Medomak Fiberarts Retreat
Katherine Ferrier, Director
medomakfiberartsretreat@gmail.com
Medomak Retreat Center
1-866-Medomak
Winter (September – May)
12230 Clarksville Pike, Suite C
Clarksville, MD 21029
(301) 854-9100
1-(866)-MEDOMAK
Summer (June – August)
Main Office:
178 Liberty Road
Washington, ME 04574
(207) 845-6001
Retreat Center:
307 Liberty Road
Washington, ME 04574
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What will I need to bring to camp? Do you have a packing list?
A: Why, yes we do! Download the Medomak Fiberarts Retreat Checklist here.
Q: Where can I find a class supply list, telling me everything I need to bring for each of the workshops?
A: All the materials you’ll need to bring for each class, or the materials fees if teachers are providing kits, can be found in class descriptions.
Q: What if I’m a total fiber arts newbie and have never picked up knitting needles, or or a drop spindle, or fired up a sewing machine? Can I still come?
A: ABSOLUTELY! Many, if not most, of our classes are open level, and perfect for beginners and skilled makers alike. You might have skills in one area, but have no experience with natural dyes or patchwork or spinning wool into yarn. You can learn to do all those things and more at camp! You just might find a whole new craft to fall madly in love with!
Q: How do I choose between week 1 and week 2?
A: For the most part, the classes will be the same, so you can really make the decision based on what is better for your personal schedule. It’s worth pointing out as well that there are SO MANY CLASSES, even if you came for BOTH weeks, you wouldn’t be able to take them all!
Q: I’ve never been to camp; what should I expect?
A: The Medomak Retreat Center is nestled in the woods in beautiful MidCoast Maine, on the shores of Washington Pond (we call it the lake!).
Expect rustic yet modern facilities. Cabins are furnished with twin beds, and have their own bathrooms. Classes take place in the historic Lodge (the oldest standing structure in Washington, Maine), the Pavillion, an airy, screened in space with views of the cows and blueberry fields, the newly renovated timber frame Barn, the Yurt, and several cabins near the lake.
Once you arrive at camp and get settled in, you’ll park your car across the road. The Retreat Center is car-free outside of arrivals and departures. This keeps the vibe pedestrian and quiet.
Expect to get some exercise during the retreat as workshops are spread out on the campus, part of which is built on a hill. You’ll be doing some walking! (We have a golf cart to shuttle folks that need a little assistance up and down the main hill.)
Expect cool nights and hot summer days.
Expect three delicious meals a day, served family style.
Expect to make new friends that will last you a lifetime, and have your fiberarts knowledge and skills expand in ways that will support and enhance your current practice for years to come.
Q: I’ve seen these retreats described as “choose your own adventure.” What does that mean?
A: This means you get to pick your own classes, and build your own schedule for the week. You decide how busy you want to be, and what you want to focus on. Campers can take a maximum of 6 classes, with multi-session classes counting as one. This is to keep the classes small, and to keep folks from getting burned out. Many class projects will require time spent outside of class to complete. Returning campers know the wisdom of keeping the class load light, so as to maximize time spent knitting on the porch, swimming in the lake, and taking time with class projects.
Q: How do I choose my classes?
A: The schedule will be posted by the end of April, so you’ll be able to plan your ideal week. Class sign ups happen online via a Google Form sometime in late May. You’ll be asked to pick your first, second, and third choices for each time slot. You’ll get your schedule a few weeks later, giving you plenty of time to gather any materials you’ll need.
Q: If I come for both weeks, can I stay on campus in between the two?
A: The short answer is yes.
The longer answer is: Week 1 ends after breakfast on Sunday, July 28, and Week 2 begins the next day, with folks arriving at 2pm. That’s a very small window of downtime in which A LOT has to happen for the staff and teachers to be ready for the arrival of a new crew of campers. The entire facility must be reset: cabins are cleaned, the grounds are mowed, workshop spaces readied.
If you’re attending both weeks, you’ll have the option of keeping your things in your cabin at no charge. For a nominal fee, you’ll be able to spend Sunday night on campus, with the understanding that most of the facilities will be off limits to allow staff to turn things over for the next week.
You’ll have access to your cabin, the Lodge, and the dining hall. Other classroom spaces will be closed. No meals will be served; the kitchen will be closed and not open again until dinner on Monday. You’ll have access to the camper fridge and microwave. It’s important to note that no staff or teachers will be available during the turnover.
We encourage folks attending both weeks to take advantage of the downtime to explore all Midcoast Maine has to offer. Take a field trip to Belfast, Camden, or Rockland for some shopping and great restaurants, or a little further south into Portland for a night on the town. There’s no shortage of fun things to do no matter what fun means to you.
Q: Can I mail a package ahead of time so I don’t have to travel with all my stuff?
A: Yes! You may send packages to the Retreat Center by U.S. Mail or Federal Express and we will be happy to receive them. Our mailing address is below, and we are well known by both services. Because this is a rural area please allow 10 days for your package to arrive.
Q: Will I fall in love with Medomak and never want to leave?
A: Yes.
Medomak Fiberarts Retreat 