Rates & Activities
We are a Lutheran ministry with a variety of lodging and recreational facilities that are available to groups of all ages, sizes and affiliations. You are welcome here!
To make a reservation, give us a call at 540-449-0012 or email heidi@carolinefurnace.org. We're happy to help you plan your retreat as much or little as you'd like. Once we sort out the details of retreat dates, group size, meals and activities, we will send you a booking contract. We ask that you sign and return your contract to us with a 30% deposit within 30 days of receipt. Your 30% deposit is non-refundable if you cancel within 180 days of the reserved date. A deposit and signed agreement are required for a confirmed reservation. Not ready to book quite yet? No worries, we can pencil you into our calendar for up to 30 days as you confirm details with your group.
*Note: We do not accept American Express.
We look forward to working with you to make your group's retreat a success!
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Overnight Lodging
We require a minimum reservation of 10 retreat guests.
Overnight retreat groups have access to a meeting facility at no extra charge.
Day Use
Contact us for Special Event rates or Entire Site rental.
Meals
Rates are per person. Times are negotiable if requested in advance.
We run a commercial scratch kitchen. Meals are prepared by our full time chef, Lee Ann. Contact us for sample menus and to customize meals for your group.
Breakfast 8:00 am .......................... $9
Brunch 10:00 am .......................... $12
Lunch 12:30 pm .......................... $10
Dinner 6:00 pm .......................... $14
*Bag lunches are available upon request for groups traveling off-site.
Activities
Archery (staff-led)
Join our certified instructors to learn more about the sport of Archery! We'll begin with basic safety and best practices, then focus on improving accuracy and distance. Depending on the abilities of the group, we can also plan for some fun challenges and games! All archery equipment and personal safety gear is included with instruction.
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Campfire
We have several campfire circles on property, suitable for groups of 10 to 100. Each campfire circle has benches and stocked firewood. S'more sticks are available upon request.
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Canoeing (staff-led)
Spend time exploring our 5 acre lake! Our canoe instructor will begin with boat safety and basic paddling instruction before loading boats. Depending group age and experience, we can offer additional paddling instruction, games, and bits of ecology.
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Creekwalking
What is better than exploring Caroline Furnace on our trails? Walking down the creek, of course! Follow our creek as it widens, narrows, deepens, and meanders. A classic camper favorite is from Twin Bridge Trail to Ridge Trail, which can take about an hour and ends with a swimming hole!
(Closed-toe water shoes recommended)
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Community Development Course (staff or self-led)
We offer teambuilding tailored to your group. We'll create a plan based upon your goals, group development, and group age. We have an abundance of activities in our toolkit, and will combine those with time on our Low Ropes Course to guide your group in building community!
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Fishing (staff-led)
Let's go fishing! We'll cover beginner skills and techniques, then test those skills at the lake. Our lake has a diverse fish population including bass, catfish and bluegill. While we're out, we'll discuss fish habitats and ecology as well. Talk to us about bringing your own fishing gear if you prefer to do so.
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Furnace Exploration (staff or self-led)
Caroline Furnace is the site of a Civil War era iron furnace. The property was named after the daughter-in-law of the furnace owner, and the furnace produced three tons of pig iron per day at peak production. Join us for a Furnace Exploration to learn more!
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Property Hike (staff or self-led)
Did you know that Fort Valley is a vast synclinorium? Where did "Shenandoah" and "Massanutten" come from? What is the history of the Fort? What is that plant/tree/animal/rock/sound? Learn more on one of our property hikes, adapted to the needs of your group.
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Stargazing
We've been told that we have the darkest night sky within two hours of Washington DC. Fort Valley is known as "a valley within a valley", so our mountains block out nearly all light pollution from nearby towns. You're in for a real treat if you come during a meteor shower!
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Stream Exploration
Passage Creek runs right through the middle of property! Let's explore stream ecology, streambed geology, watersheds, and macroinvertebrate diversity. If the weather is warm while you're here, we encourage you to take your group on a creekwalk. It's a camper favorite!
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Swimming (staff-led)
Talk to us about coordinating swim time for your group! We have a roped swimming area in our lake with a jumping board and floating dock, and separate shallow and deep sections. Lakefront swimming is only permitted in the presence of a certified lifeguard, either hired or approved by us.
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Other Suggested Activities:
hiking, trail running, birding, prayer labyrinth, field games, park games (basketball, gaga ball), ping pong (Sukkah Village and Farmhouse), Cornhole (Cabin Village and Farmhouse)
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Ask us about our local partnerships and recommendations:
for horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, tubing, rock climbing, caving, ziplining, cavern tours, breweries, cideries, wineries, apple orchards and farm tours, farmers markets, antiquing and more.
All activity rates below are in addition to day use or lodging and are per person. Groups larger than the maximum size for the activity will be split into multiple groups.
*Firewood and kindling is provided for all campfires and fireplaces. Please do not transport firewood from home. Learn more at dontmovefirewood.org
**Lakefront swimming and watercraft are permitted only under staff supervision.
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Caroline Furnace or its staff will not be liable for any damages to the Guest's property, by theft, casualty or otherwise, or any personal injury including, but not limited to, bodily injury, personal injury, or emotional injury, which may result from any person using the above described premises, its entrances and exits, and surrounding areas, for the Guest's purposes, regardless of whether such injury or damage results from the negligence of the Caroline Furnace (including agents, employees, and representatives) or otherwise.