NYC Quakers Retreat 2025

Registration for the retreat is now open!

NYC Quakers are gathering for a second annual weekend-long retreat at Powell House, the Quaker retreat center in Old Chatham, NY, from October 24-26, 2025. All Quakers and Quaker-ish folks in NYC are invited to attend. Whether you've come to meeting once, twice, or a million times, you're welcome! 

Our theme this year is Revolutionary Kindness: Community, Connection & Contemporary Witness. We'll explore how Friends can work to meet this historical moment while also enjoying the natural beauty of Powell House. If you're interested in community, silence and stillness, nature, or discussing our responsibilities to each other and the earth, this retreat is for you. It's also simply a wonderful time to connect with thoughtful, welcoming people. Register here! 

There will be a children's program and the retreat is "Pay as Led" -- please don't let finances keep you away. For more information, see the FAQs, below.

To join the gathering please REGISTER HERE by October 10.

Please Share Your Responses to the Retreat Queries

We recognize that there are many members of our community who may want to contribute and participate, but are not able to attend the retreat. We've created this form as an opportunity for Friends who may not be able to join us in-person to contribute their own reflections on some of the queries we will explore together at Powell House. If you are attending the retreat, you are also welcome to use this space for some pre-reflecting! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Powell House?

Powell House is a small complex of buildings on a campus in rural Old Chatham, NY, about 35 min. drive NE from Hudson, NY. The larger building, Pitt Hall, is a white, wooden, Inn-like building with meeting spaces, a library, and a children's playroom. Next door is a red building, the Anna Curtis Center, the home of the youth program, with meeting spaces, an art porch, ping pong table, and library. Both buildings have bedrooms with multiple beds (some are bunkbeds) and bathrooms. Bedrooms on the first floors are wheelchair accessible. Powell House is surrounded by a rambling natural space that includes a campfire site, a pond, and a "maze" of trails. Powell House is part of New York Yearly Meeting, to which NYC Quakers and the New York Quarterly Meeting belong.

Are there scholarships available?

This retreat is pay-as-led! Please contribute what you are able, but do not let cost deter you from attending. Friends are asked to consider paying more, if they can, to support the attendance of those who pay less.

Can I bring children?

Yes! We will have childcare and activities for Friends of all ages, including our youngest attendees. In Pitt Hall, there is a children's play room with toys for toddlers and older. The Anna Curtis Center is designed for youth programs and has a ping pong table, a pile of cushions, musical instruments, games, etc. 

If you will need space for a travel crib in your room please note that on your registration form. If you need a portable crib, Powell House may have one; contact them at (518) 794-8811 or info@powellhouse.org

Who is this retreat for?

Quaker, Quaker-ish, or Quaker-curious. Whether you've come to Meeting once, twice, or a million times, you're welcome! We'll explore how Friends can work to meet this historical moment while enjoying the natural beauty of Powell House. If you're interested in community, silence and stillness, nature, or discussing our responsibilities to each other and the earth, this retreat is for you. It's also simply a wonderful time to connect with thoughtful, welcoming people.

Will there be an online option?

No. In our increasingly digital world, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from our devices and gather together in person. We look forward to exploring ways to include those who cannot travel to Powell House in future programming. 

Can I request a private room and bathroom for health reasons?

We have limited private rooms available with semi-private bathrooms. Some of the larger multi-bed rooms have a dedicated bathroom. There are accessible rooms on the ground floors of both retreat buildings. Please note your accessibility needs on the registration form.

Can I attend for only part of the retreat?

We rarely have opportunities to gather for such an extended period, and the retreat includes significant community building that benefits from full immersion. That said, we recognize that people have various care responsibilities and commitments. We encourage you to participate in whatever way you can. If you can't join us for the full retreat, consider coming for worship and lunch on Sunday! We look forward to exploring ways to include those who cannot travel to Powell House in future programming. 

How does rooming work?

Most rooms have multiple beds and share bathroom facilities with a few other rooms. Family groups will room together. Single attendees may be assigned to a room with a roommate. If you'd like to room with specific people, please note this on the registration form. You will have to request each other on your forms to make a match. 

Will I be able to eat there? I have allergies and food preferences.

Yes. You can indicate your food allergies and preferences, like veganism or not eating fish, on the registration form. The chef will provide food options so everyone has something to eat.

What should I bring?

Rooms come with linens and bedding, including pillows and towels, so no need to bring your own. You may want to bring layers for chilly evenings and warmer afternoons; hiking boots or sturdy sneakers for hikes; slip-on shoes to wear indoors; a book or journal to write in.

How will I get there? 

By Car: In the past many Friends have been able to find rides in cars driven by other Friends. Ask around at your meeting. If you need, the retreat organizers will help you find a spot. 

By Train: The closest train station to Powell House is Hudson, NY, which is served by Amtrak (leaving from Penn Station/Moynihan Hall.) Reserve tickets soon for lower prices and better availability. Those taking the train can share a taxi from the station to Powell House. Organizers (we will connect people taking the train). On Friday, October 24, trains leave from NYP at 2:19 pm (arriving Hudson at 4:19 pm) and from 4:45 pm (arriving Hudson at 6:41 pm). Dinner is 7-8 pm. On Sunday, a train leaves Hudson at 1:28 pm (you'd have to leave lunch a bit early to make this) and at 3:09 pm. 

The ride from the train station to Powell House is about 35 minutes and $60. In the past, Friends have used Michael's Most Reliable Taxi Service; please call or text 518-755-2098 in advance to reserve a ride. 

Sounds great! I'm in.

Woo hoo! Register here.