FAQ
The Answers You Need
Can I bring my children?
Yes, Children 5 years of age and older can attend the retreat! We are unable to accommodate babies or toddlers under 5. Children must be supervised at all times outside of children's activities, and are not permitted in the pool or lake areas without a parent or guardian.
Can my non-Black partner attend this event?
No. This event is expressly for the healing of people who are self-identified as Black, or Black-mixed.
Are facilitators Black?
All of the facilitators and organizers at the event are Black-identified. Non-Black ranch staff will be on-site to provide ranch-operated services and activities such as running the petting zoo, high ropes, archery, lifeguarding, and kitchen staff.
Where do I shower?
There are multiple shower and washroom facilities on site in the dorms and the pool area. There are multiple private shower stalls available to all genders, as well as communal shower areas with privacy shower curtains that are wheelchair accessible.
Please request shower chairs ahead of time if you need them so we can have them on-site for you.
What should I bring?
Dress for the outdoors and dress for the weather. Some outdoor activities will require appropriate footwear (sneakers or hiking boots) or waterproof clothing if it is raining. You'll also want to pack sunscreen, a low-odor insect repellent.
You will need to pack a sleeping bag and pillow as well as a towel and toiletries.
Please leave all valuables at home.
What if I am not vaccinated?
All guests and facilitators over 12 years old must be fully vaccinated to attend as per ranch policy. Masks must be worn in all indoor common spaces as per Provincial Health Orders. Visit our COVID-19 Protocol page for more information.
What if I have food allergies?
All of the gorgeous and nutritious food served at the retreat will be vegetarian and vegan.
The retreat kitchen is an allergen free zone. Guests are not permitted to bring their own food for this reason.
You can communicate specific allergies on your registration form.
Can I bring my own alcohol/cannabis?
There are no smoking facilities on the property. Smoking of any kind including tobacco cigarettes, pipes, vapes, or marijuana is strictly prohibited by the ranch.
Alcohol use is not permitted on the property either, as this is a sober event.
Participants who disregard this policy will be asked to leave.
Can I bring my pet?
As per ranch policies no pets are allowed on the property, including compassion or therapy animals.
The only exception is for guide dogs for blind and visually impaired participants.
Accommodations must be made ahead of time for seeing guide dogs. Please contact us in advance if you need to bring your guide dog with you.
Can I swim in the lake?
Yes, adults may swim at their own risk.
For your safety refrain from swimming alone, or swimming after dark.
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There is no lifeguard on duty at the lake. Parents must remain with their children for all water activities including lake and pool swimming as well as use of the hot tub. Children are not permitted to swim in the lake unattended.
Are there off-limit areas?
Yes, People live on this ranch. Their homes and rooms are off limits are all times. Guests are expected to respect the property and the space of those who reside there including reduced sound / quiet time after 10PM.
Please do not pick food or flowers from the gardens or forage on the property. The rest of the 44 acres is yours to roam.
I have access needs - who do I communicate them to?
Please contact Kendra at info[at]darkbeforethedawn.com directly through the contact form if you have specific access needs not addressed on the accessibility page and she will see what she can do to accommodate you.
I have other questions not answered here?
Please contact us directly at info[at]darkbeforethedawn.com