system filters are changed monthly.

You will have your own private room, with a private bathroom unless you have otherwise made accommodations with us to room share.

Our campus is spread out, with plenty of outdoor opportunities for sitting, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of our area.

Hand sanitizing stations are located at all public entrances.

For Workshop “Classroom” Time (If your time on campus includes it.) Most lectures will take place inside The Barn. Tables will be spaced out, and we’ll ask you to limit seating at each table.

Our reschedule/refund policy reflects our community values, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about it here. If you are no longer able to travel in person to our retreat center, we can provide you a full refund or offer an online option. Please be in contact with us via email at contact@HighlightsFoundation.org should either option be of interest or need.

If you’ve never been here before, it may be hard to understand and envision everything we’re talking about. To get a sense of what the campus looks like, you can watch this video for a glimpse of the grounds and setup. We’re also happy to answer any questions you have.

Health concerns come first. If you or a member of your household are experiencing a fever or any symptoms of illness, please refrain from visiting in-person. We will reschedule or refund your stay according to the above linked policy, or you can join us virtually if you can.

If you become ill while on campus, please let us know via phone or text 570-470-5404. We will be happy to provide you with any accommodations we can to provide comfort. Please do not come into the Barn or other public indoor spaces if you do not feel well. We’ll be happy to bring you meals, take you for a test, and do anything else we can make your stay comfortable while providing safety for our guests.

In the event of a COVID case at the retreat center, we will notify all guests who were/are on campus during the infected person’s stay. We will encourage you to do what works best for you, and to follow CDC recommendations.

Thank you for working with us to create a caring environment for our community during these times.