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Founders Fireside Retreat Center

A great place for church board retreats, men or women’s retreats, and scrapbooking retreats for just the day, overnight weekday stays, or weekend retreats. Founders Fireside Retreat Center (FFRC) was named to honor Dick and Lois Klawitter, founders of The Wilderness Fellowship Ministries,

Facility Information

The FFRC is the lower level of the Fellowship Center. The FFRC is an air-conditioned and heated year-round retreat facility. The exterior stone walls by the entry sets off this unique retreat facility as you approach from the parking area nearby. The warm entryway with rocking chairs and quilt hanging welcome you with a “cozy, comfy” feeling. Its center room ceiling is supported by eight massive oak timbers all sitting on rustic oak logs around the outside ring and spoked inward like a wagon wheel to the center to sit on a huge maple tree trunk. Three of the eight inner walls are beautiful fieldstone stacked on a base of 12 large boulders, which serve as a good place to sit and visit while enjoying the warmth of the fireplace. The decor and large windows looking out on the beauty of God’s creation make you just want to stay.

Around behind the stone walls and down the hall are the beautifully hand stenciled pinecone and pine bough borders that decorate the bathrooms and shower areas. Granite sinks add a touch of quality but also display the handiwork of God who made the stone so beautiful.

Just off the meeting/eating area in the other direction is a small kitchenette with granite countertops.

Tables and chairs are provided to make this a great place for church board retreats, men or women’s retreats, and scrapbooking retreats for just the day, overnight weekday stays, or weekend retreats.

Two sleeping rooms, one accommodating seven, and the other five, are very nicely furnished with reading table and chairs, making for times of comfortable conversation.

Firewood for campfires is available for purchase on site.

Founders Fireside Retreat Center Couches

Founders Fireside Retreat Center Fireside Conversation Area

Please Review Our Retreat Center:

Overnight Guests Policies

Day Use Guests Policies

Retreat Center Overnight Guests Policies apply to Retreat Center overnight reservations.

Retreat Center Day Use Guests Policies apply to Retreat Center non-overnight (use during the daytime) reservations.

Founders Fireside Retreat Center Kitchenette

What to Bring

Your group will need to provide your own meals and bring any items you need for food preparation, serving, eating and cleanup. There is a microwave, refrigerator, range, sink, 10-cup coffee maker and toaster provided. There are no pots, pans or utensils.

You also need to bring: bedding, towels, and personal items. As a point of health and consideration for all guests, please bring ONLY freshly washed and machine-dried bed linens, blankets, sleeping bags, and cases on pillows.

Founders Fireside Retreat Center Restroom-Shower Area-Sinks

FAQ

Can I come before the 3 pm check-in time?

You are welcome to come enjoy The Wilderness, walk trails or sit by the lake, however, the earliest facility “check in” time is 3 pm. Please make every effort to keep the check in time you told us when you made your reservation and is on your confirmation email. If you are going to be late, please call and let us know your arrival time. (Please leave a message if no answer.)

Do you keep my credit card number on file?

We are able to keep your credit card on file in a safe, PCI-compliant manner. Rest assured the details of your credit card cannot be seen, shared, or accessed. We won’t make any charges to your credit card unless you incur a cancellation fee, and you will be notified of such.

Is there Wi-Fi available at Founders Fireside Retreat Center?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi available in the Founders Fireside Retreat Center. Ask for a Wi-Fi password when you check-in at the office for your reservation.

How is the Founders Fireside Retreat Center kitchen equipped?

The Founders Fireside Retreat Center kitchen has a full-size range and refrigerator, microwave, toaster and a 12-cup coffee maker (bring your own coffee). There are NO utensils, pots, pans, dishes, dish cloths, towels or dish soap. Bring everything you need for preparing and eating your own food.

How many people can sleep in the Founders Fireside Retreat Center?

Twelve. The Founders Fireside Retreat Center has two sleeping rooms. One room can accommodate 7 adults, and the other can accommodate 5 adults.

Do you provide linens?

No, TWFM does not provide linens. You must bring your own. As a point of health and consideration for all guests, please bring ONLY freshly washed and machine-dried bed linens, blankets, sleeping bags, and cases on pillows. The Founders Fireside Retreat Center has two sleeping rooms. Each room has one queen size bed and several bunk beds.

Do we need to bring our own pots, pans and utensils?

Yes, you need to bring everything you need to prepare and eat your own food, including pots, pans, utensils, dishes, hot pads, dish cloths, and dish soap.

Are pets allowed?

No pets or animals of any kind are allowed in any of our facilities. The only exception to this policy are ADA certified service animals.

Why do you ask for my credit card number?

We ask for your credit card number so that in the event of a cancellation or no-show, TWFM has a way of charging you a cancellation fee, according to our cancellation policy. Other than the cancellation fee, we do not charge anything to your credit card.

Cancellation Policy

Founders Fireside Retreat Center Sleeping Area-South Room

Founders Fireside Retreat Center Sleeping Area-North Room

How to Reserve

The Founders Fireside Retreat Center must be reserved in advance and is available on a suggested minimum donation basis.

Retreat Center Availability

Donation Guidelines

Make a Reservation!