🦋 FAQ's | Don't Panic Retreat

Is this a retreat?

yes…and no. We wanted to make a sort of anti-retreat retreat. In the same way Kelsey wrote her best-selling mental health workbook from a perspective of a real anxiety-sufferer, she wanted to create a program that taught attendees useful mental health tools to take back home with them. We wanted to avoid the sling-shot feeling of attending a wellness retreat in the jungle and then be thrown back into real life without any integration! So, we created a weekend filled with activities…with a bit of special flare. While there will be relaxing, solo moments, this retreat is meant to be ~werk~, a packed weekend full of learning real-world tools that you can use in every day life to manage your mental health. It's a unique and one-of-a-kind magical experience you won’t find anywhere else!

Is travel included in the cost?

While we accept attendees from all over the world, your flight and transportation to the Don’t Panic Retreat location is not included in the price. Use those airline miles, bb! Your job is to get yourself to the Callicoon Hills resort at check-in time. And head back home, Sunday March 2nd, after lunch time ! If it helps, we priced the retreat significantly lower than the average 4-day retreat so it would be more accessible for more people! And Chapter 3 is our most AFFORDABLE price yet!

When is it?

Thursday Feburary 27th, 2025 - Sunday March 2nd, 2025. Check-in begins Thursday Feb 27th any time after 3pm (dinner will be provided Thursday night). Check out Sunday will be after lunch so people can make the shuttle back to the city to catch any flights out in the evening. Callicoon Hills is located about 1.5 hour-2 hour drive from NYC. We will be setting up a shuttle from the EWR airport.

*Day-pass attendees are welcome to come any time after 3pm Thursday and leave after lunch on Sunday.

Whats included in a day pass?

Our day pass ticket was created for Callicoon/Yulan locals to enjoy every part of the retreat except for overnight sleeping arrangements. It will be your responsibility to drive each day to the house on time and leave in the evening. You will still get all the goodies/amenities a house guests receives! This is an affordable option for the community!

wtf am I eating?

We will provide luxury and delicious catering from Thursday Evening to Sunday afternoon including: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, water, and other drinks. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated! A survey will be sent out to acquire such info. We have had guests in the past bring their own extra treats they like to keep in their room for after hours.

Is there alcohol?

Nah, we promise you won’t need it or want it!

Can I bring drugs?

Only the kind you are prescribed by a doctor!

Do I need to know how to do yoga?

Nope! All levels welcome! Including beginners! While this isn’t a yoga retreat, you will have 1 morning yoga class and optional yin-yoga mini-class each evening.

Do I have to do everything on the schedule?

No! but, trust us, you’re going to want to do it all!

Is there an age limit?

18+!

Is this an all-girls thing?

no! but we want to note that Don’t Panic Retreat will be led by mostly female-identifying leaders and will create a safe space for our LGBT+ besties!

Can I come alone or bring my bff or lover?

YES! We love solo travelers and can guarantee you will have a life-changing experience on your own….However, we do have a more affordable rooming option for people who want to share a bed with their friend/lover. HOW COOL TO EXPERIENCE THIS WITH A LOVED ONE?! You’re also saving $$$$ by booking for 2 and sharing a room.

What should I bring?

This is our first WINTER retreat! Weather in NY this time of year can be expected to be cold with some wind chill and even snow! WHAT A COZY RETREAT IS FOR! Sweats, puffy jackets, snow proof shoes and athleisure wear is highly recommended. We will send out a packing list closer to the day of retreat, however, things to acquire now could be:

comfy/weather proof shoes for optional woods and grounds walking/hiking
winter clothes accessories like a beaner, mittens, wool socks, scarves are encouraged! (Check out your local thrift store for these goodies!)
reusable water bottle for the weekend
toiletries
medications

a journal, sunscreen (yes, even for inside in the winter), bug spray, towels, arts and crafts, and yoga mats will be provided but feel free to bring your own!

What time do I need to arrive?

check-in begins at 3pm Thursday Feburary 27th.

What time do I need to leave?

Check out will be by 11am with a 12pm meal and a goodbye on March 2nd. You are free to leave earlier if needed, or stay and enjoy the woods for longer! Reach out to us if you'd like to check into the hotel early or stay longer for a deal on a room! . We recommend flying in/out of EWR in Newerk to catch our shuttle.

How many people are going?

we want to keep this experience as intimate as possible. We anticipate anywhere from 15-20 people.