Stone Haven Retreat will provide a "home base" for our existing ministry of teaching on the Jewish/Biblical roots of Christianity by proving a place and atmosphere conducive toward these teachings, such as an area with adequate space and natural material to build self-constructed sukkahs for a hands-on teaching about the Feast of Tabernacles, as well as a place for others, whose ministries we are familiar with and support, to conduct retreats, seminars and training sessions focused on building and equipping the Body of Messiah. The facilities will also be made available to groups and individuals who wish to enjoy the setting without participating in any of the scheduled retreats/seminars.
While Stone Haven will hopefully be a place where everyone will enjoy the atmosphere, facilities and recreational activities, it is our desire that each person who visits be able to share and enjoy the experience with as much independence as possible. For this reason, an added emphasis will be placed on accommodating persons with limited mobility due to disability, illness or age, with a percentage of the lodging, public buildings, trails and recreational areas designed to be fully accessible. We also hope to have a limited number of powered wheel chairs available for use. An emphasis will also be placed on the Deaf Community, with at least one Licensed and Certified ASL Interpreter and a percentage of the Staff & Volunteers with a basic knowledge/vocabulary in ASL, as well as lodging and other buildings provided with appropriate equipment (vibrating alarms, flashing lights for doors, etc.)
We will ensure that all persons working at the facility, (whether paid or volunteer position) who will be in contact with the guests, will be trained to handle emergency situations, including CPR and basic First Aid. We'll further ensure that a trained individual will be present during all scheduled activities, who will be equipped with a two-way radio to allow for contact with the office should the need arise. We also plan to coordinate with the local hospital, ambulance service, and law enforcement for all emergency situations and to clear an area to provide helicopter service should a situation arise that warrants it.
Wen completed, the facilities will include a Chapel, Conference Center/Multi-Purpose Building which will include a fully equipped kitchen area, 1 to 3 lodges, designed with a "home-like" atmosphere, including a common area for relaxation and fellowship, a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, laundry facilities and 6-12 bedrooms, housing approximately 25-48 people each, along with an undetermined number of smaller cabins, which will house approximately 1-6 people each. In addition to the lodging and conference center, the facilities will include an area catering to Outdoor Weddings and Receptions, areas for creek "wading", covered pavilions for picnics or outdoor barbeques, walking/hiking trails and other undetermined recreational areas. Long term plans include the possibility of adding a dining hall and library/museum as well.
Other uses for the facilities and land may in time include a garden area, greenhouse, "General Store", restaurant, livestock, horse riding/stables, wildlife areas, and rustic camping. We're exploring the option of offering float trips on the upper Bryant Creek as well. The hope is that the land on where the center is located will be as self-supporting as possible, without relying solely on income from Stone Haven itself.
We'll be making contact with local Churches, Schools, Hospitals, Chamber of Commerce, Nursing Homes, individual business owners, etc. in a concentrated effort to be an active and positive part of the local community. This will also provide us with knowledge of local resources and promote relationships that will hopefully be mutually beneficial.
Fees for lodging, seminars, day-use, etc, have not yet been determined. All fees will be reasonable and within an affordable price range for each participant. We pray that there will be funds available that we can receive everyone that wants to attend The Retreat Center activities regardless of his/her ability to pay. It is our intent to eventually function as a non-profit organization. This will make it more attractive for private donations to help sustain the day to day operation and maintenance of the property.
Stone Haven will be staffed by the Co-Directors, Randy and Marji Hughes, on a full time basis. Part time employees may include cooks, janitorial help, a registered nurse or EMT/First Responder, and other maintenance personnel on an as needed basis. Volunteers will be recruited for various positions as well.
Those that may be employed and volunteer at The Retreat Center may be required to undergo a background check to insure that only those people with reputable character are representative of The Retreat Center, although consideration of the healing power of the grace of God will also be taken into consideration, so that those with a "dark past" may not be automatically rejected.
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