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BRING YOUR TEAM

www.whidbeyinstitute.org

WELCOME Welcome to the Whidbey Institute – a home for transformational learning since 1972 with a commitment to nurturing the conditions for profound growth and learning experiences. If your organization is seeking a venue that goes beyond the conventional, our 106-acre conservation forest campus on South Whidbey Island is the perfect setting for conferences, team meetings, strategy sessions, and more. The campus features multiple indoor meeting facilities, outdoor gathering spaces, comfortable lodging options, and numerous amenities that provide opportunities for reflection, deep conversations, and a connection with nature. At the Whidbey Institute, we understand the importance of nourishment. We offer chef-prepared meals and access to DIY kitchens in selected facilities, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling experience for your team. Our commitment to providing a welcoming, healthy, and restorative environment extends to every aspect of your visit. The Whidbey Institute invites you to discover the richness and complexity of our community and the transformative possibilities that await your organization.

THOMAS BERRY HALL Thomas Berry Hall offers a welcoming and enchanting space for various gatherings and events. As you enter through the impressive Alaskan cedar slab doors, the main hall opens up to a luminous interior adorned with vaulted ceilings and expansive windows that provide panoramic views of the garden and courtyard. This light-filled environment creates a serene and inviting atmosphere for up to 120 people.

Equipped with modern amenities, Thomas Berry Hall is designed to cater to diverse needs. The main hall features a sound system, projector, and screen, making it suitable for presentations, conferences, workshops, and other events. The thoughtful layout ensures a seamless flow between spaces, enhancing the overall experience for attendees. Constructed in 1997, Thomas Berry Hall has a rich history rooted in sustainability.

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Adjacent to the main hall, the

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THE COMMONS Welcome to The Commons, our newest gathering space, completed in 2021 and nestled between the tranquil landscapes of Madrona Meadow and the lush Westgarden. Designed as a sanctuary for collaborative endeavors, The Commons exudes a harmonious blend of modern elegance and natural inspiration. The centerpiece of this remarkable venue is its main gathering space, boasting lofted ceilings and expansive windows that frame captivating views of the surrounding forest and gardens. Bathed in natural light, the room is also adorned with a large ring chandelier, reminiscent of a cloud and adding a touch of ethereal beauty.

Equipped with cutting-edge amenities, The Commons ensures seamless presentations and an immersive experience. A state-of-the-art sound system and a large screen monitor facilitate multimedia presentations, enhancing communication and engagement. Adjacent to the main space lies a fully furnished kitchen, adorned in natural light and complete with stainless steel appliances. Whether you're brewing a cup of coffee or preparing a culinary masterpiece, the kitchen provides the perfect backdrop for a creative and communal dining experience. Step outside onto the beautifully

Experience the essence of

crafted flagstone patio offering a quiet

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retreat for breaks, conversations, and

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environmental stewardship, featuring a living porch roof that not only adds aesthetic charm but also supports pollinator habitat while aligning with the vision and mission of the Whidbey Institute.

THE SANCTUARY The Sanctuary is a nondenominational sacred space designed to evoke reverence and tranquility. Crafted by local architect Ross Chapin, this rustic haven blends seamlessly with its forest surroundings, its weathered exterior reminiscent of nature's own handiwork. Upon entering, visitors are enveloped in a refined interior, meticulously crafted to inspire contemplation and mindfulness. Within the Sanctuary, natural elements intertwine with exquisite artistry. Liveedge timber frames adorn the space, showcasing the beauty of locally sourced wood. Highly polished wood flooring follows a remarkable driftwood installation resting atop a stone pedestal. These elements, including support beams hewn from Alaskan hemlock, imbue the Sanctuary with a sense of grounded elegance. Whether used for meditation, breakout sessions, or intimate gatherings, the Sanctuary invites individuals to connect with themselves and their surroundings, fostering a sense of veneration and peace.

FOREST AND TRAILS Explore the enchanting wilderness of the Whidbey Institute through our extensive 4-mile trail network, a haven of natural beauty open from dawn to dusk. Protected by a comprehensive conservation easement with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust, our forest and trails are cared for through guidance from our forest stewardship plan. Nestled within the headwaters of Maxwelton Creek and Quade Creek, this pristine landscape teems with diverse plant and animal life, offering a sanctuary for both exploration and contemplation.

As you wander along the winding paths, you'll traverse rolling hills, dense forests, and lush wetlands, encountering towering Douglas firs, majestic Western Red Cedars, and a myriad of other native tree species. The trails lead adventurers through ancient forests, where century-old trees stand as silent sentinels, and into tranquil meadows dotted with vibrant wildflowers. Maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, our trails offer numerous resting spots where visitors can pause to reflect, meditate, or simply connect with nature's serenity. These trails serve as vital conduits, bridging our human community with the natural world, embodying our commitment to stewardship and deep care for the land. Experience the transformative power of the forest as you journey through the heart of the Whidbey Institute, where the whispers of the trees echo the wisdom of the ages.

LABYRINTH Embark on a journey through our outdoor stone labyrinth, a timeless sanctuary for reflection and walking meditation. Modeled after the renowned labyrinth of the Chartres Cathedral in France, this space was lovingly crafted in 1999 by dedicated volunteers and long-time supporters of the Whidbey Institute. As you navigate its winding paths, surrounded by the serenity of nature, immerse yourself in a meditative experience that transcends time and space. Whether seeking solace, clarity, or simply a moment of introspection, the labyrinth beckons, inviting you to embark on a profound inner pilgrimage.

OUTDOOR SPACES ART BARN This rustic outdoor shelter sits at the center of the Heartland. In the summer months, it’s a hub of arts, crafts, and creative expression during our conferences.

WESTGARDEN This medicinal, vegetable, and herb garden serves as a year-round learning environment for students, program participants, volunteers, and visitors.

APPLETREE GARDEN This flower garden was planted in a celtic knot pattern over 40 years ago and is tended by volunteer Mara Grey. It provides fruit, botanical flower extracts, pollinator habitat, and space for quiet conversation.

ACCOMMODATIONS Our overnight accommodations for groups onsite include a cabin village in the forest, an historic Farmhouse in our heartland, and Granny’s, a woodland home. Together, these cabins and homes can accommodate up to 42 people, generally one or two per room. Wi-fi is available throughout the campus. Space for campers with tents is available in the summer.

CABIN VILLAGE MEADOW ROW Meadow Row includes some of our newest cabins which feature adjoining bathrooms with showers. Two of the cabins are designed for shared lodging and include two twin beds. The other six cabins are singles with one twin bed.

HILLSIDE CABINS The Hillside Cabins sit on the hillside near The Sanctuary and are just a short walk from restrooms and indoor showers. These three live edge cabins are named Cedar, Fir, and Spruce for the wood species highlighted in each. Each cabin includes two twin beds, a desk, and a porch looking out on the forest and Cabin Village.

LEGACY CABINS Located in the forest near Madrone Meadow, our two Legacy Cabins are a short walk from the shower house/restrooms. All cabins include space heaters, linens, and electrical outlets. Bagend Cabin includes woodstove, loft, and two single beds. Hermitage is designed for a couple and features a large queen

FARMHOUSE

The fully restored 19th century Farmhouse features a living room with a woodstove, fully-furnished kitchen, porch and patio, 2.5 bathrooms, and rustic gazebo. For over 50 years, groups have been gathering in the Farmhouse’s warm and inviting spaces for conversations, celebrations, and transformational experiences. The house includes 7 bedrooms upstairs, with a mixture of single and shared accommodations and the capacity for 10 guests.

GRANNY’S Granny’s is near the entrance to our 106 acre campus and is accessible from the heartland by car or wooded trail. The entire house was moved here in its early years as a gift from a neighbor. Granny’s features a woodstove, fully equipped kitchen, 1.75 bathrooms, and wifi. Nestled in the forest, Granny’s includes 6 shared bedrooms and sleeps 13.

2024 RATES Organizations contracting at the Supporter Rate are not only investing in their own transformative experiences but also contributing to a broader ecosystem of learning and community support. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to nurturing conditions for transformational learning, the Whidbey Institute relies on the generosity of supporters to fulfill its mission. By hosting one-day and multi-day programs, workshops, retreats, and conferences, the institute serves as a catalyst for personal growth, organizational development, and societal change. The Supporter Rate, positioned at the upper end of a three-tier structure, enables the Whidbey Institute to extend financial support to other not-for-profit organizations that may lack the resources to host events independently. Through this collaborative approach, organizations such as the League of Conservation Voters, New Seneca Village, Modest Family Solutions, BIPOC Ed Coalition, and more gain access to the institute's transformative spaces and offerings. By choosing the Supporter Rate, organizations not only benefit from the institute's facilities and expertise but also contribute to a collective effort to create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment for all.

MEETING SPACES

FULL DAY/HALF DAY

THOMAS BERRY HALL - Max: 100 people THE COMMONS - Max: 30 people SANCTUARY - Max: 30 people

$850/680 $850/680 $700/560

ACCOMMODATIONS Price per Bed/Night - Single Price per Bed/Night - Double FARMHOUSE - 7 rooms, 10 beds GRANNY’S - 6 rooms, 13 beds

$260 $170 $2,059 $2,037

Rates cover all rooms, kitchen, dining and living spaces with one complimentary room for organization leaders.

CABINS - 6 Singles w/ 1 bed CABINS - 7 Doubles w/ 2 twin beds

$260 $340

Rates listed are per cabin, regardless of occupancy.

MADRONE Camping - Up to 20 people COMMUTER

$300 $55

Rates listed are per person, per night or day. This fee covers the cost of hosting, logistics and facilities usage. It applies to all registered commuters, including staff and organizational leadership. Other Fees and Discounts May Apply - Please inquire as to any needs that may fall outside of our normal hosting and logistics functions.

MEALS Meals at the Whidbey Institute are lovingly prepared by Chef Kyra Smith and her skilled team, using local, fresh, organic produce whenever possible. Kyra’s team is always willing and able to accommodate special dietary requests, and meals always include an abundance of gluten-free, lowsugar, and vegan options. Meals are one of the things that keep people coming back—in fact, the feedback we receive most often relates to the delicious, abundant, and nourishing food that Chef Kyra and her team provide time after time!

Rates are per person, per night, starting with dinner the first day and ending with lunch on the last. Meals include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Required minimum: 16 people

$80

Book your next team retreat today! Contact us to learn more about hosting your next organizational event at the Whidbey Institute.