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Group Leader

FAQs


41.0322802° N, -75.2133405° W

Have questions about hosting your group at Pinebrook? Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Transportation
What if we are traveling to Pinebrook by coach or bus?

Pinebrook is accessible by coach or bus. Drop-off and pick-up is in front of the Dining Hall.

Lodging
When are check-in/check-out times?

Check in for guest rooms and lodges at the Front Desk in the Guest Services Building when you arrive:

Check-in:
4:00 PM – Monday through Saturday
5:00 PM – Sunday

Checkout:
10:00 AM – Monday through Friday
12:00 PM – Saturday and Sunday

What should I do in my room before checking out?
  • Make sure you take all our personal belongings with you and put all trash in the trash cans.
  • Leave the linens on the beds, and place used towels and washcloths on the bathroom floor.
What cleanup is required in snack areas and lodges?
  • Please wash all dishes, utensils, pots and pans that you used, and return them to their proper locations.
  • Wipe clean all appliances, counters and tables, and put all garbage into the trash cans.
  • If you have moved anything from within a building, or from one building to another, please return it to its original location.
How much is the cost per person?
  • Since our rates are priced per room, the per person rate will vary based on the number of people in a room.
  • Each additional person in the room will lower the average cost per person.
  • However, there is a maximum number of people for each room based on the number of bed spaces.
  • Please contact our reservations staff who can provide a rate quote based on the lodging, meals and other needs of your group.​
Does Pinebrook provide linens and towels?
  • Linens and towels are provided, and all beds are made.
  • Please bring your own towels to use at the indoor or outdoor swimming pool.
How often are the towels changed?
  • Guests who stay longer than three nights will receive towel changes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. We aim to provide the adequate number of towels for stays of three nights or less.
  • If you need additional towels, please request them at the front desk.
Are quiet hours observed?
  • Quiet hours are to be observed between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Recreation areas are closed during this time. Pianos or PA systems should not be used.
  • In general, show respect for others by not disturbing guests who are trying to sleep.
Meals & Dining
What are the meals like?
  • Our meals are served buffet-style.
  • There are two main entrees along with side dishes, salad bar for lunch and dinner, beverages and dessert. A sample menu can be provided upon request.
When are the meal times?
  • Meal times begin at 8:00 AM; 12:00 PM; and 5:00 PM. (Friday dinner is at 6:00 PM.)
  • Depending on the number of guests we are serving, we may ask you to come 15 minutes or 30 minutes later to help minimize wait times and to have adequate seating available in the dining room. (The specific time is assigned about a week prior to arrival).
  • Arrive promptly at the designated time provided so we can better serve you and all of our other guests.
  • The buffet line closes approximately 30 minutes after your designated time.
What if I (or a participant) have allergies or other dietary needs?
  • If you report allergies or other dietary needs to our reservations staff at least 10 days in advance, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
  • If there are extensive needs, we suggest bringing your own food to supplement what we can provide. You may request a mini-fridge to keep food for dietary restrictions.
  • For persons who give us advance notice, identify yourself to the food service staff when you go through the buffet line. They will indicate the items on the buffet line that are suitable for you, and provide substitute entree when necessary.
Can we do our own cooking?
  • Guests may do their own cooking in Lakeside Lodge.
  • There are no facilities for preparing meals in any of standard guest rooms. ​
May we bring our own snacks?
  • You may bring your own snacks, but we ask that you keep them in your meeting room (and not take them to the bedrooms).
  • Snack options and coffee/tea service can be scheduled for your group with advance notice.
  • Vending machines in the Guest Service Building provide chips, candy and beverages.
  • The Snack Shop has scheduled hours during the summer, and limited availability for groups in the fall, winter and spring.
Meeting Rooms
Do you charge for meeting rooms?

Each group staying at the retreat center will be assigned a meeting room at no extra charge. It is subject to change based on the variation of size and needs among all the groups on site during contracted dates. Additional meeting and/or breakout space may be added in the weeks preceding your arrival (per availability), and an additional fee may apply.

What is included in the meeting room?
  • A screen, whiteboard, and/or podium can be provided free upon request. Please communicate your need to the Pinebrook group coordinator in advance of your arrival.
  • Other AV equipment may be rented for an additional fee; see the “PA System” question below for more details.
How will the meeting room be set up?

Your group coordinator will be in touch with you regarding your setup requests and the equipment needs for your meeting room. If you do not provide the information, you may arrange the room when you arrive.

Do you have a PA system or data projector available?
  • Groups may rent a PA system (additional fee) for the length of stay. Always be mindful that sound levels do not disturb other guests. They should not be used during the quiet hours between 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
  • The PA system, lighting and data projection in Fellowship Hall may be rented for an additional fee (plus an hourly rate if Pinebrook staff are needed to operate it.)
  • Data projectors may be rented (additional fee). We can provide a DVD player, or you may bring your own laptop computer. The PA system can also be used for the sound. You are welcome to bring your own data projector.
Phones, TV, Wi-Fi
Are there televisions and phones?
  • To promote a beneficial retreat experience, we encourage guests to take a break from the technology that crowds our lives and to focus on building relationships with Christ and others. For that reason, we do not have televisions available (except for use with DVDs).
  • A phone numer is posted at the Guest Services Building that can be used to contact a staff person for emergencies when the office is closed.
Is there cell phone reception?

Yes; reception should be very good with most carriers.

Can I bring electronic devices (radio, speaker, electronic toys, etc.)?

We hope you will take time to enjoy the outdoors and interact with others. Volume from a device when in your room, or around others, should not create a distraction for anyone.

Do you have Wi-Fi?

Free Wi-Fi is available in the lodging, meeting and dining areas.

Restrictions
Do you allow pets?
  • Pets are not permitted.
  • Service Animals are not considered pets, and are defined as an animal that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Service Animals are allowed.
  • Emotional Support animals provide affection, companionship, and comfort to an owner suffering from a diagnosed mental, emotional, or psychological condition. Emotional Support animals are permitted on the property after the required paperwork is submitted to the office prior to or upon arrival. These animals may not enter the dining room, snack shop, or swimming pool area.
  • Both Service and Emotional Support Animals must be under control by the owner.
Are there restrictions on what I can wear?
  • Casual clothes are appropriate.
  • However, to convey respect for others, we ask that clothing be modest and not distracting. In general, this means:
    1. shirts or cover-ups on at all times outside the pool area;
    2. no bikinis or men’s swimwear briefs;
    3. sunbathing at the pool only.
  • Lifeguards have the authority to enforce swimwear modesty standards, and will provide cover-up T-shirts as needed.
What is your policy on alcohol and tobacco?
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  • This is a non-smoking facility. No smoking or vaping is allowed inside any rooms or buildings.
  • However, there are 4 designated areas where smoking and vaping are permitted: (1) Entrance to the Amphitheater & Disc Golf Course; (2) Clearbrook parking lot; (3) the Honeybrook gazebo; (4) the service driveway behind Sunnybrook and near Stoneybrook.
    Can I bring fireworks or firearms?

    Fireworks and firearms of any kind are prohibited – including airsoft and paintball guns.

    Other Topics
    What if there is an injury?
    • A first aid kit is available at the front desk for minor cuts and scrapes.
    • Please report serious injuries to the front desk staff (and complete an accident report).
    • Directions to the nearest hospitals are available at the front desk when the office is closed.
    Why are you taking pictures?

    Our staff may take photos and/or video footage for promotional purposes, including web and print publication. Names will only be used with permission.

    Do we need to bring any sports equipment?
    • We want you to have fun at Pinebrook and to enjoy the outdoors! If you want to bring your favorite item of equipment, please do, but we have all the equipment you’ll need for enjoying our recreation options.
    • We do ask that you use the equipment with care, and always return it when you are finished.
    Who is responsible for children?

    Adults – whether parents or group leaders – are to be mindful of the children and/or youth in their care, and are ultimately responsible for their safety and conduct.