Plan a Retreat
/rəˈtrēt/ withdraw to a quiet or secluded place
Ready to get away for a while?
Spend some time under the Oaks of Montgomery to rest and unwind.
Take the guesswork out of planning your next retreat.
Use the following retreat guide to plan your best event.
Questions? Email info@montgomerycenter.org
Retreat Planning: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Determine the purpose of your event and begin initial planning.
Form a planning task force. Determine a budget. Develop a theme.
Step 2: Know your group size and length of the retreat.
Determine lodging needs. Select catering options. Choose camp activities.
Step 3: Reach out for a quote & select your dates.
Complete the form below to request availability.
Step 4: Set up registration and share your event!
Confirm participant numbers with Montgomery 2 weeks prior to your event start date.
See page 24 of the Retreat Guide for a full list of planning tips.
Contact the office to receive a custom quote, or pick from one of our standard group packages listed within the Retreat Guide.
Suggested Participant Packing List:
- Water bottle
- Close-toed shoes
- Comfortable, casual clothing
- Toiletries
- Washcloth and Towel
- Bedding (twin, if staying in lodges/cabins)
- Linens provided in inn rooms
- Swimsuit and towel (if swimming)
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
Complimentary Activities with Overnight Reservations
Firepit
Main fire pit located behind Eppert Pavillion with stone bench seating and a wooden picnic table. Four other fire pits are available on site. Great for roasting s’mores or campfire songs! *Path is not lit at night.
Hiking Trails
Hike around Lake Emerald, the Prayer Trail that is off of the main road, or any of the walking paths throughout our 167 acres.
Gaga Ball
Gaga ball pits are Located near Eppert and Emerald Pavilions.
Beach Volleyball
Located near Lake Emerald. Volleyball will need to be requested in advance or provided by group.
Additional Information
View our Guest Group Guidelines for more of what you can expect with planning a retreat at Montgomery Center.
PARKING:
All guests should park in the main parking lot. Guests can not drive to cabins. Gregory and Williams Lodge can accommodate some parking.
CAR CHARGING:
Charging is available on site for a $20 flat fee, payable by check, cash, or card, or added into your invoice. Bring your own cord for a 30 or 50amp plug. Please contact the office for charging locations.
SMOKING:
Smoking is only permitted outside away from other guests, and never in view of children or youth. Smoking is not allowed in any building, including bathrooms. Damage fees may be assessed after your stay. Please safely dispose of all cigarette butts as they should not be left on the ground.
PETS:
Montgomery Center's health policies do not allow pets in inn rooms or the dining hall. Please contact the office regarding service pets.
ICE:
An ice machine is located for our guests in the Fireplace Conference Room, in the main building. Please store the ice scoop on top of the ice machine.
WI-FI:
Guest wifi is available in the Weller Dining Hall, Fireplace Conference Room, office suite, Inn Conference Room, Inn Rooms, and Williams Lodge. No password is required.
DRESS CODE:
We strongly recommend footwear be worn at all times due to hazards including snakes and sandspurs. Footwear, shirts, and shorts must be worn at all times in the dining hall. The dress code at Montgomery is comfortable and casual.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY:
Leaders should check all used areas and lodging before departure to be sure there is no damage or graffiti left by your group. Damages will be assessed and may be added to a group's final bill.
PAYMENT OF BILL:
Your final invoice is based on participation numbers provided to Montgomery 2 weeks prior to your arrival. This is your minimum balance due. Adjustments will be made based on your final group roster and other last minute accommodations, for example, an increase in 5 participants, or adding on canoeing after arrival. Failure to pay any remaining balance within 30 days may result in late fees applied to your account. Future reservations may be placed on hold until payment is received.
QUIET HOURS:
Please be mindful that residents and other groups may be sharing the site. Quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am daily.
FIRST AID:
Groups are required to provide basic first aid supplies for their participants. It is recommended that the guest group provide adults with SPR and First Aid Certification to accompany their group. Montgomery Center does not provide emergency transportation. Please call 911 for emergencies, then contact your host. It is recommended that guest groups bringing minors without their parent/guardians attending, obtain medical release forms for said minors.
We look forward to welcoming you to Montgomery for your next event!
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Helping Groups Host Retreats Since 1957
On 167 acres, Montgomery Center is proud to offer an expansive property that boasts lake front views, live oak trees, and some of the most beautiful nature that North Central Florida has to offer. Our site offers a variety of overnight lodging options with plenty of space to host your event.
Montgomery Center is a 501c3 non-profit camp, conference, and retreat center located between Starke and Keystone Heights. A 25-minute drive to Gainesville, and 45 minutes to Jacksonville, this is a great place to come and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
