If you were directly affected by the virus that causes COVID-19,
our hearts go out to you. We see you.
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Through the dedication and sacrifice of ALL essential workers, COVID vaccine researchers, and countless others (including y'all who did the right thing wearing those masks!), we can gather again!  

...but not without some serious precautions, which means constant surveillance of the latest information, changes to some operations, contingency plans, and considerations for those financially affected by the pandemic.

You will be asked to sign a General Waiver of Liability at the event, we have included it here so you can give it a thorough read in advance.
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Purpose & Background

This and all related documents, policies, processes, and requirements within it are subject to change with or without prior notice.

The Spinning Arts Foundation (SAF) takes the safety of our community very seriously. In this strange time of COVID-19 and all that has come with it, we have never been more in need of the connection of a community where we can do what we love and be our authentic selves. For so many of us, WildFire is that place, and going without it has been extremely difficult for many people. This pandemic is not over, and we do not take the concept of either holding or cancelling our 300-person events lightly. However, using information from major authorities in evidence-based COVID-19 risk reduction, such as the CDC and the WHO, discussions with our venue, and input from the community, the SAF Board of Directors made the decision to hold two WildFire Spinning Arts Retreat in 2023, with some major safety conditions.
We know that some people will disagree with or not be able to meet/accept our conditions, and this may be frustrating to those folks. We love and respect you, and we are looking forward to seeing you again in the future when we can hopefully drop these conditions!
No event is ever 100% safe. In 2023, there *is* a risk of coronavirus transmission to all who attend any event, including this one. The pandemic is a rapidly changing situation and reasonable people can disagree about what levels of precaution are necessary.
Faced with no perfect option, and real needs expressed by members for both pandemic safety and human connection, SAF’s elected Board decided on a guiding principle: to hold WildFire Spinning Arts Retreat in 2023, we must prioritize high standards of Covid-19 risk reduction. 
While the guiding principle is final, it’s possible that the situation may evolve and specific protocols may change. 

Vaccination and Testing Requirements

All attendees are required to have been fully vaccinated (initial shots and eligible boosters) as of at least 2 weeks prior to their arrival at WildFire and must show documentation of this upon check-in OR they must present a negative rapid test (provided by attendee) upon check-in AND must take a rapid test (provided by attendee) every day and report result of said test to the designated director.

There are no exceptions to this rule.  Anyone who does not bring the above required documentation/testing will be required to leave the grounds and will forfeit their ticket; no refunds or credits will be given.

Face Covering Requirements

Face coverings over the mouth and nose are required when inside any building, such as the dining hall, first aid room, multi-person bathrooms, kitchen, etc. ​

Kitchen and Cooking

​The Kitchen Manager will consult with the leadership team to create a formal plan for how meals will be cooked to decrease the risk of transmission. Masks and frequent fresh gloves will be required for kitchen organizers/volunteers, as well as increased sanitization and other possible measures as put in place by the team.

Dining Hall/Community Meals

The Dining Hall will be used in a reduced capacity to minimize indoor crowding. An extra tent will be secured where attendees can eat. The Kitchen Manager and On-Site Manager will consult with the COVID Safety Officer to ensure traffic flow that minimizes the number of people in the dining hall at any given time and minimizes unwanted close contact (such as in doorways) for those who want to distance. 

Greeters/Check in

Attendees will be required to show documentation that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to their arrival and will sign a waiver confirming that they

1. Are not currently subject to isolation or quarantine requirements 
2. Have not been in close contact with anyone over the last 14 days who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
3. Are not experiencing any symptom of COVID-19
4. Have been fully COVID-19 vaccinated at least 14 days prior to the event and that their documentation is true and has not been modified in any way. 

Anyone found presenting fraudulent materials, lying about the above, or omitting related pertinent facts may have legal action taken against them. 
The On-Site Manager and Greeter Organizer will consult with the COVID Safety Officer to strategize a new check-in process that allows distancing and safety of volunteers and others. 

Restricted Cabin Use

To further reduce risk, cabins will be closed at this event for most folks.*  Attendees will be able to see a map of the grounds where they will find an abundance of beautiful camp sites with tent platforms to use. As always, attendees are responsible for being prepared for camping, including in hot, cold, wet, windy, or other inclement weather.
​*Ticketholders with a mobility or other medical issue who must stay inside a building as a condition of attending should contact info@wildfireretreat.com to discuss possible options.