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Retreat Handbook Details

Is 6 Mile the right fit for your upcoming retreat?

We invite you to take a few moments to read through the information below and prayerfully consider whether 6 Mile is the best setting for your group. As you review our expectations, accommodations, activities, and policies, we hope it will help you determine if this partnership will best serve your ministry.

 

At 6 Mile, our priority is not profit—it is that Jesus is magnified. We view our guests not simply as groups reserving a facility, but as partners in Kingdom work. Our desire is that every retreat, camp, and program hosted here glorifies God, proclaims the Gospel, and makes a lasting Kingdom impact.

 

Thank you for taking the time to carefully review the following information regarding teaching expectations, activity schedules, accommodations, kitchen use, and fees. Your thoughtful consideration helps ensure that each event at 6 Mile reflects the mission and values we aim to uphold.

TEACHING

  • Our beliefs and expectations for teaching(s)

    • You’ll find our detailed statements of beliefs here.

    • 6 Mile is set apart to be a place used by God in ministry to the souls of our guests. In this spirit, we ask that these tenets be respected and not contradicted through our guests’ programs, teaching times, counseling opportunities. In short, we humbly ask that all our guests have the opportunity to learn clear truth about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Gospel, and how to live out the Christian faith​.

ACTIVITY TIME BLOCKS

  • We ask that retreat/event planners create a well-thought out schedule, made up of time blocks of intentional activities which will engage retreat attenders, avoiding large blocks of  free time, which often lead to avoidable issues of distracted or ungodly conduct.

  • This does not mean no free-time—we support nap-times! We just ask that the bulk of the retreat be structured, cutting down on undesirable issues like unaccounted-for guests, mischief, and property damage.

ACCOMMODATIONS (Photos to come.)

  • Our facility accommodations , maximum capacities, expectations for cleanliness and care

  • Overnight accommodation options:

    • Bunk Cabins (6) at the Pond

      • Each sleeps 12

      • Three cabins on one side of pond, three on the other—designed to house boys on the South,
        girls on the North (if planning a retreat/camp for co-eds)

      • The bunk cabins now have single restrooms for convenience overnight; however, large groups are still required to use the
        bathhouses for smoother, more efficient shower times.

    • Bunk House (1) at the Pool

      • Sleeps 10

      • Restroom with 2 showers, toilets, sinks

    • Guest House (1)

      • Sleeps 6

      • 2 bedrooms (bed 1- Queen bed, bed 2- Twin over Full bunk with Twin trundle)

      • 2 bathrooms (Shower, Shower-tub combo)

      • Small living room

      • Small kitchen

    • Loft Cabins (2)

      • Each sleeps 4 adults/can add 1 child (1 queen bed down; 1 full mattress and 1 twin in loft)

      • 1 bathroom

      • 1 kitchenette

  • Large group gathering options:

    • Theatre (In-door/air-conditioned)

      • Max. Capacity 100

      • Has a stage area and is most often used for worship services.

      • 2 restrooms

    • Rec Hall (In-door/air-conditioned)

      • Max. Capacity 80

      • Best suited for table teaching times

      • 2 restrooms

    • Mess Hall Dining Room (In-door/air-conditioned)

      • Max. Capacity 60

      • Meals served here

      • Also available for study times

      • 2 restrooms

    • Outdoor Chapel 

      • Max. Capacity 100

      • Located just down the hill from the Mess Hall

      • Bench seating with teaching platform, over-looking bluff

  • Activity areas:

    • Rec Field for outdoor games

      • Main game area

      • Baseball, kickball, soccer, relays, etc.

    • The Hub Hangout @ Basketball court area

      • 3 point line basketball court

      • Gaga ball pit

      • Corn-hole boards and other outdoor games available (please make arrangements prior to retreat arrival)

    • Hiking trails

      • May use trails for navigating from one place to another or for physical activity

      • Only walk on prepared trails for safety and visibility 

    • Creek Exploration

      • Depends on recent weather

      • Experienced outdoorsy guide suggested (from your group, or arrange with 6 Mile)

    • Water activities at Pond (20 ft at deepest point)

      • Life-guards required

      • Life-jackets required for all participants regardless of swimming confidence

      • Zip-line

      • Kayak

      • Swim

    • Swim/games at Pool (6 ft at deep end)

      • Lifeguard required​​

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN USE

  • Meal options are:​

    • Lease our kitchen and provide meals for your retreat.

      • Must have a ServSafe Certified kitchen worker to lease kitchen and cook/prepare meals

    • Have meals prepared by 6 Mile

      • If 6 Mile is providing meals for your retreat, we restrict kitchen use to 6 Mile staff only.​

      • The kitchen is not to be used for through-traffic to the dining room or Ice Machine. Guests should use the dining room entrances or the entrance nearest the Ice Machine - especially during meal prep and serving times. Safety and cleanliness are our top priorities in the kitchen.

FEES

  • Retreats at 6 Mile are customized for each group. Cost is calculated based upon buildings needed, number of nights/days, meal arrangements, and other requested services.

  • To give an idea, this info helps give an estimate. Contact us for accurate pricing for your retreat details and ideas.

    • Per night: Bunk cabins - $420, Pool bunk - $400, Guest House - $175, Loft Cabins - $125

    • Per day: Theatre & Rec Hall are each $250, Mess Hall cost varies based on meal plans, Outdoor Chapel use is complimentary with each lease, weather-permitting

    • Kitchen lease is $500 per day (ServSafe certified kitchen worker required)

    • Meals are between $12-15 per person per meal prepared by 6 Mile and may be rounded up to the nearest 20, 40, 80 people as appropriate. 

    • Lifeguards are $150 per lifeguard, per day

    • Other guides, program assistance, etc. may be calculated, as needed

  • Discounts​ for multi-night use are calculated by 6 Mile, so please use the numbers provided as a guide only.

  • Deposits are required for reserving facilities - $300 for groups of less than 30 guests; $500 for 30+

  • Refund Policy - Deposits are non-refundable. Additional payments are refunded for cancellations 3 months prior to event. Other policies communicated as needed.

ADEQUATE STAFFING & SUPERVISION

- OVERNIGHTS WITH MINORS -

In order to host an overnight camp/retreat for guests under the age of 18 (minors) at 6 MILE, all groups are required to abide by the Mississippi State Department of Health regulations. To briefly summarize: ​​​

  • Camp Director with experience in leading children (teacher, minister, etc.) 

  • ServSafe certified kitchen director (or catered meals by 6 MILE) 

  • Nurse/Health Officer (CPR certified) to administer ALL medications and care for minor injuries (Campers will be required to turn in all medications to Health Officer. No medications are permitted in the cabins in campers’ belongings) 

  • Lifeguard with current certification for all water activities

  • At least one counselor age 18+ in each bunk cabin with minors 

  • Ratio of 1 Supervisor/counselor per 5 minors/campers

SAFETY

  • Swimming in pool or pond without 6 MILE approved Lifeguard is prohibited and grounds for dismissal.

  • When hiking, stay on prepared/marked trails.

  • Curfews should be established and followed.

  • Every guest should be accounted for at all times, and no one should be wandering about.

  • Minors are prohibited from exploring the property unsupervised.

  • Minors may not have medications of any kind in cabins. Each group should have a Health Officers responsible for taking up all medications for safe-keeping and distributing them appropriately. Vitamins are best kept with meds and taken at mealtime of choice.

  • We follow a Rule of 3 policy (especially with minors).

    • Never be alone with one camper out of sight from others.

    • Another camper can count as a 3rd person.

    • For a private conversation, choose a location in view of others.

    • If in a room or office, leave the door open or move to an area able to be seen by others.

    • If you find yourself alone with a camper, change the situation – ask someone to join you or go outside.

  • Adults, use discretion and guard your testimony. Perception and integrity are of utmost importance. Each of these rules for minors is applicable for wise adults.

  • Emergency and evacuation plans for fire, severe weather, missing person, and intruder are available for Group Leaders. Though difficult to think about, preparation enables us to better navigate these types of emergencies.

  • Fire extinguishers are located in every building. Fire drills may be conducted and evacuation plan reviewed. 

  • Media - In general, no one at camp other than the 6 Mile Owner, Jonathan Sherwin, will speak with the media should we have an accident or emergency both on or off camp property. Staff, campers, volunteers, and guests may tell media that they are unable to comment at the present time.

  • We require a reasonable dress code for all who utilize 6 MILE grounds. If we're focusing on Christ, our apparel should not draw unreasonable attention to ourselves.
    Cover up. You'll be more comfortable and avoid drawing unwanted attention or creating unnecessary distractions. Wear clothes suitable for activities including:

    • closed-toe shoes for walking on our uneven natural and gravel paths

    • swim shoes, if preferred, especially in pond

    • swim clothes that cover all areas that modest society considers private, including all the b's 😉!

    • shirts, shorts/pants, shoes are required for the dining room and worship areas

  • ​We are examples of Christ in all we do, and we ask our staff, volunteers, and guests to strive for a Christ-honoring lifestyle:

    • 6 Mile does not allow alcoholic beverages, or use of illegal drugs on 6 MILE property.

    • 6 Mile property has a NO SMOKING, VAPING, E-SIG, etc. policy inside buildings (including bathrooms) or near entrances. Please enforce our no smoking policy. It takes months for the odor to subside, an odor we do not wish to affect those with allergies or to characterize this property. This has been an issue, so please know it can happen and hold your guests accountable.

    • Also, theft, immorality, damaging property, physical injury to others, bullying of any kind, deception, pornography, sexual immorality, harassment, sexual harassment and other forms of socially unacceptable behavior will be causes for immediate dismissal/removal.

    • We strongly encourage groups to arrange volunteers with integrity, considering protection of marriages high priority.

  • Please use good judgment regarding guests feeling unwell, and arrange for them to return home for proper care and protect other guests from any communicable illnesses.

  • Contact us for assistance with injury/illness/emergency (601) 892-8885

BUILDINGS

  • All 6 MILE buildings are newly renovated, air conditioned, and furnished for intended purposes.

  • 6 MILE is used year-round for events, and as available, sometimes with short-notice. Before checking out, it is essential that your group be sure to remove all traces of your event, so we can easily transition to our next ministry opportunity. Conduct a thorough sweep of the property for personal items such as hoodies, socks, and soaps in lodging & meeting spaces and bathhouses.

  • We recommend that groups have multiple volunteers to monitor all doors to air conditioned rooms/buildings and make special efforts to keep doors closed when not entering/exiting. We cannot control temps in our buildings if doors remain open while a/c is in use.

  • We ask that guests do not adjust a/c thermostats in any building without consulting 6 Mile Staff. Some are on timers, others are set according to unit capacities.

  • 6 Mile property has a NO SMOKING, VAPING, E-SIG, etc. policy inside buildings (including bathrooms) or near entrances. Please enforce our no smoking policy. It takes months for the odor to subside, an odor we do not wish to affect those with allergies or to characterize this property. This has been an issue, so please know it can happen and hold your guests accountable.

  • Smoking is permitted in areas where receptacles are located (varies with event, please check with Group Leaders for these locations).

  • WALLS - No tape, staples, or tacks are permitted on sheetrock walls or on painted doors. Do not lean items such as mirrors on painted walls or doors. Tacks and staples are permitted on wood walls/trim and must be removed and disposed of; please do not leave staples or tacks lying around (in window seals or on floor).

  • WINDOWS - In bunk cabins, bathhouses, and meeting spaces our windows are special acrylic. Chemicals of any kind are damaging-including adhesives and cleaner. Do not tape items on windows. If needed, clean only with water and microfiber cloth. NO WINDEX, no paper towel.

  • No autographs or social media invitations on bunks, walls, bathroom stalls, fixtures, or other furniture. You may notice faint traces from the past. We are steadily erasing and re-painting.

  • Lease Groups are responsible for immediate removal of any marker marks, tape residue/damage, staples and/or costs associated with repairs.

  • Storage space is reserved for 6 Mile furniture and supplies. Please bring only what you intend to take back with you when you check-out.

  • Bunk Cabins (6) are each furnished with 6 bunks. These bunks are newly redesigned with secure and comfortable ladder access to top bunks, suitable for able-bodied people of all ages. (Use discretion for children under age 8, senior adults, and anyone with special health concerns/needs.) These beds may not be rearranged. They are secured in place. 

  • Studio/Loft Cabins (2) are each furnished as follows: lofts contain one full pallet mattress and one twin. Downstairs contains a queen bed, bedside tables, small dining table, and kitchenette with small appliances (including keurig duo coffee pot). None of these items are to be removed from these cabins and rearranging should be kept to a minimum, with no scratching of floors or walls. All items should be put back before check-out.

  • Guest House Cabin (1) is furnished as follows: a small living area with sofa, chair, and table for 2; small full kitchen with stove, fridge, microwave, keurig duo coffee pot; bedroom 1 has queen bed, chair, and clothes hanging rack; bedroom 2 has twin over full bunk with twin trundle and small clothes hanging rack; bathroom 1 has shower, bathroom 2 has tub/shower and small washer/dryer all-in-one unit. None of these items are to be removed from these cabins and rearranging should be kept to a minimum. All items should be put back as they were and remove all extra furnishings added for your event before check-out.

  • Bathhouses (2) each contain multiple showers, sinks, and toilets. Showers each have private dressing areas, and toilets each have private stall.

  • Pool House is furnished with 5 bunks, sleeping 10. Kitchenette with sink and refrigerator. Bathroom has 2 showers, toilets, sinks. Located at pool. Arrange use of pool with 6 Mile.

  • The Rec Hall is a secluded multipurpose meeting space/conference room with 2 restrooms. Furnished with 6 round & 2 rectangle tables, ~40 flex folding chairs, electric piano, Bose speaker, and T.V. on cart. May be arranged as desired. Max Capacity 60. Please straighten tables & chairs, and remove all extra furnishings added for your event and property belonging to your group before check-out.

  • The Theatre is the largest group area, with 2 restrooms, commonly used for worship gatherings. Furnished with ~80 flex folding chairs, electric piano, 2 Bose speakers, one rectangle table (& projector upon request). May be arranged as desired. Tables are available upon request. Max Capacity 100. Please straighten chairs and remove all extra furnishings added for your event and property belonging to your group before check-out. Including items temporarily stored in the available storage closet. 

  • The Mess Hall (Dining Room) has 2 restrooms. Furnished with tables and white plastic folding chairs. Quantity according to group/event needs.  Max capacity 60. Please straighten tables & chairs, and remove all extra furnishings added for your event and property belonging to your group before check-out.

  • Commercial Kitchen is for 6 Mile Staff and designated volunteer use only. Dining Hall may not be accessed via kitchen. No items may be removed from kitchen, no outside items may be stored in kitchen, guests are not permitted in kitchen. For exceptions or to lease kitchen with approved ServSafe certified volunteer, contact us at (601) 892-8885 or info@6milecrv.com.

Please keep in mind, 6 MILE is owned, operated, and maintained by the Sherwin family with occasional additional janitorial, lawn care, prep, and tear-down staff. These guidelines are in place to assist us with care and upkeep, as we seek to honor Christ here, as well as in pastorate ministry with our faith family, and in our community. The more closely you follow these guidelines, the more you bless us; the less, the more work for us.

GROUNDS

  • Your group is permitted to use only buildings and areas arranged in your lease agreement. 

  • Minors are not permitted to explore the grounds unsupervised.

  • Per group, a limited number of ATVs are permitted. ATVs are not permitted on grass, especially newly sodded areas. Speed limits are posted. Speeding may cause bodily injury to ATV operators and/or pedestrians and also stirs up excessive dust. Careless operations/speeds will not be tolerated.

  • SMOKING is only permitted at designated areas, with cigarette receptacles. Areas are commonly across drive from basketball court, near pond trail, and across drive from Ministry Cabin 4. Areas are marked with cigarette receptacles.

  • NO LITTERING. We put high emphasis on keeping this property clear of trash. If you see litter, we ask that guests please take initiative to pick up and put in nearest garbage receptacle. Litter here is usually candy wrappers, water bottles, disposable cups, and the like. 

  • PARKING is limited to the area across from the swimming pool. Additional parking is available as needed and arranged with 6 Mile Staff. Parking is prohibited in cabin, Mess Hall, Theatre yards and near Rec Hall. For exceptions or special arrangements, contact us at (601) 892-8885 or info@6milecrv.com

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