SUMMER RETREAT FAQ
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Writers of color who are at least 21 years of age by July 17, 2025.
WHAT’S THE RETREAT STYLE LIKE?
The vibe is intimate, affirming, and rooted in kinship. Think: daily workshops, readings, and community-building activities.
HOW ARE APPLICANTS SELECTED?
Graduate fellows from previous retreats review and select each cohort. Judging is anonymous and considers craft, clarity of vision, and community alignment.
CAN I BRING A GUEST?
No.
IS THERE AN IN-PERSON OPTION?
No. All Summer Retreat activities take place virtually on Zoom.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I NEED ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT?
If you need accommodations beyond Zoom’s AI transcripts and closed captioning, please contact The Watering Hole staff at twhtribe@twhpoetry.org.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
We can offer a full refund before July 11th. Any refund requests made on or after July 12th will be denied and any fees paid will be treated as a donation. The Watering Hole will provide a tax deductible donation upon request.
HOW DO I ACCESS TO THE RETREAT?
The Summer Retreat takes place exclusively on Zoom. Fellows will receive their official Summer Retreat schedule with links to workshops, Retreat readings, and community-building activities.
CAN I GET SCHOOL CREDIT?
The Watering Hole is happy to provide academic letters of completion to those who complete the Summer Retreat. Interested fellows should contact their university/program for information on how credit can be attained.
WHAT IS THE TYPICAL SCHEDULE
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
All times are Eastern.
| Friday, July 18 | Saturday, July 19 | Sunday, July 20 | |
| 12:00pm EDT |
Opening Circle & Welcome (12:00-1:00) Mandatory |
Optional Event (12:00-1:00pm) |
Writing Sunday (12:00-1:00pm) (There will be one breakout room for silent writing and one to bounce ideas/writing problems off of other writers in the cohort.) |
| 1:30pm EDT |
Workshop 1, Part 1 (1:30-3:00pm) Mandatory Each attendee participates in their first group. |
Workshop 2, Part 1 (1:30-3:00pm) Mandatory Each attendee participates in their second group. |
Workshop 3, Part 1 (1:30-3:00pm) Mandatory Each attendee participates in their third group. |
| 3:15pm EDT |
Writing Time (3:15-5:45pm) Attendees take a break and complete homework from the previous session in preparation for the evening session. |
Writing Time (3:15-5:45pm) Attendees take a break and complete homework from the previous session in preparation for the evening session. |
Writing Time (3:15-5:45pm) Attendees take a break and complete homework from the previous session in preparation for the evening session. |
| 6:00pm EDT |
Workshop 1, Part 2 (6:00-7:30pm) Mandatory Each attendee participates in their first group again. |
Workshop 2, Part 2 (6:00-7:30pm) Mandatory Each attendee participates in their second group again. |
Workshop 3, Part 2 (6:00-7:30pm) Mandatory Each attendee participates in their third group again. |
| 8:00pm EDT |
Faculty Reading (8:00-10:00pm) Mandatory |
Kickback & Game Night (8:00-10:00pm) |
Fellows Reading & Goodbyes (8:00-10:00pm) |
DO I HAVE TO STAY FOR THE ENTIRETY OF THE RETREAT?
Yes.
I LIVE OUTSIDE OF THE US. MAY I ATTEND THE SUMMER RETREAT?
Yes.
WHAT IS THE VISITOR POLICY?
No visitors are allowed. The Summer Retreat is a closed program.
IS THE SUMMER RETREAT RESTRICTED TO BLACK WRITERS?
No. This program is tailored for BIPOC writers. 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.
IS THERE A COVID POLICY?
No. The Summer Retreat is virtual, eliminating the transmission of communicable diseases.
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 and Scholarships page for more information.