Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is WinShape Retreat? Located near Rome, Ga. on Berry s College s Mountain Campus, WinShape Retreat is the ideal place to cultivate life s most essential relationships. With 80 guest rooms and a media-free environment, WinShape Retreat is a place of true retreat, where guests can get away from the day-to-day and truly unplug. WinShape Retreat is best suited for marriage retreats (to foster and renew a healthy relationship with one s spouse) and for group retreats (to increase communication and refocus). Throughout the year, WinShape Retreat offers Signature Programming taught by licensed psychologists and counselors, ministry leadership, relationship experts, and a trained experiential learning and teambuilding staff. A member of WinShape Retreat s reservations team will personally consult with each guest to choose a program that is best. 2. What is the mission of WinShape Retreat? The mission of WinShape Retreat is to create a caring, safe place for growth and transformation. To accomplish this mission, WinShape Retreat works to make each guest feel safe physically and emotionally. The pristine, secluded setting is meant to foster personal introspection and meaningful connections with others and with God elements that set the stage for growth and transformation. 3. Where is WinShape Retreat located? WinShape Retreat is located in the middle of a 26,000 acre wildlife preserve on Berry College s Mountain Campus near Rome, Ga. Just a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham or Chattanooga, WinShape Retreat provides an environment where guests feel miles away from their daily routine. The physical address of WinShape Retreat is 2277 Martha Berry Highway, Mt. Berry, GA 30149. 4. What is the history of the architecture? Inspired by French architecture, Martha Berry, founder of Berry College, wanted her dairy farm to resemble the architecture of the Normandy countryside. Built in the 1930s, the buildings of WinShape Retreat feature whitewashed bricks and red roof tiles that were handcrafted by students in a brick plant donated to the school by Henry Ford. Miss Berry also placed
spires on the barns to draw the students eyes and hearts to God as they worked. The Normandy complex was a functioning dairy farm for nearly 70 years, ranked among the top dairies in Georgia. But as dairy students dwindled in number, Berry College chose to streamline this costly operation, and began looking for a worthy cause to donate this one-of-a-kind property. At the same time, the WinShape Foundation was seeking to expand its ministry. Because it was important not to disturb the beauty of the Normandy setting, adaptive reuse renovation techniques were used to turn barns into buildings. Structures were fortified for years of future use, but none of the historic architecture was changed. During the renovation, architects advised WinShape to build two more buildings for housing. That s when a surprising discovery was made: both buildings were on the original master plan. With the conversion to WinShape Retreat, the vision for the property God had given Miss Berry was finally fulfilled. And when Truett and Jeannette Cathy first set foot on the property that would one day become WinShape Retreat, they felt they were standing on holy ground. Since 2003, WinShape Retreat has hosted thousands of ministries, groups, individuals and retreats. 5. Is WinShape Retreat open to the public year-round? No, WinShape Camps uses the retreat facilities from mid-may to mid- August. During this time, WinShape Marriage hosts some retreats and group events at the 13-room Normandy Inn while camp is in session. 6. What amenities are provided in each WinShape Retreat room? Each room at WinShape Retreat is non-smoking and features one king bed and a private bathroom with a shower and dual-sink vanity. All linens are provided and each room is equipped with CD-player alarm clock, hair dryer, facial and bath soap, body lotion, shampoo, bottled water, iron and ironing board, and a Bible. WinShape Retreat maintains a media-free environment therefore rooms do not include a TV, telephone or Internet connection. 7. Is there Internet access on the grounds of WinShape Retreat? WinShape Retreat maintains a media-free environment to facilitate the retreat experience for guests. Internet access may be provided in WinShape Retreat s Conference Hall to g s when a group leader has made a prior arrangement.
8. What marriage programming does WinShape Retreat offer? WinShape Marriage offers programming at WinShape Retreat to help prepare couples for marriage (Prepare to Last) and to help those already married to strengthen and enrich their marriage (Follow Your Heart, Courageaous Hearts, Romantic Adventure). In addition, for those couples in crisis who need to save and restore their marriage, WinShape Marriage offers Couples Intensive training Sunday through Thursday at the Normandy Inn. WinShape Marriage has partnered with the National Institute of Marriage and the Center for Relational Care to provide intensive small-group sessions to find lasting solutions to serious marital struggles by exposing the real root of the problem. Emotional connections are reestablished and couples rediscover safety in their relationship with each other, leading to true intimacy and genuine healing. All Couples Intensive programs run Sunday through Thursday and are held at the Normandy Inn of WinShape Retreat. Guests can expect hospitality, comfort and confidentiality to make this a time of safety and healing. To determine which program is best for each guest, contact WinShape Retreat s reservations staff at 877-977-3873 or learn more at WinShapeRetreat.org. 9. What ministry programming does WinShape Retreat offer? Even the most seasoned ministry teams need time away to renew, evaluate progress, learn and grow in their faith. WinShape Retreat offers programming to help cultivate not only ministry leaders, but also the invaluable staff that make service to others possible. The ministry programs at WinShape Retreat are led by licensed psychologists and counselors, ministry leadership, relationship experts, and trained experiential learning and teambuilding staff. To determine which program is best for each church leader, contact WinShape Retreat s reservations staff at 877-977-3873 or learn more at www.winshaperetreat.org. 10. What activities are available at WinShape Retreat? Peace and quiet may be WinShape Retreat s specialty but there is no shortage of fun and adventure. There are many activities available on the grounds or near WinShape Retreat and guests should work with reservations staff to create the ultimate retreat experience. Some activities require a minimum number of participants or need to be scheduled prior to your visit.
Experiential Learning Massages Pottery Basic to Intermediate Fly Casting The Fundamentals of Photography Biking Hiking Trails Lawn Games Historical Tours Hay rides Tennis Fitness Facility Golf 11. What dining options does WinShape Retreat provide? Meals at WinShape Retreat are provided to groups as part total retreat package, and are priced to reflect the type of food and the number of people dining. From the main course, to a in the café, or a snack of hot buttered popcorn, the food at Retreat is always among the most talked-about delights by WinShape Retreat offers stress-free planning for groups. The chefs at WinShape Retreat create all the menus for groups and can accommodate most dietary needs. 12. Are WinShape Retreat rooms handicap accessible? Handicap accessible rooms are located on the first floor. Stairs are needed to reach the second floor rooms since there are no elevators. 13. How does someone book a retreat or stay at WinShape Retreat? WinShape Retreat embraces the fact that its reservation process is a little different from most destinations. In order to provide personal care and attention, reservations are accepted by phone Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 877-977-3873. This high-touch, low-tech approach was thoughtfully chosen because it is representative of the atmosphere guests will experience when they get here. Alternatively, guests may submit a request through the WinShape Retreat website at www.winshaperetreat.org by clicking Contact Us or Request Information. 14. Can someone tour the grounds of WinShape Retreat? Yes, WinShape Retreat tours are by appointment only and take place at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of the summer months. To schedule a tour, call 877-977-3872 or send an e- mail request to info@winshape.org.
15. What should guests pack when preparing for a stay at WinShape Retreat? WinShape Retreat recommends casual and comfortable attire especially comfortable walking shoes so guests can enjoy the unspoiled mountain wilderness. In the cooler months, it is best to dress in layers. If guests plan to participate in experiential learning, please pack closed-toe shoes. 16. How does someone schedule a group retreat? WinShape Retreat will work one-on-one with group leaders to schedule and plan a group retreat. Group leaders may contact reservations by phone Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 877-977-3873. Alternatively, group leaders can send a request through the WinShape Retreat website at the following URL: http://winshaperetreat.org/index.php/site/reservation_request_form. 17. Is WinShape Retreat available for special events? WinShape Retreat is available for special events such as Sunday school classes, mid-week reunions, etc. Please contact Betty Bergen, director of sales and marketing, by e-mail at bbergen@winshape.org or by calling 877-977-3873 to discuss event needs and availability. 18. Is WinShape Retreat available for wedding ceremonies or receptions? WinShape Retreat is not intended for weddings or receptions. However, to prepare the bride and groom for a happy and healthy marriage, WinShape Retreat offers a Prepare to Last marriage program. Prepare to Last is designed for couples that are seriously dating and contemplating marriage or engaged. 19. What is experiential learning at WinShape Retreat? Offered by WinShape Wilderness, experiential learning is conducted on the outdoor adventure course that combines wilderness and learning to teach principles of effective relationships in marriage, leadership, ministry and corporate teams. This activity is designed to be for the entire group. A minimum number of participants is required and experiential learning must be scheduled prior to a retreat. 20. Are children allowed at WinShape Retreat? A retreat at WinShape Retreat is intended and best suited for adults 18 or older therefore children under the age of 18 are not permitted. Children 12 and older are permitted at special events throughout the year such as musical performances and special dining events. Please check the WinShape Retreat website at www.winshaperetreat.org or call us toll-free at 877-977-3873 regarding events available for children.
21. What is the WinShape Foundation? The WinShape Foundation is a non-profit organization and charitable foundation founded by Truett and Jeannette Cathy. Established in 1984, the WinShape Foundation includes WinShape Camps, WinShape Homes, WinShape Wilderness, WinShape Marriage, WinShape International, WinShape College Program and WinShape Retreat, all aimed to shape individuals to be winners. For more information, visit www.winshape.org. 22. What is WinShape Wilderness? Created in 1991, WinShape Wilderness gives groups the opportunity to come and experience adventure through rock climbing, canoeing, backpacking, Challenge Courses and retreats. For more information, visit www.winshape.com/wilderness. 23. What is WinShape Camps? Started in 1985, WinShape Camps offers a safe place for kids to sharpen their character, deepen their Christian faith and relationships. For more information, visit http://www.winshapecamps.org/.