Answers to YOUR Questions
We encourage you to BOOKMARK this page on your Smartphone. Click for instructions for iPHONE or ANDROID.
Where are Directions to the camp? See HERE
Where is the Schedule of Events? See HERE
NOTE: Be sure an refresh the Schedule of Events webpage if you have viewed the schedule before. The schedule will be updated up until the Sunday (Oct. 17th) before the retreat begins.
Where is a Site Map? See HERE
Where is the dining hall Menu? To be announced.
What is the schedule for the Shuttle between the camp and the Marriott Hotel? See HERE
How can I review my registration choices from when I initially enrolled online?
Click on REGISTRATION to open the online Registration page. At the top, click on the Resend Confirmation link at the top. You will be asked to enter the email address that you used to register. If correct, you will receive and email with your registration details.
What will the Weather be like during the retreat? See HERE
What is the Gate Code if the gate is closed at night? To be announced.
For security reasons, the main gate into the camp is closed at night. The code to open it is TBA.
When can I arrive at the camp on Thursday?
If you are a volunteer to help set up, you can arrive after noon. If you are a student, check in is at 4 p.m. so anytime right before then.
Where do I check in and when?
Check in is at the Chapel from 4-9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19th and 8-10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 20th. You will receive a badge, a wristband (camp required) and keys to rooms if applicable. Because we are paperless, there will be QR codes displayed for you to use to view the Schedule of Events and Site Map on your devices. We suggest you bookmark this webpage to access all of our documents and general info.
I pre-ordered a “Bedding Bundle.” Where do I pick it up?
For those lodging in our dorms, you must provide your own linens, pillows and blankets. For those that have pre-ordered a bundle (two blankets, one pillow, one set of sheets, one set of towels), you can pick it up at check-in at the Chapel.
Must I sign a waiver?
Yes, the camp requires everyone to sign a waiver. Please review the waiver HERE. When you arrive, you will be asked to sign by your name to signify that you read and accept its provisions. A copy of the waiver will be available at check-in, but check-in will be faster if you review the waiver in advance of coming. You will then be given a camp wristband that must be worn at all times.
If I arrive late on Thursday night, how do I check in and/or get my room keys and what if I miss the BBQ dinner?
If you know in advance that you will arrive past 9 p.m. when check-in closes on Thursday night at the Chapel and you need key(s) to your room, please email us at enroll@oflahertyretreat.org prior to the retreat. If you arrive after 9 p.m. and could not notify us in advance, call our main office number at (469) 215-1840. In most cases, we will leave the door open to your room and your key(s) will be left on the bed. As for checking in, you can check in on Friday morning between 8-10 a.m. at the retreat office in the Chapel. If you miss the dinner, we are sorry, but there are no refunds. There are a number of restaurants in Midlothian from which to choose on your way into the area.
When and where is the Kick-Off BBQ dinner and Concert on Thursday and what is planned afterwards?
The Kick-Off BBQ dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Texas Pavilion. Food will be served for one hour only. Our Instructor Concerts will follow at 8 p.m. with sessions held afterwards at these locations:
Slow Session — Jim Bowie
Moderate Session — Maverick
Lively Session — Alamo Lobby
Song Session — Conservatory Lounge
Will there be a dessert competition at the BBQ dinner, and how do I enter my dish?
You betcha! Bring your dessert entry to Louvain Guiomard next to the fireplace at the Texas Pavilion no later than 6 p.m. On a card, please list your name, the name of the dessert and the ingredients that are used. The desserts will be judged at 6:15 p.m. Gift certificates to the Retreat Store will be awarded to the 1st Place ($30), 2nd Place ($20), and 3rd Place ($10) winners.
How will I get around the campus?
Camp Hoblitzelle is a beautiful, large campus, and classrooms and lodging may not always be right next to each other. Bikes are welcomed and many of our participants like walking to and from activities. Our Operations staff will be driving around in golf carts with O’Flaherty signs in the windshield, and are happy to give you a lift to your next activity. If you know in advance that you will need a ride, please text (972) 643-8333 with your name, where you’d like to be picked up, and at what time, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Please remember the following about our golf cart service:
- Our Operations team offer golf cart rides from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (unless prior arrangements are made)
- Golf carts are to be driven by authorized members of our staff only
- Camp Hoblitzelle personnel on golf carts are not permitted to offer rides to our guests – look for the O’Flaherty sign in the windshield.
- If you are requesting a ride using the Dispatch number, please text (the voicemail box is unmonitored), and please try to give as much notice as you can, so that we can arrange things in time.
What if there is a problem with my room, and how can I get the problem fixed?
Call our main office number at (469) 215-1840 or if you see one of our staff, tell them and they will contact the appropriate people to assist.
What if I have a medical emergency or need first aid?
For medical emergencies needing an EMT, call 911. Both the Retreat Booth in the Chapel and the camp staff have first aid kits. The camp also has other medical services they can provide, so call the retreat’s main office number at (469) 215-1840 if you need medical assistance that is not of an emergency nature, and we can facilitate the camp staff to provide needed aid.
Is there public Wifi at the camp?
There is Wifi and there is no password required. Warning — it is spotty in places as is wireless connection for some cell phone providers.
Where can I get coffee?
The camp dining hall will be open each morning from 6:30-7:30 a.m. for coffee. Please enter through the patio area, get your coffee and return to the patio. Please do not remain on the dining hall because it does not officially open until 7:30 a.m. for breakfast. We also will have a coffee and tea station at the Chapel lobby open all of the time. Please give a donation to underwrite the cost. The camp’s Cafe located in the Maverick building also have coffee, scones and pastries on Monday morning only from 7:30-9 a.m. The Alamo, Barn and Hacienda have Keurigs so bring your coffee and tea cups.
PLEASE NOTE: In an effort to cut down on the use of Styrofoam cups, we encourage everyone to bring reusable mugs, cups and water bottles. We also will have them for sale at our Retreat Store.
I have to bring my own food. Where can I use a microwave and/or refrigerator?
There are refrigerators and microwaves in the Barn, Hacienda and Alamo buildings. There is also a refrigerator in the Music Conservatory. All cottages have their own refrigerators, microwaves and Keurigs.
What should I bring to the retreat?
- digital recorder to record lessons
- reusable coffee mug, travel cup and/or water bottle
- rain gear or umbrella if rain is forecasted
- portable camp chair for outside sessions and classes if weather is nice
- bike
- Smartphone charger
- flashlight
- multi-socket power strip
- your medicine
- ear plugs or pods if your sleeping in the dorm
- extra strings
- your instrument
- notepad to take notes
What should I NOT bring to the retreat?
- pets
- alcohol and non-prescribed drugs
- electric instruments (except for electric pianos)
- firearms
- guests who have not registered as non-students
- contagious illnesses
Can I have non-student guests come to the camp or attend the concerts?
Yes, but they must be registered as non-students. For security reasons, everyone who is at camp must have a badge and wear a camp wristband. To obtain those, guests must register online at REGISTER and pay a $25 camp access fee which also entitles them to attend all of the evening concerts.
When must I leave the camp on Monday, and when and where do I turn in my keys?
Everyone needs to be off campus by 12 noon. We will need all keys returned by 9 a.m., and you must vacate your room by 10 a.m. There will be key cans in all lodging buildings for you to drop your keys in or you can bring them to the Chapel. REMINDER — There is $50 per key charge if you fail to return it. Also, if you are available, we need volunteers to help pack everything up. Come to the Chapel anytime Monday morning.
Can I change classes at the retreat?
Yes. You can change your classes by contacting our REGISTRAR. Please note that you are only able to change IF there are available openings in the class.
I recently had COVID or have some symptoms, can I still come?
If you have had COVID recently, please go to CDC’s Isolation and Exposure Calculator HERE to see guidelines. If you are having symptoms, please take a rapid antigen COVID test. If positive, please stay home. In fact, if you are sick with any illness, please stay home.
When are the Retreat Store, Main Office and Vendor Booths open?
The Retreat Store, Main Office and Vendor Booths will be open during the times and days below in the Chapel. If you need assistance outside of those times, seek out our operations staff who will be traveling around the grounds on carts or call them on our Retreat Cell at (469) 215-1840. This year our booth vendors include TBA, Here are the hours for the office, store and booths located in the Chapel:
Thursday
Retreat Office: 4-9 p.m.
Friday
Retreat Office: 8-10 a.m.
Retreat Store and Vendor Booths: During evening concerts and at times when classes/workshops are not being held in the Chapel.
Saturday
Retreat Office: 8-10 a.m.
Retreat Store and Vendor Booths: During evening concerts and at times when classes/workshops are not being held in the Chapel.
Sunday
Retreat Office: Closed
Retreat Store and Vendor Booths: During evening concerts and at times when classes/workshops are not being held in the Chapel.
Monday
Retreat Office: 8-10:30 a.m.