WORK EXCHANGE
Writers accepted to the Winter Retreat will have the opportunity to apply for our Work Exchange Program. This program helps support The Watering Hole team by sharing essential retreat tasks—and we’d greatly appreciate your help. We’re looking for approximately six participants to assist us, with each person contributing between 9 and 13 hours of work over the course of the retreat.
The Work Exchange Program application will be available within the retreat registration form. After you’ve been accepted, you’ll receive a link to complete your registration, which will include the application for the program. Please review the information below carefully before applying.
Work Exchange participants will receive a $200 discount, issued as a reimbursement check after all duties are completed, by January 30.
Please only apply if you are available for the full duration of the retreat.
We also ask that you apply only for positions for which you meet all listed qualifications.
Please Note: The times listed below are estimates and intended to give a general sense of your schedule. Because this is a live retreat with many moving parts, duties may shift slightly, and start/end times are subject to change. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we work together to create a smooth and meaningful experience.
December 26
Shuttle Coordinator
- Duties: Ride with the shuttle driver, send text alerts to fellows to ensure no one is left behind, and help keep the shuttle on schedule.
- Schedule:
- Start: 10:30 a.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport
- End: 5:30 p.m. at Santee State Park
- Estimated Hours: 6–7 hours
- Additional: Take and upload retreat photos/videos to the shared drive.
- Eligibility:
- Must be organized and professional
- Must have a reliable cell phone with a texting/calling plan
- Must be available for all on-duty hours
Runner
- Duties: Unpack the van, deliver gift boxes, run last-minute grocery errands, set up the conference room, and carry boxes (up to 25 lbs).
- Schedule:
- Start: 1:00 p.m. at Santee State Park
- Estimated Hours: 3–4 hours
- Additional: Take and upload retreat photos/videos to the shared drive.
- Eligibility:
- Preferred: Access to your own vehicle for off-site errands
- Must be able to carry 25 lbs. for 40 ft
- Must be available for all on-duty hours
Food Prep Coordinator
- Duties: Assist the chef in unpacking and organizing equipment and supplies, wash and chop vegetables, design serving containers, deliver food, and clean the kitchen.
- Schedule:
- Start: 3:00 p.m. at Santee State Park
- Estimated Hours: 2–3 hours
- Additional: Take and upload retreat photos/videos to the shared drive.
- Eligibility:
- Strong awareness of cleanliness and kitchen safety
- Must be able to carry 25 lbs. for 40 ft
- Must be available for all on-duty hours
December 27–29
Runner
- Duties: Set up the conference room, deliver folding chairs to cabins, assist with the merch table, and run errands as needed.
- Estimated Hours: 1–2 hours per day
- Additional: Take and upload retreat photos/videos to the shared drive.
- Eligibility:
- Preferred: Access to your own vehicle for off-site errands
- Must be able to carry 25 lbs. for 40 ft
- Must be available for all on-duty hours
Food Prep Coordinator
- Duties: Support the chef with breakfast, lunch, and dinner—includes chopping vegetables, designing serving containers, food delivery, and kitchen cleanup.
- Estimated Hours: 2–4 hours per day, depending on the day
- Additional: Take and upload retreat photos/videos to the shared drive.
- Eligibility:
- Strong awareness of cleanliness and kitchen safety
- Must be able to carry 25 lbs. for 40 ft
- Must be available for all on-duty hours
December 30
Shuttle Coordinator
- Duties: Ride with the shuttle driver, send text alerts to keep the shuttle on time and ensure all fellows are accounted for.
- Schedule:
- Start: 6:00 a.m. at Santee State Park
- End: ~12:00 p.m. at the airport
- Estimated Hours: 6–7 hours
- Additional: Take and upload retreat photos/videos to the shared drive.
- Eligibility:
- Must be organized and professional
- Must have a reliable cell phone with a texting/calling plan
- Must be available for all on-duty hours
Runner
- Duties: Check all rooms and cabins for cleanliness, collect keys, pack up the host cabin, and assist the TWH team in loading the van.
- Estimated Hours: 3–4 hours
- End Time: Off duty by 3:00 p.m.
- Additional: Take and upload retreat photos/videos to the shared drive.
- Eligibility:
- Preferred: Access to your own vehicle for off-site errands
- Must be able to carry 25 lbs. for 40 ft
- Must be available for all on-duty hours
Food Prep Coordinator
- Duties: Help the chef pack up kitchen equipment and supplies.
- Estimated Hours: 1–2 hours
- End Time: Off duty by 1:00 p.m.
- Additional: Take and upload retreat photos/videos to the shared drive.
- Eligibility:
- Strong awareness of cleanliness and kitchen safety
- Must be able to carry 25 lbs. for 40 ft
- Must be available for all on-duty hours