Lake Doniphan - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Please review this list of common questions about our facilities. If you don't see the answer you were looking for, don't hesitate to contact us!

What is a retreat?

A retreat is a deliberate withdrawal from the stresses and distractions of ordinary life designed to empower individuals or groups. Away from the noises, pressures, and hectic pace of the everyday, the retreat experience offers people the chance to relax, refresh themselves, reconnect with their priorities and recharge their batteries.

Why do retreats?

To relax, recharge, and renew!

In a retreat atmosphere, without the normal distractions of daily life, the inner person can be renewed, relationships deepened, learning enhanced, and direction and goals reaffirmed or re-set.

Groups find retreats beneficial for strategic planning meetings, educational events and conferencing. Individuals enjoy the opportunity for peace and personal reflection.

What's the value of the retreat experience?

Things too hectic? Retreat!

Today so many of us live our lives at a frantic pace in multiple arenas. We scramble from one responsibility to the other, worried, worn and weakened by the demands of daily living. In the midst of our busy-ness and struggle, we yearn for the quiet in the eye of the storm. With a thousand voices competing for our attention, we know we need inner peace, clear vision and meaningful goals. Yet it can be challenging to create moments when we can focus solely on these things.

Businesses, corporate organizations, churches and individuals are finding that one of the most effective methods of centering and re-focusing is the retreat experience.

While there are a variety of retreat styles, each is an intentionally carved-out time to focus on values and perspective. There are individual retreats for those seeking guidance or healing, rest or renewal. There are group retreats to learn, reflect, plan, strategize and strengthen relationships. Spiritual retreats have at their core the opportunity to focus our attention on the Divinity we believe in and see our lives from the divine perspective.

In retreat, we are freed from the pressures and noise of everyday life. We become aware of the peace and beauty of nature around us. Released from our everyday to-do lists we can simply be and experience the reality of divine love in “the deep hush of the whole soul”. In stillness apart from the storms of life, we are renewed in spirit. Our minds are opened to new understandings and possibilities. Our souls are refreshed and re-filled for the journey yet ahead.

In a military context, a retreat is an acknowledgement of defeat, a turning back before the enemy and losing ground. In a spiritual or psychological context, a retreat is a time of pushing the “pause” button of life in order to regroup and renew so that we may continue on in strength and confidence.

If you or your group want to develop strong relationships, to grow spiritually, to re-set goals or direction, or simply to rest and meditate in the beauty of nature -- there is no better way than to retreat!

Brenda O’Dell
Lake Doniphan Conference & Retreat Center

Who are our guests?

Business professionals, office staffs, not-for-profit agencies, school groups, recovery groups, religious and educational organizations, family reunions, church groups, craft clubs, summer youth camps and special-needs camps.

What do our guests say about us?
  • “It was a great week and I heard nothing but compliments for your facility and staff. Can't wait to get back there. Everyone told me how smoothly they thought [our conference] went. I told them it was made much easier working with a retreat center that is so accommodating and staff who were so helpful. You made me look good. Thanks.” -- Mennonite Church USA Conference
  • “Thank you for your flexibility and attention to our needs and requests. . . We love this place! -- Unity Church of Overland Park Women
  • “The difference is with your people. Everyone from the grounds-keeping staff to kitchen and management staff have all been wonderful, saying "We're here for you". You have all been so gracious and helpful.” -- Kansas City Baptist Temple
  • “The atmosphere here is breathtaking . . .We appreciate how kind and generous you have been. . We will leave here with life-long memories, thanks to you.” -- KC Chiefs Jr. Cheerleaders Staff
  • “The workers were great, the food was awesome, and the facilities were fantastic! . . . The camp was such a wonderful place . . . to get back in touch with God. We were surrounded by so much of his beautiful creation.” --KCBT Camp Staff Member
  • “The view from the lodge was beautiful. . .The serenity was so amazing. It never even crossed my mind to miss the outside world because there it was so peaceful. . . [The staff] went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed at all times.” -- Community of Mindful Living
  • “When I come to Lake Doniphan with a group, I am assured that our needs will be met and the facility questions will be handled in a way that allow me to relax and focus on directing the retreat itself.” -- Holy Spirit Catholic Church
  • “Staff are very friendly and helpful. Brenda [Reservations Manager] makes us feel like we’ve come home. Joyce [Facilities Manager] and the kitchen staff are wonderful!” -- Colonial Hills Community of Christ
  • “We've never been to a retreat where we've had better food.” -- U.U.M.A. Conference
  • “The campground was clean and the people who made the preparations need to know they did a fantastic job. We felt welcomed and comfortable and the spirit here was of a good nature when we walked in the door.” -- Stone Church Community of Christ
  • “These pancakes are better than my mom's!” -- Overheard at Camp Quality
  • “Lake Doniphan is a great place to stay and hold meetings. We appreciated the good meals, snacks and desserts!” Joint Board Meetings, Mennonite Church
  • “The food was excellent, the accommodations luxurious, and the whole environment one of healing, safety and grace.” T.L.C. National Retreat
  • “We very much appreciate all your attention and thoughtful preparation.” Rabbi Warshauer, Beth Shalom Congregation
  • “This is no ordinary campgrounds. This is the Hilton of campgrounds!” Dr. Warady, Camp Chimer
  • “Our experience far exceeded our expectations.“ Institute for Divine Metaphysical Research
  • “Thank you for the delicious, healthful meals you prepared for us.” Johnson County Community College Formation Retreat
  • “We had a wonderful time at your facility. Everything is always perfect. We love the lodging, food, lakes and grounds.” Camp Courage (Sickle Cell Camp)
  • “You were so kind, helpful and professional in setting up and arranging the retreat. The facilities are outstanding with such a variety of things to do…the people from Adventure Woods who led us on the challenge were wonderful. We found this activity was an excellent icebreaker and a good way for our people to loosen up and have fun. I especially want to thank and recognize your kitchen staff for the wonderful food they provided. The meals were far above my expectations and I heard only compliments from our people.. . we have a few strict vegans…your staff came up with tasty and creative …alternatives.” Lama Chuck Stanford, The Rime Buddhist Center & Monastery
  • “In this blessed place, how could a meeting not go well?” Sufi Convention
  • “Thank you for all the ways you shared your wonderful ministry of hospitality with us!!” Council of Twelve Retreat, Community of Christ
  • “Thanks to your staff for helping make this our best weekend retreat ever!” Heartland Community Church
  • “We really loved your facility and can't wait to come back!” Woodcrest Chapel, Columbia
  • “I’m really tickled about returning to Lake Doniphan because it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in coordinating meetings.” Shelly Buller, Mennonite Church USA
Are your facilities wheelchair accessible?

All but 2 of our buildings have paved sidewalks leading to them, and either ramped or level entryways. The mini lodges have roll-in shower stalls, and the Main Lodge has an elevator between the upper and lower levels, both of which may also be accessed at ground level.

What is the policy on smoking, alcohol, and illegal substances?

Smoking is allowed outdoors but not inside any buildings. We ask you to deposit cigarette butts in the sand buckets outside the main entrances of all buildings.

We do not allow alcohol on the grounds except for sacramental purposes. Firearms, fireworks and illegal substances are strictly prohibited. (see also “What Not To Bring” below)

What should I bring with me?
  • Alarm clock
  • Personal toiletries
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Insect repellent
  • Change(s) of clothing
  • Sunblock
  • Pen and notepaper for any classes

During the retreat season, bed and bath linens are provided in all lodges unless your group has chosen to provide their own linens in order to qualify for a reduced rate. In this case you will need to bring sheets and towels. Cabin guests are asked to bring towels and bedroll or sleeping bag.

What not to bring

For reasons of health, safety, and our mission to provide a peaceful setting, we do not allow:

  • animals except for seeing eye dogs
  • alcoholic beverages, except for sacramental purposes
  • illegal drugs
  • firearms or fireworks.
Will your staff clean my room each day?

As a retreat center, we do not offer housekeeping services to our guests. We hope that the beauty and serenity of grounds compensates for any missed amenities you might be offered at a hotel. Linens are provided for our guests to make their beds and should be removed from the beds and bathrooms prior to departure. Groups may also opt to provide their own sheets and towels for a reduced fee.

Do activities have to end at a certain time each day?

If you are sharing the facilities with another user group, we ask that you be respectful of each other's activities, and abide by the times your group has been scheduled for a particular activity, location or meeting room. Please observe quiet hours after 10 p.m., if you are in an area that can be overheard by another group.

Do you provide bedding and towels?

During the retreat season, bed and bath linens are provided in all lodges unless your group has chosen to provide their own linens in order to qualify for a reduced rate. In this case you will need to bring sheets and towels. Cabin guests are asked to bring towels and bedroll or sleeping bag.

Can I smoke in my room?

Smoking is allowed outdoors but not inside any buildings. We ask you to deposit cigarette butts in the sand buckets outside the main entrances of all buildings.

We do not allow alcohol on the grounds except for sacramental purposes. Firearms, fireworks and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.

Can we cook our own meals?

For health and liability reasons, we do not allow groups to use our kitchen to prepare food. The Lake Doniphan staff provides all meals and a major portion of the cleanup. Guest groups are asked to provide volunteers to help serve and to wipe off tables and sweep the floor. (Groups may also pay extra to have these duties performed for them if prior arrangements are made.)

When there’s another group on the grounds, do we have to eat at the same time?

No, we stagger mealtimes by twenty to thirty minutes and tables are assigned to each group so that your participants may sit together.

Do you have a vegetarian menu?

Yes, your group may choose vegetarian or vegan meals. Although we prepare one basic entrée per mealtime, we will include a vegetarian alternative for each, if you let us know in advance. Or you may choose to have all vegetarian meals!

Can we bring in our own snacks?

Yes, groups are welcome to bring in their own. Or we can provide snacks for an additional fee starting at $1 per person per snack session.

What if I want to skip a meal? Do I still have to pay full price?

Our rates are based on a meals and lodging package per group. We cannot make deductions for individuals who miss meals.

Do we get to choose our own menu?

Yes, your event director or planning committee chooses the meals for your event. If another group is here at the same time, we work at cooperatively creating the menus from our list of 43 selections.

What are the KP requirements?

Most camp and conference centers ask us to help in the kitchen. What do you require?

We ask guest groups to supply about 10% of their number to help with serving and cleanup. This means arriving for meals 5 minutes early to serve the hot food to members of your group only, and to wipe down your tables and sweep the floor after meals.

What audio-visual equipment is available?

We have portable TV/VCR’s, CD players, pianos, overhead projectors and screens, flip chart easels, podiums and microphones. These are placed in your meeting area(s), if you have reserved them, at no additional cost. We also have pads of flip chart paper available for purchase.

How do we reserve the equipment?

Because we may have other groups on the grounds during your visit, we ask that you reserve meeting rooms, audio-visual equipment and recreational options as soon as possible after your reservation is confirmed. We try to coordinate everyone’s schedule for maximum enjoyment of all our facilities. You will be sent a Meeting Room and Audio-Visual Reservation Request form with your Contract.

Do you have comfortable chairs for all-day seminars?

Yes, all of our meeting rooms chairs have padded seats and backs from ½" to 2" thick.

Do you provide internet access?

The Main Lodge is equipped with wireless internet and nine ethernet plug-in ports.

Will we have to share the waterfront with other groups when we want to go canoeing?

Many of our groups have free time scheduled into their agendas, so participants may enjoy the grounds and the recreational equipment. In most cases, all groups are welcome to share the spaces and equipment. However, if your group wishes to have a specific activity involving one of our recreational options, it is possible to reserve the equipment or areas for specific periods of time.

What about safety?

Possible natural hazards include poison ivy, poisonous snakes (copperheads, water moccasins, rattlesnakes), ticks, harmful spiders (brown recluse and black widow), rocky and uneven ground. To minimize risks:

  • Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and socks as much as possible.
  • When hiking through the woods, stay on the roads and trails, and wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats, and insect repellent.
  • When encountering a wild animal, stay well back & let it pass, or change your direction.
  • We have procedures in place to warn groups and provide protection in the event of fire or tornado.
How are emergencies handled?

Emergencies, including injury and severe illness, should be immediately reported to the event director of the guest group. As soon as possible, the event director should report the emergency to a member of the Lake Doniphan management team. Emergency response to 911 calls usually arrives within 15 minutes or less. Lake Doniphan also has an Automated External Defibrillator on site.

What are your deadlines for payment?

Once your event has been added to our schedule and we have sent you a contract package, your group has 3 weeks to return the signed contract and 10% deposit. Payment for the guaranteed minimum number is expected on or before arrival. We will then bill you for any additional charges or adjustments.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, Lake Doniphan accepts payment by group check, MasterCard or Visa.

What happens if my number of participants changes?

Because early projections in the size of your group may differ from the actual final count, it is critical that we are kept informed of changes in your group size. Ninety days before your event you are asked to give us a guaranteed minimum number; that is, the number of people you feel confident guaranteeing to pay for. This number can always increase, but cannot decrease from this point on. Then, in the days leading up to your event, we ask that you keep us informed if that number increases. Fourteen days prior to your visit we ask you to give us your final guaranteed minimum number, for whom we will prepare and for whom you will be charged. Once your event is over, the invoice will be for the final guaranteed minimum or your actual number, whichever is greater.

What are guaranteed minimums?

The guaranteed minimum number is the number for whom we agree to prepare and for whom you agree to pay. You will not need to give us this final guaranteed number until 14 days before your event.

Do you have a minimum number of people for a guest group?

We have a minimum number of 25 for guest groups wanting meals. It is not cost efficient for us to open our kitchen for fewer people. If your number is smaller, you may pay for meals for 25 to qualify for food service.

In addition we have a minimum usage fee of $2400.00 per overnight group. This means your final bill will be $2400.00 or your actual charges, whichever is greater.

I used an internet map and can’t find you!

Because we’re in a rural area, not all internet maps provide sufficient detail to show our location. Please use the link to our directions.

Our group will be flying in from around the country. Do you offer shuttle service to the airport?

Twenty-four-hour shuttle service to the airport can be arranged in advance with Airport-Casino Shuttle Service. Contact Paul Shaffer at 816-916-7707.

I’m planning a year in advance. How do you handle price changes?

Lake Doniphan reserves the right to raise fees each calendar year to keep pace with rising costs. Your group will be notified of any approved fee increase no later than 90 days prior to your event. Should such an increase be necessary, it will be no more than 5% of the fee on your signed contract.

Do you have any suggestions for retreat-planners?

Sure, see Creating a Great Retreat.

What else is there to do in the area?

Whether you are a history buff, flea marketer, or roller coaster thrill-seeker, there are a variety of activities within 30 minutes of Lake Doniphan. Here is a list of area attractions.