FAQ

WE get it! Committing to a new and different creative learning space might be confusing and have you full of questions. We hope this page provides enough information about our workshops to get you excited and feeling confident about your Shenandoah CREATES experience. If you still have unanswered questions, please reach out via email to info@shenandoahcreates.com.

Overnight Workshop Information:

Why is a $250 non-refundable deposit required at time of reservation and what if I need to cancel?

Paying the full balance all at once might be a burden for some, therefore, we require a deposit to hold class space with a balance due prior to arrival. A $250 non-refundable deposit is due at the time a reservation is made with the remaining balance due 60 days prior to the start of the workshop. Failure to pay the balance by the due date will result in cancellation of the registration.

In the event of a cancellation within 15-60 days prior to the start of workshop, Shenandoah CREATES will make every effort to fill the vacated reservation. In the event the space is not filled, Shenandoah CREATES will not be liable for any refund. If the space can be filled, the student will be entitled to a refund of all monies paid less the $250 deposit.

No refunds will be made for cancellations within 14 days prior to the start of the workshop. Student may send someone else in their place, provided they notify Shenandoah CREATES in advance.

No tuition, housing or meals refunds will be made after the start date of the workshop.

What can I expect after I make a deposit?

You should receive a welcome e-letter with more information about what to expect going forward as a Shenandoah CREATES student. A member from the Shenandoah CREATES team will also follow up with you discussing next steps including information about final payment and additional workshop instructions.

What can you tell me about rooms?

Shenandoah CREATES partners with lodging and venue sites in Page County, Virginia. Most workshops are held at River’s Bend Ranch in Stanley, VA where lodging rooms are a bunkhouse, cabin rooms and lodge rooms - with class space in an open-air pavilion when weather permits. Rooms are king and queen beds with a private bath, and some rooms are twin beds with a shared bath. Private rooms are available, as well as the offer of a shared room, making workshops more affordable if space is shared with a roommate. If a shared room is purchased, each student must also secure space for instruction. A deposit of $250 must be made for each student in a shared room. Each student will be invoiced separately for remaining balance.

River’s Bend Ranch is ADA accessible for common areas and first floor. A limited number of first-floor rooms are available. Bathrooms are not ADA compliant. Email Shenandoah CREATES immediately if a first-floor room is needed.

What happens if a minimum number of students do not register for a workshop?

Shenandoah CREATES believes the smaller the class the better the experience. There may be a time when the minimum number of students are not met. When this happens, Shenandoah CREATES reserves the right to cancel any workshop due to insufficient enrollment. If Shenandoah CREATES cancels a workshop due to insufficient enrollment, registered students will be notified at least 60 days prior to the start of the workshop and will be given a full refund. Please confirm that your class has sufficient enrollment prior to making travel plans.

What meals are included with my registration?

Your reservation includes dinner on check-in day, breakfast on check-out day and breakfast, lunch and dinner on the days in between. A private chef will be preparing meals. Meal plans are standard/regular and vegetarian. You choose which meal plan you prefer at the time of deposit. You will receive the same meal plan each day, no switching meal plans. Our chef can accommodate most food-related medical issues within reason. Because of our rural location it is a good idea to bring what your diet requires.

A selection of snacks, as well as coffee, tea, and water (bring a refillable bottle) will be provided. Students should feel free to bring additional snacks and beverages if desired. Refrigerators are available for use.

Meals packages for non-students are available. Contact info@shenandoahcreates.com for more information.

How and when do I get there?

Venue address and other pertinent information will be provided prior to your arrival. There are several airport options, each within a 60 to 100-mile radius of the venue, including Charlottesville, VA as well as Washington, DC. Day of arrival, check-in begins at 3pm, Welcome Reception at 4:30pm, with dinner to follow at 6pm. Breakfast will be provided on check-out day. Please plan to have your belongings out of your room and vacate the lodging facility by 11am on checkout day. 

What do I bring?

The weather in the Shenandoah Valley varies day to day. Layers are recommended. Pack for cooler mornings and evenings. The lodging facility provides toilet paper and soap, as well as bed linens, towels, and washcloths. Bring personal toiletry items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, a water bottle, hair dryer and any other comforts of home you may need. A grocery and dollar chain stores are just minutes away, if forgotten items need to be purchased.

A class supply list can be found on the workshop description page. Remember to pack recommended supplies. Supply stores are not located in the area.