RATES AND RESERVATIONS
Conference Center Rates
Make a Reservation
Here are various suggestions and advice gleaned from our years of service. By following this guide and answering many of the questions, you will prepare for a smooth and meaningful program that will accomplish what you desire. The secret is to work in a timely pace, and to keep the staff at Saint Christopher informed. If at any time you have questions, please contact us. We want your program to be a success and are here to help.
Questions? Email Sue Mahaffee, Director of Reservations.
1. Why Are You Planning this Conference, Retreat, or Program?
Conferences, retreats, and programs are intentional events, held to focus on issues and questions through discussion and dialogue with others, in order to reach a clearer sense of direction.
They use the resources and power of shared experiences and can help focus the energy of a group, whether your purpose is planning, solving problems, building a team, spiritual renewal, faith formation, or exploring a shared topic of interest.
They require a place and pace that is unhurried and conducive to meaningful discussion and work. The good news is that St. Christopher is such a place.
2. Who Should Attend?
Is your gathering for members of your group only? For members of your group and their invited guests? For members of other organizations (churches, boards, companies)?
Budget for a good balance (always charge a little extra to cover unexpected costs. It is often better to add a little extra cost for most participants and provide scholarships for those in need.
Tip: People attend what they help to plan, so if you’re looking to reach a larger audience than your group, invite others to help you plan. Don’t just invite them when all your planning is done!
3. When Will You Meet?
Make certain to check calendars, schedules, and other events that could affect the attendance of your intended audience. Consider major holidays and events in your planning.
Is a weekend or weekday schedule best?
Does the time of year matter?
Consider the time you ask people to be away from their jobs families.
Are you on a timetable?
Check for availability by calling St. Christopher (843.768.0429) to reserve your dates and spaces. We suggest that you project low in the participants you expect. There is almost always extra space, and you don’t want to reserve unused spaces.
4. What Do You Need for a Successful Conference?
Come and visit our campus and meet our staff. See the different types of facilities we have available, and let us help you plan for what will best meet your needs.
Consider whether you will need space for large groups and breakout sessions. Identify what you require in facilities before you make a reservation.
Event Planning Timetable
6-12 Months Ahead
Confirm space and reservations.
Make certain you have paid the deposit.
Develop plans to market your event. You might want to publish and announce dates so people can hold the dates.
The best marketing involves personal contact. If possible, have each member of your team plan personal contact with potential guests.
Develop contingency plans for programs, just in case.
Plan for transportation.
Plan for health and safety concerns.
Develop a budget and fee schedule.
Develop a schedule for your event. Is it reasonable and flexible enough?
Will there be any special policies or practices that guests need to know about?
3-4 Months Ahead
Promote, Promote, Promote. Now is the time to send reservation forms and receive them in return.
Have your guests make a financial commitment to you at the time of registration. We suggest at least one-third of the cost. This helps them to be serious about showing up.
Send a copy of your brochures to us at St. Christopher to keep us informed.
Assign any special tasks to your other leaders and staff. Make certain they have clear job expectations of what is needed and when.
Check again with St. Christopher to confirm all arrangements.
Keep in touch with us about any problems or questions.
1-2 Months Ahead
Keep in touch with our staff so that we can help address last-minute details.
We will send you a 30-day group packet of information. Complete and return the packet no later than 14 days before your arrival. This information provides us with your final guest count.
Questions? Email Sue Mahaffee .
Additional Reservation Information
Two-tiered Pricing: St. Christopher is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina which offers discounted rates to churches, organizations and individuals associated with the Episcopal Church.
Respite Rates: $60/night for single occupancy, $70 for church professional + spouse. In addition, there is a $50 cleaning fee.
Episcopal Clergy: Some discounted rates for sacramental use of Chapel available. Contact St. Christopher for further information.
**Private Day Gatherings: Refers to receptions, baptisms, family reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, etc. Listed rates apply for 1/2 day (4 hours) use. The rate doubles for any use beyond. All outdoor events need to conclude 1/2 hour prior to sunset. Limitations apply.
Lodge Room Rates: Rates are room rates, not per person. Children 3 and under stay free in lodge rooms with a parent. Children 4 and up are considered an additional person in the room when determining rates. There is a maximum of 5 guests (children regardless of age, and adults) in any one lodge room. Each lodge room has two double beds and a private bath. All linens provided.
Cabin Rentals: Cabin rentals are limited to groups, with a minimum of 4 people constituting a group. Rates are per person. Cabins are rustic, communal bunkhouses. Each cabin has 5 sets of bunk beds. Cabin guests must bring their own pillow and linens.
Cots and Cribs: Any additional bedding is charged at $10 per night. Limited availability by advanced reservation only.
Conference Center Meeting Room Rates: Include complimentary coffee and tea, use of AV equipment (in certain rooms) and flip charts if needed. Ice is provided in conference rooms as well. Overnight groups have access from 3 pm on arrival day to 2 pm on departure day. Groups must reserve at least four lodge rooms to constitute a group.
Discount Rate: We offer a discount rate on lodge rooms for all groups Sunday – Tuesday nights.
Personal Retreats: For individuals as opposed to a group. Reservations can generally be made no more than 30 days in advance and are subject to availability. Non-refundable payment up front is required. Regular rates apply. Personal retreaters who wish to reserve four or more rooms must book as a group.
Picnic Pavilion: Available for $200 for groups booking overnight lodging. Use of the commercial sized gas grill for a day is $75, which covers propane and cleaning. Charcoal grill available at no charge but must provide your own charcoal. Use of tablecloths $30.
Group Contract Information:
Until St. Christopher receives the signed contract and dated Reservation Agreement along with the 25% deposit, reservations are not confirmed. If we do no hear from you by the 30 day deadline, temporarily held rooms will be released.
Please be aware that signing the Reservation Agreement makes you responsible for paying at least 80% of the total estimated fee at the time you book. This is called the Guaranteed Minimum Fee, which will appear on your contract. It gives you a generous “cushion” with which to work as you plan your conference or retreat. We will firmly hold to this policy. Please consider this carefully before you sign the Reservation Agreement.
Cancellation policy is as follows:
Canceling more than 6 months out = Refund of deposit less $100 administrative fee
Canceling 2-6 months out = 1/2 of the Guaranteed Minimum Fee amount
Canceling 8 weeks or less out = Full payment of the Guaranteed Minimum Fee amount (80% of reservations booked)
Full payment of the balance is due upon arrival. We do not bill groups. Your final invoice will be emailed to you prior to your arrival.
Groups within Episcopal jurisdictions may book up to 24 months in advance; all other groups may book no more than 15 months in advance. Groups booking more than 16 months in advance are subject to normal rate increases not to exceed 5%.
Payment in full is required at the time of reservation for groups booking 4 weeks or less out from the event date.
Revised 08/09/2023
Seabrook Apartment (Located under the Picnic Pavilion: 1 bed & 1 bunk + kitchen)
Available for booking from September – April. Rates available upon request by submitting a personal retreat request through the Quick Links tab above. Bookings can be made 30 days in advance at most for personal retreaters.