Alton L Collins Retreat Center is located approximately 45 minutes by car from the Portland International Airport (PDX). If you plan to fly into PDX please ensure that you allow for sufficient time to get to Collins well before the retreat begins. Taking public bus from PDX in not recommended, since after the bus drops you off, you would need to walk a considerable distance with your luggage along a highway with no shoulder. Please arrange for a ride with another retreatant or take a taxi/Uber.

For detailed driving directions see this page. You should print a map and driving directions, as there is poor cellular service in the area. Warning GPS navigation using smart phone maps can give incorrect directions. Check-in begins at 4 p.m. If you are in the area early, we suggest you spend some time in Sandy.

If you plan to fly into PDX please ensure that you allow for sufficient time to get to Collins well before the retreat begins.

There are no health professionals on staff and there are no health facilities or medicines at the retreat center. The nearest urgent care is 4 miles away in nearest town of Sandy, Oregon.

• Arrival at Collins: Check in on September 12 between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. You will receive room assignment and room key.
• Departure September 19, by 2:00 p.m.
• Meal times are 8:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
• Collins requests that all sleeping rooms be vacated by 10:00 a.m. on the day of departure. This has been taken into account on the schedule of the final day. Luggage can be stored in your car or the back of the dining room. Public bathrooms, the dining hall, and chapel (meditation room) will continue to be available until our departure from Collins after lunch, no later than 2:00 p.m.
• During the retreat we will need volunteer(s) to ring the morning wake up bell, volunteer(s) to ring the meal bell posted outside entryway, and volunteer(s) to help dismantle electronics at end of retreat & pack in car.
• One month prior to the retreat, you will be required to complete a Guest Information Form for the Collins Retreat Center. This form allows you to communicate your dietary requirements and preferences, so that Collins can accommodate your needs and preferences. We will email you the link to that form. It is important that you timely complete the form to ensure that they have enough time to make any accommodations (including dietary and disability requirements). Thank you for sharing this information so that you can be appropriately cared for and we can focus on our time together. 

Collins Retreat Facility Information:

• Dining hall/lobby and lodging are separate buildings connected with a covered breeze way and an elevator accessible to both buildings and a sky bridge. Both buildings are two stories tall. All walkways are covered and well-lighted.
• The retreat officially begins at 5:30 p.m.; meet at meditation hall (chapel) to consecrate the space. At the first dinner, Collins will provide a brief orientation.
• Collins requests we assist by clearing the dining room tables following each meal.

What Collins provides:

• Collins provides all linens, blankets, pillows, and towels. If you wish to bring a personal pillow, leave it atop your suitcase on the day Collins provides a linen change and room cleaning midway through the retreat.
• In the meditation room (chapel), there are a variety of chairs, back jacks, blankets, yoga mats, and meditation pillows. You may bring your own favorite items (zero gravity chair, etc.).
• All meals. Also Coffee and tea throughout the day.

What to bring?

• Appropriate clothing. Comfortable clothing layers for variable weather. Oregon can be cool and rainy at any time of year. The buildings are pleasant and well-insulated, but retreatants will often be walking between them, necessitating clothing and shoes appropriate for walking outdoors. This includes a warm sweater or jacket even in the summer, a raincoat or umbrella.
• We have 24 hour access to one washer & one dryer, free of charge, although donations are appreciated. No scented soaps may be used. Unscented soap is available.
• Outdoor footwear. There are nice walking trails onsite, some with incline. Note that shoes must be worn in the dining hall.
• Slippers for your residential room and the meditation hall. 
• Snacks for yourself or to share. Collins provides us with a fridge. CSS will provide hot water and an assortment of teas. Please bring everything you need for your snacks (plates, silverware, napkins, cutting knives, serving bowls, etc.) Per Clackamas County food and safety regulations, the Collins kitchen is open only to staff. 
• Cloth napkins and handkerchiefs, to reduce paper waste.
• Personal toiletry items (fragrance-free): soap, shampoo, toothbrush, razor, hairdryer etc. 
• Shower shoes/sandals (e.g., plastic flip flops) are recommended.
• Prescription medications you take in supplies adequate to last for the duration of your retreat.
• If desired, white noise maker (e.g. small fan).
• Alarm clock and/or watch (not a smart phone). A CSS member will be asked to be a morning bell ringer.
• A dream or spiritual journal to write in if desired.
• Meditation cushion or bench, a pad for beneath the cushion.
• Flashlight with fresh batteries for walking between buildings at night.
• Insect repellent if you plan to go on hikes.
• A meditation shawl or light blanket for chilly late night or early morning meditations.
• Sleeping pillow (option). Although the center provide all the bedding as well as bath towels and wash cloth, you might be more comfortable with your own pillow.