GROUP RETREAT FAQ'S
We're here to help you with any questions you may have about our awesome Group Retreats. Check out our FAQ section below, and if you still have any doubts, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always happy to assist you!
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What are the grounds like?
Located in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, our Base Camp aims to provide you with a homely ambiance. The Main Lodge, Sly Lodge, and Sneaky Cabin are beautifully designed log-cabin style buildings with fully heated and air-conditioned rooms that include full, twin, and bunked beds. The Office & Base Camp Store are available in the Administration building for easy check-in and for purchasing any forgotten travel essentials or souvenirs. The Bathhouse is centrally located for camping groups' convenience. You can find a large open-air pavilion and a gazebo on the pond, providing great shelter for enjoying the natural beauty of our Base Camp. Our property features 2 ponds, hiking trails that are surrounded by acres of wilderness, the Bluff Overlook, scenic mountain views, large open fields, and access to Craig's Creek. We offer several on-site adventures, including our Giant Swing, 50' Climbing Wall, and Rappel Tower, Dangling Duo, High Ropes Adventure Course, and two separate Low Element Challenge Courses.
What are the meeting spaces like?
Our Main Lodge's Main Dining Room is capable of accommodating up to 75 people as a large meeting space outside of meal times. Additionally, the Main Lodge offers three smaller rooms that can be used as small-group meeting spaces for 10-20 people. The Sly Lodge has a large common room that can be set up for meetings for a group of approximately 15 people.
Don't hesitate to consider outdoor meeting spaces as well! Our Large Open Air Pavilion can accommodate approximately 100 people, the Gazebo on the pond can hold up to 15 people, and our numerous fields can be used for groups of all sizes. We also rent large outdoor tents for groups needing separate spaces for large meetings and meals.
A variety of meeting equipment is provided with your reservation upon request, including easels, projectors, PA systems, poster paper, and markers. If you have a specific equipment request, please check with our staff in advance to ensure that we are able to accommodate your needs.you.
What is your food service like?
If you have a group of eight people or more, our kitchen staff takes great pride in providing high-quality, healthy, freshly prepared meals. We do not have a set menu, but to give you an idea of what our home-style buffets might offer:
For breakfast, we will serve a main dish with protein and sides. The options can include items like eggs, bacon, pancakes, or French toast with fruit, yogurt, cereal, and often fresh-baked bread or muffins.
For lunch, we will serve a main dish, a vegetarian option (if requested), a tossed salad, and sides. The options can include items like hamburgers and hot dogs, lasagna, tacos, chicken nuggets, with baked beans, vegetable medleys, potato or pasta salads, and often a selection of two or more salad dressings.
For dinner, we will serve a main dish, a vegetarian option (if requested), a tossed salad, two side dishes, and dessert. The options can include items like spaghetti and meatballs, grilled chicken, meatloaf, with steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and brownies, cookies, or cake.
If you are a corporate group or hosting an event and looking for a more sophisticated menu, please ask about our gourmet offerings.
We will work with you during your reservation process to set a schedule that suits your goals and our kitchen staff's needs for mealtimes.
Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions & food allergies?
​We have extensive experience with various dietary restrictions and food allergies. It is important for us to know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions at least 4 weeks prior to your visit so that we can ensure our kitchen is able to provide suitable alternatives. If we are not informed in advance, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide alternative meals. If you have any questions or concerns about a specific requirement, please don't hesitate to contact us.
What is there to do in down-time?
Our main base camp is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. We have large fields, a sand volleyball court, horseshoes, and a 9-hole par-3 disc golf course! We also provide equipment for field games such as balls and soccer goals, and offer fun games like Corn Hole and Lumberjack Jenga.
If you're looking to cool off, our pond is open for free swimming and canoeing, but chaperones are required for minors and everyone must wear PFDs. You can also bring your own fishing poles and enjoy fishing on the pond.
Our 500-acre property is also ideal for hiking, with miles of trails that offer stunning views of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
Will we have a host?
Absolutely! Any group of eight or more people will be assigned a Head Leader or Host, who will be available to assist them throughout their stay. Additionally, we have at least one staff member on duty at all times, both during the day and overnight, to handle any emergencies that may arise.
Your Head Leader will ensure that your itinerary runs smoothly and that all activity groups are adequately prepared. They will also collect release forms and final payment for your group retreat upon your arrival.
How does the reservation process work & how do I secure a date?
To begin with, please reach out to our office by calling us at 540-864-6792. One of our Group Program Coordinators will provide you with a pricing proposal based on the information you provide in your Pricing Request Form. You can make changes to your activities, lodging, meal plans, minimum number, and dates as many times as you need until you agree to the proposal and pricing. Once you approve the details, we will send you a Reservation Agreement via DocuSign for your electronic signature. You will then receive an invoice with a payment plan for your 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your reservation, as well as the final payment amount and due date.
As your arrival date approaches, we will send you a Pre-arrival Package via email, which includes all the release forms, driving directions, and packing lists. Final details and payment are required 4 weeks before your arrival. You can pay the deposit (and balance) using a check or credit card (a 3% processing fee applies for card payments).
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Are you open year-round?
We're delighted to inform you that we welcome group retreats throughout the year, including in summer and winter.
Each season has its own unique focus: during winter we organize holiday parties, bed & breakfast getaways, wine & dine events, and craft beer tastings; in spring, we host all kinds of school group spring break retreats and a French Canadian cycling program; in summer, we run our Adventure Camp, and in fall, we host many college and school programs. However, we always have availability for new groups of all types, so please give us a call to find out the best dates for your group. We offer discounted group rates during our non-peak season (January to March).
What is there to do in the local area?
We're happy to provide you with more information. Our nearest major city is Roanoke, which is about 45 minutes away by car. Roanoke is a fantastic city with plenty of local restaurants, museums showcasing historic railroad and modern art, and numerous festivals, events, and attractions to enjoy. Whether you're looking for movie theaters, shopping malls, a bowling alley, or a great climbing gym like River Rock in Wasena, Roanoke has something for everyone.
Roanoke is also home to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, while the Roanoke River Greenway is a fantastic way to explore the city, with bike rentals available at Roanoke Mountain Adventures. If you're looking for outdoor activities, you will find great single-track bike riding at Carvin's Cove, and beautiful hikes on the Appalachian Trail like Dragon's Tooth and McAfee's Knob are just a few miles drive from WAEL.
Is there access to refrigeration?
All lodging guests have access to refrigeration. Full fridge in Sly Lodge, mini-fridges in Sneaky Cabin and Main Lodge. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refrigeration for camping groups.
What is your alcohol policy?
For adult groups who are staying overnight, we can provide beer and wine for purchase during meals if requested in advance. Additionally, guests are allowed to bring their own alcohol at certain times. However, please note that alcohol usage is strictly prohibited during any WAEL adventure activities.
What is your pet policy?
Pets are not allowed in the indoor lodges unless they are service animals. If you are camping, we do allow well-behaved pets to camp with you. We reserve the right to have you to remove your pet entirely if necessary.
Is there access to laundry?
There are no laudry facilities on the property for guest use.
Will I have access to wifi/cell service/TV, etc.
At Wilderness Adventure, we take our name seriously! Our location has very limited cell reception, and while our lodges have WiFi, high-speed internet is not available in our area. As a result, you can expect limited internet usage, such as no video streaming or photo downloading. However, our Main Lodge does have satellite TV available for groups who are interested.
What should I pack?
As part of your Registration Package, you will receive a packing suggestions list that suits your needs. Depending on your accommodation and activities, as well as the season, you may need to make adjustments, but we recommend bringing water-resistant layers and comfortable shoes for all day groups and adventure activities. And don't forget to bring your camera to capture memories!
Are your facilities wheelchair accessible?
The following facilities are wheelchair accessible: Sly Lodge, the Bathhouse, Gazebo, and Pavilion.
Will my group be the only group there?
If you have requested to have exclusive use of our facilities during your stay, you will be the only group in your particular building. However, if you have not selected this option, there might be other groups staying on the property during your stay. To clarify this, please contact your Group Program Coordinator. If you have any concerns in this regard, please feel free to discuss them with your Coordinator.
Do I need to make reservations?
We always look forward to having visitors, but we kindly ask that you make a reservation for your group, regardless of its size. This helps us ensure that we have enough staff available to accommodate you properly. Please note that all reservations are subject to availability, so we recommend making your reservation at least 24 hours in advance. The earlier you make your reservation, the more likely we'll be able to accommodate your request. Thank you!
