What should I bring?

Please bring what you would normally bring to a retreat of this nature (fiber, spinning wheels, spindles, hooks, small looms, etc.). We will provide fiber for the workshops and there will be fiber for sale as well; bring all the fiber from home that you want!

You may want to bring some good sticks for the weaving in nature and a yoga mat.

Last year Rita set up an indigo dye vat, so you will want to bring some fabric or yarn to dye as well.

You will want to bring your new Spirit Spin clothing and gear as well! Here is a link to our online store.

We also recommend you bring insect repellant, swimsuit, jacket, and hiking shoes for outdoor excursions. Michigan in early October can be anywhere from highs in the 80s (F) to lows in the 30s (F), so please pack for all conditions.

What should I not bring?

Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome; please check your animal in with the center first. Also, this is an adults only retreat, but you are welcome to bring adult partners and friends who want to enjoy the beautiful retreat space. The price is the same whether they participate in our events or not, however.

What is the food like?

The RAM Center offers buffet or family-style dining service in the relaxed, rustic setting of their dining hall. They have moved away from more "institutional" food and are offering fresher, local and tastier food! You will not go hungry! Special requests and dietary needs can be accommodated by request; please note this on your registration form.

Are there special accommodations?

Yes, the RAM has several accessible rooms and can make accommodations for special diets, allergies, physical abilities, and other issues (such as noise, light, etc.). Please let us know on your registration form what accommodations you may need and we will do our best!

How do I get there?

There is no public transportation to the center, so driving is your best bet. If you are coming from afar, the nearest major airport is MBS located 1 1/2 hours southeast of Roscommon in Saginaw, MI. Because of the remote location, you would need to rent a car from the airport. Please let us know if you want to share a ride and we may be able to pair you up with a fellow retreat-goer who can either share expenses or provide ground transportation. The address of RAM Center is: 104 Conservation Dr, Roscommon, MI 48653. Phone: (989) 821-6200

Can I come for just one day?

Yes! We have room for "day trippers" for both Friday and Saturday. This includes all programming, a free goodie bag, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks (and Friday's reception--if that's the day you choose!)

What are the rooms like?

Newly renovated in 2017, the Straits Lodge is the most modern lodge on the RAM Center grounds. This coed lodge sleeps a total of 40 people. 10 suites, each with two bedrooms and a shared bathroomFour of the suites meet ADA requirements for accessibility. Each bedroom has two single beds, vanity counter, dresser and clothes rack. All rooms have a shared en suite bathroom. There is a large meeting room and lounge area connected to the lodge equipped with flat screen TV, microwave and mini refrigerator For more information about the lodge click here.

Will there be vendors?

Yes! Typically we have roving for sale from our local co-op "Dances with Wool", but we have other vendors from time to time as well.

Should I be at a certain skill-level?

We welcome all types of fiber enthusiasts of all skill-levels! We will not be offering beginner's instruction; rather, we are offering opportunities to connect to fiber in new ways (and literally connect fiber in new ways). Many people come to knit and crochet with their spinning friends. We are an inclusive bunch!

How much does it cost--and what is included?

The cost depends on whether you are staying alone in your room or sharing a room. All rooms are suite-style with a shared bathroom. Included in the price: accomodations, all meals, snacks, optional workshops, special gift, Michigan wine/beer/apple cider/cheese Friday evening reception, guided nature walks, boating, bonfire, yoga, and more! The energy worker and massage therapist are "ala carte" and require separate booking and payment.

Will you find a roommate for me?

We will do our best to find a roommate for you, however, if there are no other singles looking to share, we must charge you for a single occupancy.

What are your refund, cancellation and general policies?

We have a few terms for a refund policy: 1) Deposits of $75.00 are required to reserve your space at the Spirit Spin Fiber Arts Retreat. To register, click button in menu below. ​ If you you would prefer to reserve your space by check, please contact Michele Lussky at spiritspinretreat@gmail.com or (616) 901-0579. Once your deposit is received, we will reserve your space. ​ 2) Balances for the retreat fees are due by September 1, 2021 if you had chosen to reserve your space with the 75.00 deposit. (We will send you an invoice for the remainder of your retreat.) ​ 3) If you had paid for your retreat space in full when you signed up - you are all set to go! ​ 4) If for some reason you need to cancel your reservation for the retreat, the following is the schedule for refunds: ​ Cancel before September 1: full refund minus transaction 3% transaction fee Cancel between September 2 and September 14: full refund minus a $90.00 cancellation fee Cancel September 15 or later: no refund ​ If you have any questions about the terms, please feel free to contact us at spiritspinretreat@gmail.com. ​ Thank you!

I'm confused, does the retreat start Thursday, September 30 or Friday, October 1?

Both! Due to popular demand, we added an extra day this year! You have the option to attend from Thursday 3pm to Sunday 11am OR Friday 3pm to Sunday 11 am. On Sunday, check out is 10am, but RAM graciously allows us to hang out in our large spinning room until 1pm (and sometimes until 8pm if another group isn't coming in)--and we can roam around the grounds and hang out in the lobby (spinning by the fireplace) until 8pm at no extra charge!

Is this a women-only retreat?

Nope! We are inclusive of all genders and gender identities!

I don't like paying with credit cards, can I mail you a check instead?

Sure! Make the check out to: Michele Lussky 6558 Laguna Vista Dr. NE Rockford MI 49341.

I can't remember how much I owe; how do I find out my balance?

Please email event organizer, Michele Lussky, at mlussky@shamamagroup.com.

What is your COVID-19 Protocol?

We aim to provide a comfortable and safe experience for all retreat-goers. All retreat staff (Rita, Michele, Rebecca and Pam) are fully vaccinated. We are strongly suggesting that all participants be fully vaccinated as well--so that we can relax like old times. If you do not provide proof of vaccination, then we will request that you perform a COVID-19 test in your hometown three days prior and present us with the negative results AND that you also take a COVID rapid test upon your arrival (for a fee of $30). If your results come back positive for COVID-19 three days or fewer and cannot attend, you will forfeit your retreat funds, per our cancelation policy (Cancel before September 1: full refund minus transaction 3% transaction fee; Cancel between September 2 and September 14: full refund minus a $90.00 cancellation fee; Cancel September 15 or later: no refund). This policy is subject to change.