BRIARWOOD RETREAT CENTER

Briarwood Retreat Center is located just 20 minutes north of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. It offers 70 acres of peace and solitude, with wide- open fields and miles of hiking trails through densely wooded stands of native oak. Briarwood boasts a crystal clear swimming pool, air- conditioned rooms and cabins, a large dining hall, fully outfitted meeting spaces, a newly built challenge course and all of the amenities you will need to make your meeting or retreat a success. Thank you for choosing Briarwood Retreat Center as your conference center.

Lodging

Briarwood offers several levels of accommodations. Specially suited for youth groups, the Meadows area is outfitted with bunk beds and dormitory style living. Oak Grove and Trails End have smaller, comfortable cabins that sleep eight on twin-sized, single beds. Quail Run has spacious motel-like rooms with two double beds, private bath and individual climate control.

If you have a need for special accommodations, please note your request on your contract and remind the Registrar when he/she contacts you for final arrangements.

Meeting Rooms

We have a meeting space to fit your need! Our spaces can accommodate the smallest of groups up to 150 participants. All meeting spaces are climate controlled, carpeted, and can be outfitted with TV and VCR, overhead projectors, sound systems, white/chalk boards and flip charts. Quail Run Lodge boasts the availability of a satellite downlink and conference phone for teleconferencing. Please note your audio-visual needs on your contract. Items are available on a "first come - first served" basis.

Meals

Delicious meals are prepared on site by our cook staff and served "cafeteria style." Because of our need to pre-plan, groups will be charged for the actual number of persons in attendance plus the cost of the meals of those persons who did not attend but for whom reservations were made. The number of persons you reserve space for can be changed up to one week before your arrival date. Special dietary needs can be met with prior notice.

Activities Available

There are many activities available at Briarwood, including: hiking, most field sports, Frisbee golf, camp fires, horseshoes, etc. Access to archery and a team building course can be arranged in advance and must be supervised by a qualified activity leader. You may provide your own leaders for these activities, provided you supply documentation of their qualifications.

What to Bring

Unless you have opted to have linens provided, you will need sleeping bags or bedding, pillows, towels and washcloths. You will also want to bring toiletries, any personal items and clothing you may need, a flashlight with working batteries, sturdy walking shoes (No flip-flops, please), etc. (Please make sure all personal items are in plastic containers--not glass.)

Other Groups on Site

Usually, there will be other groups on the site during your retreat. Every group will be assured a separate, private meeting area. Please be aware of the impact your group may have on others using the site and be a good neighbor.

The Briar Patch

The Briar Patch, our camp store, will be opened upon request for purchase of camp shirts, jewelry, toiletries, mementos, etc. Please contact the Retreat Host. Soft drink vending machines are always available on the porches of the Shalom Center and Quail Run Lodge.

EMERGENCY PROCEEDURES

In the event of a tornado or other severe storm, the bell will be rung continuously for one minute. Group leaders will immediately gather their retreaters together and proceed to the Shalom Center. If you are caught in the open and there is no time to evacuate to the Shalom Center, lie flat in any depression or ravine, face down and cover your head. If rains are present, watch for flooding. If in a building, stay away from the windows. Take cover under some support structure such as a bunk or table. Cover your head with a pillow, blanket, or mattress. After the storm, the bell will be rung four times when it has been determined that it is safe to exit. The whole camp community will assemble at the Shalom Center in order for a count to be made and any injuries to be assessed.

In the event of a fire, the occupants of the building will exit immediately and assemble at the Shalom Center in order to be counted. The Argyle Fire Department should be notified immediately. Dial 911.

Should you have a missing person from your group, please check with other guests and in their sleeping quarters first. Then notify the Retreat Host to enact our search procedures.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Please inform your group members of the following before your retreat:

• Your group is responsible for its own health, safety and first aid. Each group should bring at least one adult who is certified in CPR, including training in the use of protective barriers. Youth groups should also provide an adult who is certified in "second level" first aid, including training on blood-borne pathogens.
• While Briarwood Retreat Center carries appropriate levels of insurance, your group is responsible for its own accident and injury insurance for its members.
• You will want to collect the following information for all of your participants:

1. Names and addresses
2. Emergency contact names and numbers
3. Listing of all persons with known allergies or health conditions which will require treatment, restriction, or other accommodation
4. For minors without a parent on site, a signed permission to seek emergency medical treatment.

• Swimming. If your group wants to use the pool and you have not reserved it through your initial contract, please let us know before your arrival at camp. You should have received a price sheet with your contract, which indicates fees for usage of the pool. Please be aware that you must supply your own certified lifeguard(s) if anyone under the age of 16 will be in the pool area. Briarwood can help you in locating a lifeguard for your group. Please ask the Registrar for assistance.
• All hiking must be done within the camp property - Please do not cross fence lines.
• Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and in wooded areas. Designated smoking areas are available. Check with the Retreat Host.
• The use and possession of personal vehicles and sports equipment is to be done under the supervision of your retreat leadership and at your own risk. Note that the camp speed limit is 10 mph. Please limit your driving to the graveled roads. Transport guests in passenger vehicles only. No passengers in the back of pick-ups, please.
• All pets, firearms, ammunition and fireworks are explicitly prohibited on camp property.
• Gasoline, flammable liquids, explosives and poisonous substances must be stored in clearly marked, appropriate containers. These should be kept out of the reach of children and used only with adequate supervision and according to safe practices. Likewise, all hand and power tools should be used in a safe and appropriate manner. Use these items at your own risk.
• Adult supervision is required at all times during your retreat, regardless of the activity. This supervision is your responsibility. Please provide for one adult for each seven youth. This includes your "free time" as well.

CAMP STEWARDSHIP

Each group is to conduct themselves in an orderly and Christian manner. We must respect the environment and all of God's gifts.

• Camp property and grounds should be kept clean and orderly. Defacing or damaging buildings, cutting trees or littering grounds with paper, bottles, cigarettes, or debris is not in keeping with good stewardship. Cabins and meeting lodges should be left clean and orderly when you check out. Any breakage or damage to camp property, buildings, or equipment is the responsibility of your group. An inspection tour may be conducted by the Retreat Host and the person responsible for your group prior to your departure. You will be charged for damages to the property and/or for cleaning over and above normal wear and tear.
• We would appreciate your group's assistance in the cleaning of the dining hall after each meal. Please bus your own dishes and utensils.
• Your group is responsible for taking care of all program equipment issued for its use.
• Moving equipment or furniture from one building to another should be done only with the consent of the Retreat Host.
• To prevent plugging sewer pipes, do not throw kleenex, wrappers, feminine hygiene products, foil, gum or anything but toilet tissue into the toilet.
• Do not adjust any mechanical equipment, valves, etc. See the Retreat Host if you feel something needs adjusting.
• Before going to sleep at night, please turn off all lights except those located in the washroom.
• Please report any damages or needed repairs to the Retreat Host or the Site Manager. Forms for work requests are available in the Shalom Center.

RETREAT LEADERS GUIDE

Thank you for considering Briarwood Retreat Center as your retreat site. As a means of information and for the mutual protection of both your group and our camping association, the following Leader's Guide has been prepared. Please read this Guide carefully prior to your arrival at camp.

Approximately one week prior to your retreat, the Registrar will telephone you to confirm the number of guests you will bring, to assist you with any special needs, and to answer any questions you might have. During your stay, the Site Director, the Site Manageror the Program Director will serve as Retreat Host--your resource person while on site.

It is our desire to make your stay as pleasant and as safe as possible.

We're glad you are considering Briarwood Retreat Center for your retreat / meeting location. Here are a few things you may want to know to make your stay safer and more enjoyable.