FAQ

FAQ
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers will provide you with general information about The Bishop’s Ranch. Click on a question to reveal the answer, then click it again to close. We encourage you to contact the Ranch office at 707-433-2440 should you need further details.

 

FAQ last updated: March 4, 2020

Retreat Reservations (21)

We send out emails for weekend reservations whenever groups are unable to utilize all of their contracted space.  The emails are usually sent anywhere from a few days or two to three weeks before the weekend in question. Fill out the form below to be added to our mailing list.

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Yes, a waiting list is used when we receive group cancellations.  Once on this list, you will be contacted when accommodations fitting your group needs and requested dates become available.

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Groups are responsible for the total charges indicated on their contract unless we are notify of a change in arrangements by the date noted in the Policy for Changes or Cancellation section of the contract such as:  a decrease in the numbers of people, an adjustment in the meal schedule, or a cancellation.  There are no rebates for late arrivals, early departures, beds not used or meals not taken.

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The Bishop’s Ranch staff must often clean up and prepare after one group departs and before another arrives, so we ask that you be aware of your group’s scheduled arrival time and make plans accordingly.  Meeting spaces and rooms will not be made available to early arrivals until all of the buildings have been cleaned and stocked with linens.

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The regular check-in time is 5:00 pm, and checkout is 12:30 pm from the bedrooms and 2:00 pm from the meeting spaces. These times may vary depending on a group’s reservation, so contact Leda Wagner at 707-433-2440 ext. 102 or reservations@bishopsranch.org to confirm the correct times.

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In addition to any items you might need for your retreat, which you would be notified of through the program information packet received one to two weeks before a scheduled program, the following may be useful: alarm clock, flashlight, layered clothing for warm days and cool evenings, hairdryer, walking shoes, notebook and pen.

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Groups are welcome to reserve chapel time during a retreat around the regular schedule of services offered by the Bishop’s Ranch. The Ranch holds the daily offices of Morning Prayer at 7:30 am and Evening Prayer at 6:00 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and Holy Eucharist every Sunday at 9:30 am.

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Subject to availability.  Please contact Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 or reservations@bishopsranch.org to confirm group set-up needs and availability.

  • TV/VCR/DVD Player
  • CD Player
  • Sound System
  • Microphones

  • Tables/Chairs
  • Easel Stands
  • Podium/Music Stand
  • LCD Projector

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Please contact your group leader for information on how to register or for details regarding the retreat schedule.

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We accept cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.  There is a 3% surcharge for all credit card transactions over $500.00

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A 20% deposit is due along with a signed contract to hold a reservation.  The final payment is due at the time of the retreat.

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A 20% non-refundable deposit is required for every reservation.

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The Ranch welcomes individuals for self-directed retreats when space is available.  We schedule individuals in around the groups we serve and only about two to three weeks ahead on the calendar.  To check on availability contact Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 ext. 102 or reservations@bishopsranch.org.

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Absolutely, we’d love to have you come for a tour to see if the Ranch is a good fit for the needs of your group.  Please contact Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 or reservations@bishopsranch.org to make an appointment.

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The Bishop’s Ranch has 106 beds.  We offer a variety of occupancy levels, including double (two per room), standard (3-4 per room), or dorm (5-8 per cottage).  Limited camping space is also available.  Please contact Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 or reservations@bishopsranch.org to discuss availability and which accommodation might be right for you group.

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No, but if there is no other group booked, at least 12 people are required for us to prepare meals.

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Because of the impact they would have on group retreats, the Ranch is not available for weddings.

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The Ranch serves a wide variety of groups:

  • Nonprofits (churches, school groups, etc.)
  • Government agencies
  • Clubs
  • Art/Craft groups
  • Family/Friend gatherings

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Yes, each lodging building offers at least one ADA compliant bedroom and all meeting spaces accessible.

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No, The Bishop’s Ranch is open to a variety of nonprofit groups and individuals whether or not they are affiliated with the Episcopal church.

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Please call the Ranch office main number at 707-433-2440, and then enter the appropriate extension.

Reservations and general information:
Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator
ext.102

Ranch programs:
Shannon Reilly, Conference Coordinator
ext.106

Summer camps or volunteer opportunities:

Marguerite Cauchois, Camp Director
ext.133

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Program Information (8)

In addition to serving nonprofit groups, a variety of programs are offered by The Bishop’s Ranch, which include spiritual development, art workshops, and writing retreats.  For more information visit the programs & retreats section of our website or contact Shannon Reilly at 707-433-2440 x106 or shannon@bishopsranch.org.

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Registration for Ranch offered programs are available by going to the programs & retreats section of our website where you’ll find registration links at the top of the program descriptions.  By clicking that link you’ll be connected to the online registration page for that particular program.  If you’re interested in receiving a brochure with the up coming Ranch programs or to register over the phone, please contact Shannon Reilly at 707-433-2440 x106 or shannon@bishopsranch.org.

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Ranch program payments are due in full at time of registration.

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Individuals who have registered for a Ranch offering have up to two weeks before the program begins to cancel and still receive a partial refund.  A registration/cancellation processing fee will be charge on all cancellations.  If a cancellation is received 14 days or less before the retreat, no refund will be given.

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One to two weeks before your scheduled program, you will receive a program packet that will include a welcome letter with information about the program, a schedule, and general information about your stay at The Bishop’s Ranch.

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Yes, on a space available basis.  Please contact Shannon Reilly at 707-433-2440 ext. 106 or shannon@bishopsranch.org to check availability.

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In addition to any items you might need for your retreat, which you would be notified of through the program information packet received one to two weeks before a scheduled program, the following may be useful: alarm clock, flashlight, layered clothing for warm days and cool evenings, hairdryer, walking shoes, notebook and pen.

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Please call the Ranch office main number at 707-433-2440, and then enter the appropriate extension.

Reservations and general information:
Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator
ext.102

Ranch programs:
Shannon Reilly, Conference Coordinator
ext.106

Summer camps or volunteer opportunities:

Marguerite Cauchois, Camp Director
ext.133

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Meal Information (7)

The meals at The Bishop’s Ranch are served buffet style.  Guests sit together at pre-determined tables labeled with the group name.  For those on self-directed retreats, a table will be marked for individuals

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Meals are served in the Refectory at the following times;

  • 8:00 am breakfast
  • 12:30 pm lunch
  • 6:30 pm dinner

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The Bishop’s Ranch kitchen can accommodate vegetarian/vegan diets, as well as medically necessary special diets for individuals with food allergies when notified in advance of the retreat.  Please make your retreat organizer(s) aware of your dietary needs or contact Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 or reservations@bishopsranch.org so the information can be relayed to the Ranch kitchen.  If your diet is very specific, the Kitchen Manager may need to contact you, or you might be asked to supplement your meals at the Ranch with items from home.

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You’re welcome to bring wine to dinner as long as there is not a youth group sharing the Refectory with you.  Contact Leda Wagner, the Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 ext.102 or reservations @bishopsranch.org to find out if you’re sharing the Ranch with one or more groups.

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No.  The kitchens within the guest accommodations are not set up for groups to prepare their own meals, but to provide a place for snacks and beverages.  The Ranch kitchen staff provides healthy, hearty, delicious meals for our guests.

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Whenever the kitchen is open for meal service, coffee and tea is available in the Refectory for all Ranch guests to enjoy.  Day use reservations include coffee and tea service upon arrival.

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Groups are welcome to bring their own snacks.  A kitchen/kitchenette is available in each meeting location for snack and beverage storage.

For an additional charge, snack service can be added to your reservation.  Snacks provided by the Ranch will be available only at designated times and must be arranged at least two weeks in advance of the retreat.  Contact Leda Wagner, the Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 ext.102 or reservations@bishopsranch.org to request snack service.

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General Information (14)

Daily Offices are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. During the half-hour before Morning Prayer @ 7:30 am and Evening Prayer @ 6:00 pm there is often someone in still-prayer in the chapel.   Individuals and groups are welcome to come into the chapel at these times or any time for silent prayer.  If the Office is being said, please feel free to come forward and join in.

Our Holy Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday beginning at 9:30 am.  Please contact Megan Anderson, our Chaplain, at 707-433-2440 or Megan@bishopsranch.org for information on holy holiday service times.

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Pets are not allowed at The Bishop’s Ranch.

Pet boarding facilities near The Bishop’s Ranch

  • Memorial Beach Veterinary Hospital
    343 School Street, Healdsburg
    707-433-2789
  • Town & Country Pet Resort
    4340 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa
    707-569-1394
  • Olivet Kennel and Dog Training
    2404 Olivet Road, Santa Rosa
    707-542-2066
  • Tappen Hill
    4801 Llano Road, Sebastopol
    707-824-9100

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No, guest accommodations are comfortable, but simple to ensure the greatest opportunity for a true retreat experience.  We have a few hairdryers for loan from the Ranch office.

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Yes, almost all cell phones have reception at the Ranch.

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Yes, a Wi-Fi signal is available at a few locations around the Ranch, including the Refectory and the Ranch office. We encourage guests to unplug during their time at the Ranch. We do not have enough bandwidth to support streaming services for guests, so we ask that guests refrain from streaming while at the Ranch. Please contact Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 or reservations@bishopsranch.org if you have questions about Wi-Fi availability in your group meeting space.

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The Bishop’s Ranch provides all the bed linens and bathroom terry items.  Guests are asked to bring their own swim towels.

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The Ranch has a number of hiking trails of varied elevation.  We recommend wearing hiking boots or sturdy shoes while on the trails. Trail maps are available.

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Although there is varies elevation throughout the main campus, the buildings located on the top of the hill, which include the Kay Qvale Ranch House, Webb Lodge, the Swing Pavilion, the Refectory, the chapel, and the office, are easily accessible to most individuals with mobility concerns.  All guest accommodations have meeting spaces and bedrooms that meet ADA requirements for persons with disabilities.

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Groups and individuals are welcome to use the pool, in season, at their own risk, as long as it is not scheduled for another program. The pool has solar water heating and is subject to seasonal closure.  No lifeguard is on duty.  Please use the buddy system.  When in the pool area, children and youth must be directly supervised by a designated adult at all times (at least one adult for every five children).

Additional information and pool rules are available upon request.  Please contact Leda Wagner, Reservations Coordinator at 707-433-2440 or reservations@bishopsranch.org to inquire.

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Although it is not required for most groups, the Ranch highly recommends that a lifeguard is hired, especially when there are children in the group.  Groups that include children and have exclusive use of The Bishop’s Ranch, are required to have set swimming times during their retreat and to hire a lifeguard to cover those sessions.

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Weather conditions can vary greatly depending on the season.  In general, the weather is mild, with warm days and cool evenings.  We recommend checking your favorite weather website for the current forecast as your retreat date(s) approach.

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Smoking in never allowed in the buildings or on the hiking trails, and is allowed only in designated outdoor areas on the main campus.  Look for the green ashcans or ask a Ranch staff member for assistance.

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Use of candles is strictly prohibited in all bedrooms.  Candles may only be used in the chapel or during an organized retreat session where they are used as a fixed focal point and not held or moved while lit.  It is the group’s responsibility to ensure candles are monitored and used safely.

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There is a small sundry shop in the Ranch office and a larger store in the Refectory where books, cards, clothing and other items are on sale. All proceeds support our Summer Camp programs!

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