Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Queerly Beloved Retreat?
Queerly Beloved Retreat is for LGBTQIA2S+ adults (18+), centering trans and gender-expansive voices and the trans and gender-expansive experience. While we love and need supportive allies, the purpose for this retreat is to gather in affinity with other LGBTQIA2S+ folks who are on a spiritual path or who are searching for more meaning and heartfelt connection in their lives.
What is Queerly Beloved Retreat?
This retreat was created by trans and queer spiritual folks to provide a safe, supportive container for the LGBTQIA2S+ community to gather in an affinity space. Our focus is on connection, spiritual expansion, and the wholeness that exists within each and every one of us. There is a plethora of activities planned, including workshops, meditation, movement practices, spiritual practices, campfires, and ceremonies. All activities are optional, and free time for solitude or community building are also worked into the schedule.
What does my registration include?
Registration includes dinner on Sept 3, three meals on Sept 4 & 5, and breakfast and lunch on Sept 6. It also includes snacks, continuous coffee and tea access throughout the retreat, lodging for three nights, access to all the amenities at the Butzel Conference Center (including the lake, firepit, indoor and outdoor sports activities, walking trails, workout room and calming low sensory room), retreat sessions/workshops, meditation, affirmative prayer, yoga, access to art supplies, and live music from our musicians Rev. Z Egloff and Rev. Dr. Melissa Phillippe.
When does the retreat begin and end?
The retreat begins on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Please plan to arrive between 2 and 3:30 pm for registration. The retreat ends on Sunday, September 6 after lunch. Room checkout is at 10 am, but space will be made available to store luggage and belongings on site until the end of the retreat.
Will I have to share a room with people I don’t know? What about other rooming requests?
Room requests will be cancelled if the payments by either occupant are not paid by the due date. We have a limited number of rooms and appreciate your flexibility as we make the final rooming arrangements closer to the event.
Where is the retreat located and what are the indoor accommodations?
There are 3 guest houses – each with 8 rooms, all of which have a queen-sized bed, a twin-sized bed, and a roll-away twin-sized bed (if needed), as well as its own full bath. Linens and towels are provided for each room. Common living areas have comfortable seating, a fireplace, flat screen TV with cable and DVD player, and wireless internet.
How much does the retreat cost?
Triple Occupancy
Early Bird* $617 Regular $642 Late $692
Double Occupancy
Early Bird* $767 Regular $792 Late $842
Single Occupancy
Early Bird* $1067 Regular $1092 Late $1142
Are there payment plans available?
Yes, you can pay your registration costs in three monthly payments for no additional cost. Your first payment will secure your spot. If you want to opt into the 3-payment plan, you must register at least 90 days before the event. If you’re only able to register 60 days before the event, you can opt into a payment plan with 2 equal payments, one at the time of registration and one a month later.
If you want to do a payment plan for the early bird pricing, your first payment is due on or before April 1, 2026.
What are the payment and cancellation timelines?
|
Early Bird Cutoff |
6/1/2026 |
|
Paid in Full (Regular) |
7/15/2026 |
|
Late Registration Period |
7/16/2026 through 8/20/2026 |
|
Cancellation Date – Full Refund (less $25) |
On or before 7/21/2026 |
|
Cancellation Date – 50% Refund (less $25) |
7/22/2026 through 8/24/2026 |
|
No Refund Time frame |
After 8/24/2026 |
I would like to attend but I’m not sure I can afford it. Do you offer any financial help?
As a first-year retreat, Queerly Beloved is not able to offer financial assistance at this time. While we are actively seeking donations and sponsorships from individuals and organizations that support our mission, we currently do not have the capacity to review or distribute general scholarship funds.
We have, however, created an option for individuals and organizations to sponsor a specific participant, either partially or in full. If you feel comfortable doing so, we encourage you to reach out to friends, family, or members of your spiritual community. We will honor donations or sponsorships designated for a specific individual.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@queerlybelovedretreat.org.
If I can’t attend, can someone else attend in my place?
Yes, if you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another individual at no additional cost. The new participant must be registered at least 7 days before the retreat start date.
What is NOT included in my registration?
The retreat fee does not include transportation to and from Butzel Retreat Center, flight costs for those traveling from afar, lunch on Thursday, September 3 (arrival day) and dinner Sunday, September 6 (departure day).
How accessible is the retreat center for those with physical accessibility needs or specific sensory sensitivities/needs?
The guesthouses where registrants will be sleeping do not have any stairs, and two of the guesthouses have an ADA accessible room/bathroom. The main pavilion where indoor retreat activities will be held has both stairs and a ramp which lead to a paved walkway to the guesthouses. The path to outdoor areas (including the firepit and waterfront) is unpaved, consisting of dirt/gravel. A low sensory space will be available in the main pavilion throughout the retreat, and guests will have the opportunity to make agreements with others in their rooms and guesthouses regarding sensory needs in the common spaces.
Will the retreat center accommodate various dietary needs/restrictions?
Yes, the retreat center has a kosher kitchen and caters to various dietary needs and preferences including gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian diets. A soup and salad bar will be available at each lunch and dinner. You will have the opportunity to state your dietary needs on the registration form.
What do I need to do to prepare for Queerly Beloved?
You’ll need to register. You’ll need to plan your time away. You’ll need to make your travel plans. As the date nears, you’ll receive information via e-mail with specifics on what to bring with you for the retreat. Be sure to make arrangements with work and for child care well in advance.
What is the weather like?
Average highs are in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 50s. We suggest you bring layers so you can be comfortable in a variety of temperatures.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
The atmosphere at Camp Tamarack is casual. For yoga postures and meditation, bring loose-fitting casual attire like sweat clothes, comfortable pants, and T-shirts.
We suggest a good pair of walking shoes so you can enjoy Tamarack’s 1100 acres of beautiful grounds.