FAQ
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Writers of color who are at least 21 years old by December 25, 2025.
WHAT’S THE RETREAT STYLE LIKE?
The vibe is intimate, affirming, and rooted in kinship. Think: living-room style workshops, daily craft talks, readings, and performance coaching.
HOW ARE APPLICANTS SELECTED?
Graduate fellows from previous retreats review and select each cohort. Judging is blind and considers craft, clarity of vision, and community alignment.
WILL I HAVE INTERNET OR CELL SERVICE?
Limited! Use the time to unplug and plug into your writing and the community around you.
CAN I BRING A GUEST?
No.
IS THERE A VIRTUAL OPTION?
No.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I NEED ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT?
Please contact The Watering Hole staff at twhtribe@twhpoetry.org
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
We can offer a full refund before November 30th and a 50% refund before December 20th. Any refund requests made on or after December 11th will be denied and any fees paid (with the exception of the application fee) will be treated as a donation. The Watering Hole will provide a tax deductible donation upon request.
CAN I BRING MY PET?
No. Only service animals are allowed. Those with service animals will want to review the all state park rules related to service animals.
HOW DO I GET TO THE RETREAT?
CAN I GET SCHOOL CREDIT?
The Watering Hole is happy to provide academic credit to those who complete the winter retreat. Interested fellows should contact their school/program for information on how credit can be attained.
DO YOU PROVIDE MEALS?
The Watering hole will only provide one meal: the fish fry, held on the evening of December 29th. Fellows typically cook for each other and/or drive into town and dine at local eateries. (the drive into town takes about 20-25 minutes)
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL SCHEDULE
| Thursday, Dec 26 | |
| 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. |
Check-in (Main Office)
Opening Circle (Village Round) Game Night/Ice Breakers (Village Round) |
| Friday, Dec 27 | |
| 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
11:30 – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. |
Craft Talk #1 (Village Round)
Workshop Session (Small Groups), Part 1 Office Hours (Village Round) Workshop Session (Small Groups), Part 2 Faculty Reading (Village Round) Kickback & Connect (Village Round) |
| Saturday, Dec 28 | |
| 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
11:30 – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. |
Craft Talk #2 (Village Round)
Workshop Session (Small Groups), Part 1 Office Hours (Village Round) Workshop Session (Small Groups), Part 2 TWH Staff Reading (Village Round) Kickback & Connect (Village Round) |
| Sunday, Dec 29 | |
| 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
11:30 – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. 5:00 – 6:45 p.m. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 8:00 – 8:05 p.m. 8:05 – until |
Craft Talk #3 (Village Round)
Workshop Session (Small Groups), Part 1 Office Hours (Village Round) Workshop Session (Small Groups), Part 2 Graduation Ceremony & Keynote Fish Fry (Village Round) Group Pictures (Village Round) Kickback & Connect (Village Round) |
| Monday, Dec 30 | |
| 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Bagel, Coffee, Hugs and Check-out |
CAN I CHOOSE MY CABIN MATE(S)?
Yes.
CAN I STAY OFF CAMPUS?
Yes. This will not reduce the retreat fee amount. Also, please keep in mind that off-campus housing logistics must be managed completely by the fellow.
DO I HAVE TO STAY FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE RETREAT?
Yes.
I LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE US. MAY I ATTEND THE WINTER RETREAT?
Yes.
IS THE WINTER RETREAT RESTRICTED TO BLACK WRITERS?
No. This program targets BIPOC writers. The general public is welcomed to attend Faculty/Staff Readings, the Fellow Reading, and the Graduation Ceremony. In addition, throughout the year, The Watering Hole hosts craft talks, readings, and children programming and all are welcome to attend.
DO I NEED TO HAVE AN MFA TO ATTEND?
No.
CAN I ATTEND VIRTUALLY?
No. All Winter Retreat events take place in person.
WHAT IS THE VISITOR POLICY?
Visitors are welcome to attend all public events: Faculty/Staff Readings, the Fellow Reading, and the Graduation Ceremony.
IS THERE A COVID POLICY?
Fellows must provide proof of COVID Vaccination and proof of a Negative COVID test prior to the Winter Retreat. The COVID test must be completed between 12/20 and 12/26.
CAN I BRING MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
No.
CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN?
No.
DOES THE WATERING HOLE OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL AID?
Yes. Please visit the Fees page for more information