What the Regenerative Retreat program is

• A self-directed residency/retreat hybrid in West Shokan, NY offered by application to individuals or 2-person teams. Selected residents will be provided with a private, modernized cabin to live, work, and relax in (each cabin has its own fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, wifi, comfortable beds & furniture, etc).

• A chance to devote focused time to regeneration, whatever that means to you. This opportunity is best suited for those who normally devote themselves to an ecologically-focused project/job/pursuit, who could use a dedicated opportunity to reflect on their work, to refine their approach, or just to recharge.

• A way to step out of your daily routine. We are located in a tranquil, natural landscape that best supports self-directed alone time. Residents should plan to indulge in the stillness and quietude.

• A flexible opportunity! We know that everyone has different responsibilities that can limit their availability. All Regenerative Retreat dates & durations are set based on the needs of the admitted resident, but will generally last about a week.

What the Regenerative program isn't

• We are not an "institutionalized" program. We began hosting residents in 2018, with upwards of 100 people coming through our Decelerator program up until mid-2020. We are now looking to revive our residency program by hosting self-sufficient, responsible guests who like the idea of being a part of something that has a DIY, unstructured, and experimental vibe.

• We are not a staffed space. The Strange is an unofficial organization run by two people with other jobs and a kid. As such, each resident will need to provide their own transportation, bring their own groceries/cook their own meals, and design their own structure for the experience (with help from our program materials). Residents will also be asked to clean their own accommodation prior to departure.

• It is not a social experience. We look forward to hosting residents for coffee/tea/a drink, but otherwise will leave you to your own devices. In colder months, only one of our cabins is occupied (one is not winterized), so if you come from December–March, you'll be the only resident staying with us at any given time.

What's included

• Free lodging in one of our comfortable cabins: either Studio House or Lily of the Valley. Both cabins are private and fully equipped. You will also be provided with clean linens and towels, bathroom necessities like soap and shampoo, and some basic kitchen staples like olive oil, tea, and salt and pepper.

• Creative encouragement. The Regenerative Retreat program offers an intention-setting framework through which participants can structure their time here, if they so choose. Additionally, on-site 1:1 mentorship sessions can be scheduled with Willa, the program's director, who is a creative strategist, mentor, editor, and writer of the Dark Properties newsletter.

• Access to abundant nature. Our property features a spring-fed pond, river, expansive gardens, and plenty of wildlife—including salamanders, snakes, birds, butterflies, and the occasional bear, mouse, spider, tick, etc. Strange HQ also abuts the forever-wild Catskill State Park Forest, so taking a scenic walk is as easy as stepping out your door and into the forest.

What's not included

• Transportation is not included. Strange HQ is not accessible by public transportation, as we are located on the outskirts of West Shokan, NY, about 2.5 hours north of NYC. If you don't have a car, you will need to borrow or rent one for your time here.

• Meals/groceries are not included. Each Strange HQ accommodation has its own kitchen with a stove, fridge, toaster, and plenty of pots, pans, etc. Residents need to bring and prepare their own food while here (past residents have found this to be a meaningful part of the experience). There is a grocery store a 10-minute drive away, as well as plenty of great cafés and restaurants in the area.

• Dedicated studio space and/or materials are not included. This is not a studio residency. Residents should plan to bring all of the supplies and equipment they'd like to use while here, and note that workspace is limited to your private accommodation. 

Studio House is a quiet, bright, and private space that works well for an individual or couple. It has an open living and dining area, kitchen, desk space, wood stove, and bathroom with spa shower on the first floor, and a lofted bedroom upstairs (which is accessed by a narrow spiral staircase). The downstairs sofa also has a pull-out bed.

LILY CABIN

Our larger cabin, Lily of the Valley is a 100-year-old chestnut post-and-beam hunting lodge. Downstairs it has a cozy living and dining room with gas fireplace, a kitchen, an airy bathroom with clawfoot tub and laundry, and a wrap-around porch overlooking the pond and mountains. Upstairs is an open and light-filled bedroom, library, and desk space. Outside there is also an original stone hearth.

How do I know if I'm a good fit for the Regenerative Retreats program?

Are you working in partnership with the natural world? Does your project/vocation benefit non-human species? Are you focused on social-justice issues related to our shifting environment? Are you an environmentalist, gardener, regenerative farmer, climate journalist, educator, or another kind of practitioner whose work focuses on natural ecologies?If you answered "yes" to any of these, you're probably a fit!

What are the qualifications for being accepted to the Decelerator?

While there are no formal "qualifications," we are looking to support practitioners whose work is well established. Applicants should be at a stage where their processes, approaches, and overall vision and impact are clearly articulated through a sustained body of work, accomplishments, or offerings.

Is there an expectation for what I will accomplish during my retreat?

No. While here, we hope you will spend the time in way(s) that help you make holistic progress towards your project or practice's regenerative vision. Participants are also encouraged to step away from their work in favor of spending time outdoors, reading, or otherwise refueling. You deserve to rest.

Does this retreat cost money to participate in?

No, this program is offered at no cost to residents. However, residents will need to cover the costs of their own food, travel, and supplies while here.

What's it like out there in the woods?

Our property is located near the end of a quiet mountain road and surrounded by Catskill State Park Forest. While our accommodations are well-appointed, residents should be comfortable with the idea of staying on their own in a small, cozy-yet-woodsy house, and must recognize that things like power/internet outages and forest-critter intrusions are possible. We think this is all part of the experience. :-)

How will applications be reviewed?

We will prioritize practitioners who demonstrate a consistent, long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, climate justice, and/or healing for the natural world. Applications will also be reviewed with The Strange's overall mission to "forge a stranger, more imaginatively regenerative future." We will always consider diversity and inclusiveness when reviewing applications.

If my application is accepted, how will the dates for my retreat be determined?

We will work with accepted residents to coordinate the timing of your stay. Note that being "accepted" does not guarantee that we will be able to accommodate your availability, but we will do our best.

When will I know if I've been accepted?

Applications are due on March 9. If you are accepted, you will hear from us by the end of March. If you don't hear from us, please stay tuned to our newsletter for future residency & retreat opportunities <3

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