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SEPTEMBER 23rd - 25th 2022
PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE
Discover yourself and the world around you in a new light, free of dogma.
It has always been the mission of Recovering from Religion to help those struggling with doubt, seeking answers, and moving away from religion and a religious lifestyle. In the 13 years we’ve been helping people, what has become abundantly clear is that getting through this transition and asking these questions isn’t enough. There has to be some light at the end of the tunnel. There has to be joy, community, and fulfillment for people on the other side of doubt and uncertainty.
The Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion is for people looking to find their way into that happiness.
Our Excursion is set amidst the tranquil Smoky Mountains in Tennessee where attendees can find guidance, friendship, and experience personal growth in a warm and accepting environment. We have planned events and workshops so that you can have fun, learn, relax, and do as little or as much as you like. We will have several trained volunteers as well as mental health specialists on-site to make sure that everyone’s experience is just right for them.
Please take a moment to check out this video overview of 2019’s Fall Excursion from our special guest of that year, Sarah Rocksdale:
The Venue
This year’s Fall Excursion venue is a large group lodge that will comfortably fit over 70 guests with 13 king-size beds, 5 queen-over-queen bunks, 3 twin sleeper sofas, 3 queen sleeper sofas, and 9 futons for plenty of sleeping space.
When you’re relaxing at this 9,100+ square foot cabin, you’ll enjoy mountain and wooded views, a big screen TV, rocking chairs, and high-speed wireless internet. To unwind, you can head to the outdoor hot tub for a soak. The lodge is also outfitted with a pool table, board games, a private indoor pool, and a cozy electric fireplace.
This large-group lodge also has a ramp and main floor accommodations for accessibility.
The Program
Friday, September 23rd
3:00PM - Arrivals and Greetings: Guests check-in, find their rooms, and explore the expansive lodge.
5:00PM - 7:00PM Tasting Reception: All guests are encouraged to enjoy an offering of small bites, seasonal fare, wine, beer, cider (alcoholic and non), soft drinks, tea, coffee, and hot cocoa. Guests will have an opportunity to meet each other and hear a few words from us about the rest of the weekend.
7:00PM - 8:00PM Dinner
8:00PM - 9:00PM The Psychology of Religion with Darrel Ray
Saturday, September 24th
7:00AM - 9:00AM - Breakfast
9:00AM - 10:00AM - Experiences of Atheists in the Bible Belt When Seeking Counseling with Travis McKie-Voerste
10:10AM - 11:10AM - How Nudism Helped Me Recover from Purity Culture with Gwen Blodgett
11:20AM - 12:20PM - Secular Meditation and Mindfulness with Candace Gorham
12:30PM - 1:30PM - Leaning in to the Secular Community for Fellowship and Healing with Debbie Allen
1:30PM - 2:50PM - Lunch
2:50PM - 3:50PM - Discovering Healthy Body Image and Sexuality with Erin Louis
4:00PM - 5:00PM - Fear of Hell with Thomas Westbrook
5:10PM - 6:10PM - Secular Grief with Candace Gorham
6:20PM - 7:20PM - Using Values to Expand Conversations with David Teachout
7:20PM - 9:00PM - Dinner
9:00PM - 11:00PM Karaoke! with Mandisa Thomas
Sunday, September 25th
7;00AM - 9:00AM Breakfast
9:00AM - 10:00AM - Creating New Traditions with Gayle Jordan
10:10AM - 11:10AM - Moving Forward with Your Personal Recovery with Danny Boylan
11:10AM - 11:30AM - Farewell and Final Remarks
12PM - Checkout
Speakers and Special Guests
Erin Louis
Mandisa Thomas
David Teachout, LMHCA
Dr. Darrel Ray
Gayle Jordan
Gwen Blodgett
Thomas Westbrook
Candace Gorham
Travis McKie-Voerste
Debbie Allen
Danny Boylan
Erin Louis is a former adult entertainer and author of Dirty Money: Memoirs of a Stripper, Expose Yourself: How to Take Risks Question Everything and Find Yourself- Humor and Insights from my life as a Stripper, several short fiction stories, and an upcoming crime novel. She is a columnist and feature writer for Only Sky media. Erin is also recovering Catholic and secular parent of a teenage son with a passion for reading and humor.
Mandisa Thomas, a native of New York City, is the founder and President of Black Nonbelievers, Inc. Although never formally indoctrinated into belief, Mandisa was heavily exposed to Christianity, Black Nationalism, and Islam.
Mandisa has a number of media appearances to her credit, including CBS Sunday Morning, CNN.com, Playboy, The Humanist, and JET magazines. She has been a guest on podcasts such as The Humanist Hour and Ask an Atheist, as well as the documentaries Contradiction and My Week in Atheism. Mandisa currently serves on the Boards for American Atheists and the Reason Rally Coalition.
David grew up and lived the first 22 years of his life within the fundamentalist conviction of Protestant Christianity and attended Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids, MI where he was provided the space, friendships, and life opportunities to question. He achieved a master's degree in forensic psychology from Walden University, and a master's in counseling psychology from Argosy University. He’s studied philosophy and psychology, often branching into history, sociology, and religious ideology.
Dr. Ray is the founder and President of the Board of Directors of Recovering from Religion. He has been a psychologist for over thirty years and is the author of four books: two on organizational teamwork as well as "The God Virus-How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture" and "Sex and God-How Religion Distorts Sexuality".
Dr. Ray has been a student of religion most of his life and holds a Masters Degree in religion as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a Doctorate in Psychology.
Gayle is a former Southern Baptist who left the faith years ago when her then-teenagers began asking questions she could not answer. Her research led her (and her children) into the light of reason and rationality. Years later, she still feels the effects, both positive and negative, of that dramatic shift in perspective and attitude. It is this sympathy and compassion that drives her to reach out to help others navigate the emotional and physical process involved in leaving one’s faith.
Gayle lives in Oregon and is an estate-planning attorney. She raises goats and chickens, and is trying her hand at grape-growing at her sunny hillside home affectionately known as Peak Heathen. She blogs about a variety of topics at Happy. Healthy. Heathen.
Gwen Blodgett spent most of her life actively living and promoting evangelical Christianity. She realized she no longer believed in any gods late in 2013. Prior to leaving religion she held multiple roles in both church and para church organizations, including: teacher, missionary, SBC pastor’s wife, Christian book store owner, gospel clown/ magician/ ventriloquist and other roles.
Her passion for working with Recovering from Religion stems from the stark contrast this organization offers to the religious activities of her past. Essentially, her training and activities were all focused on how to get people to love Jesus in the same way she loved Jesus — Nothing scarier than a clown handing out chic tracts and balloons in a public park. Now her focus is on helping people find the resources and information they need to find the healing and life that works for them.
Thomas was raised as a missionary kid in a former Soviet, Muslim country in Central Asia, but is now a full-time secular activist and science communicator. He loves learning and has studied religion, the paranormal, and supernatural claims. Thomas loves humanity and fights for education and human rights with an appreciation for humor and levity in his efforts.
Candace R. M. Gorham MA, LPCS is a licensed professional mental health counselor. She is a former ordained minister turned atheist-humanist activist, researcher, and writer on issues related to race and religion.
She is a member of the Black Humanist Alliance advisory board, The Secular Therapist Project, and The Clergy Project.
Candace is the author of The Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Women Are Walking Out on Religion—and Others Should Too and On Death, Dying, and Disbelief.
Travis McKie-Voerste is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Dalton State College, where he teaches clinically focused courses to undergraduate Psychology students. He also serves as a faculty advisor to the Secular Student Alliance at Dalton State. He completed his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Georgia, where his dissertation focused on the experience of Atheists receiving Counseling in the Bible Belt of the United States. His research in this area continues and focuses on how religion impacts the counseling relationship. Travis also owns a private practice specializing in working with secular clients, as well as providing clinical counseling supervision.
Debbie Allen became involved in the freethought movement in 2007 after her search for nonreligious, likeminded social justice advocates led her to local humanist and atheist groups in San Diego, CA. While assuming leadership roles with the Humanist Fellowship, she started a Recovering from Religion support group, a Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers Meetup, a chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and volunteered two summers at Camp Quest West. Debbie has been the local coordinator of the San Diego Coalition of Reason since 2009, and over the years she served on the boards of the 2016 Reason Rally, the American Humanist Association, and the Humanist Society. Debbie was recruited by the Secular Coalition for America in 2018, and was promoted to Executive Director in 2019. In July she began a new position with the Center for Inquiry as Director of Development.
Before becoming a secular activist, Debbie was a psychotherapist in private practice and a research associate in neuropsychology at UCSD Medical Center. When not listening to her favorite podcasts, she loves to dance, hike, visit museums, watch films and eat spicy ethnic food.
Danny Boylan is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Gainesville, GA. He is the Team Lead of the Secular Therapy Project's Vetting Team and has extensive experience working on his own recovery from Fundamentalist Christianity. Danny is also a professional saxophonist that performs regularly in the greater Atlanta area. You can learn more about Danny at his website www.dannyboylan.com.
Lodging
This lodge is fully equipped with a stocked kitchen, linens, and other basics for your comfort. Our volunteer team will also be making every effort to provide additional items such as charging cables, extra toiletries, and some basic first aid to make sure all of our guests have what they need.
Below, you will find information about and several pictures of each room, room share, and sleeping area. Accommodations of each room or sleeping area will vary. These variances are reflected in the pricing and individual descriptions of each room or sleeping area. Reservations may only be made for the entire weekend (two nights). Pricing includes both nights. Check-in is at 3PM and check-out is at 1PM. Guests who stay onsite are able to purchase their event registration at a reduced rate.
For those who need to stay offsite, there are several options at varying price points within a 15-minute drive of the main lodge including hotels, cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Links to these may be found below in the FAQ.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO PURCHASE YOUR EVENT REGISTRATION IN ADDITION TO YOUR LODGING.
Looking for a roommate?
We will do our best to help you out. Please fill out the form below, and we will contact you if someone else would like to share a room.
Fall Excursion Event Registration
The Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion is an event for adults on their own, partners, and families. We have registration options for adults, depending on whether you will be staying at our onsite lodges or offsite at a nearby hotel, cabin, RV, or campsite. We also have registration options for children based on age. Although children three years of age and younger are free, we ask that you register them so that we can plan for your family’s comfort. Those who choose the onsite registration option will be checked against our lodge accommodation records, so please be sure to book your lodge first or soon after booking your event registration. All meals are included in the event registration and you will be able to inform us of any special dietary requirements in the registration form.
Our event schedule is subject to change and we may have to modify some activities due to weather or ask you to commit to certain activities in advance so that we can make sure it is properly staffed. In registering for the Fall Excursion, you also authorize us to send you periodic emails with updates and short polls as may be necessary for us to keep you informed and plan ahead.
COVID - RELATED REQUIREMENTS:
ALL ATTENDEES ELIGIBLE TO BE FULLY VACCINATED MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED INCLUDING BOOSTERS. You must submit proof of full vaccination for each registered person. If you are medically exempted, you must submit your exemption which must be issued by a licensed medical doctor.
If anyone becomes ill before the event and has to cancel, we will issue a full refund. If you are experiencing fever, loss of smell, or flu-like symptoms, we ask that you stay home and let us know so that we can send you a refund. Cabin hosts will be taking forehead temperatures at check-in for the safety of all attendees and volunteers.
Use the button below to submit your documentation. We must receive your documentation at least two weeks before the event. If you arrive without having submitted documentation, you will not be allowed to check-in. We will not issue refunds for those who fail to send vaccination records or medical exemptions. We deeply appreciate your cooperation. These steps are vital to making sure that our event is safe and can stay open.
We reserve the right to make changes to our COVID policy as needed by changes in the status of the pandemic.
Please use the button below to email us your vaccination record or signed doctor’s note. Please remember to:
Attach an image of the record or note.
Include the name you used when you registered.
Include records for all adults registered, whether staying offsite or onsite.
You MUST be fully vaccinated or medically exempted at least two weeks before the start of the event. We will not allow you to check in without this record on file. We will not refund attendees who are turned away due to a lack of vaccination or medical exemption. We appreciate your cooperation to help keep our event open and safe for everyone.
Would you like to carpool?
We can not guarantee that a carpool will be available for you, but we will do our best to connect you with another Fall Excursion attendee who has agreed to a carpool arrangement.
Subsidy Application
ATTENTION: As of 07/31/2022 all ONSITE applications will be added to a waitlist. OFFSITE subsidies are still available.
It is our goal to make the Fall Excursion accessible to everyone who would benefit from it. If you would like to attend the Fall Excursion, but need financial help to make it possible, we are happy to provide a subsidy that would reduce the cost of lodging and registration to $100 OR program registration only (for those who are local or lodging offsite) to $50. Subsidy awardees receive exactly the same experience as all other attendees. If applicable, will assign you lodging as it is available. We will not divulge the identities of subsidy awardees. Subsidy awardees must secure their own transportation to and from the Fall Excursion. Please use the contact form on this page if you have any questions about our subsidy program or application process.
Subsidy Application
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion aims to help people in doubt and in religious transition to find a path forward that gives them a sense of hope, peace, and purpose. Our sponsors would be an important part of that journey not only in helping to provide financial support for this event, but in being included as resources, solutions, and supportive members of our attendees’ potential community.
Thanks so much to our sponsors!
Huge thanks to Ethan Michael and his co-hosts at Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist! His yearly anniversary fundraiser for Recovering from Religion has allowed us to extend subsidized lodging and registration to nearly all of our applicants this year. Watch the second annual fundraiser episode here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the venue?
The name of the venue is Big Forest Retreat.
The address is: 1485 Sleepy Valley Lane Sevierville, TN 37862
There is ample parking in front of the lodge as well as street parking nearby. We will have volunteers available to provide assistance if needed.
What should I bring with me?
All linens are provided and this lodge is a fully modern home with running water and electricity. No "roughing it" required. Please bring whatever it is you need to have a comfortable stay for two nights away from home. We will have both indoor and outdoor activities, so plan on staying cool, warm, or dry depending on the weather.
You might also like to bring books you enjoy, books you might want to reference during any of our workshops or talks, instruments to play on the porch, or any favorite drinks or snacks. You are permitted to bring your own alcoholic beverages and smoking/vaping is permitted outside only.
What other accommodations are nearby?
The following locations are all within a 15 minute drive of the venue:
Hotels:
Camping:
Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA (Cabins and tent camping available)
Clabough’s Campground (Cabins and tent camping available)
Pigeon Forge Jellystone (Cabins, rental RVs, and tent sites available)
Camp Rivers Landing (Cabins, rental RVs, and tent sites available)
Is RV Camping available?
There are several excellent RV Camping parks within minutes of the venue. We recommend making reservations ahead of time to make sure you have a spot:
Are pets allowed?
We allow service animals in the lodges and require that owners leash them and clean up after them properly. Because lodges are shared, and we can't know the temperament of every pet, we can't allow non-service animals in the lodges.
Will there be child care?
We will be planning activities for children who are registered so that adults may attend Excursion events that may not be kid-friendly while their children participate in a different activity. Guardians must remain onsite while their children participate in Excursion activities. Recovering from Religion volunteers will lead all children's activities.
Which airport should I use if I’m flying in?
The McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville is the closest major airport and about a 40 minute drive from the venue. You can request a shuttle from the airport to the venue for your arrival, and one of our volunteers will arrange a ride for you. Please request your shuttle at least 48 hours before check-in so that we can make sure to get you on our schedule.
I have a question that isn’t answered here.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have and thank you for reaching out. Click the button below to send us your questions. We will respond within 48 hours.
Excursion Policies
Refund Policy:
Event registration and lodge accommodations may be canceled or changed with a full refund and no penalty up to 60 days before the event begins. After this period and up to seven days before the event, there will be a 20% cancellation charge. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations that occur seven days before the beginning of the event or later with the exception of illness or emergencies. Any questions regarding this policy, concerns, or requests for specific accommodations may be sent via the contact form above.
Code of Conduct:
Substance Use, Alcohol, Smoking and Firearms: Please follow all Tennessee State laws regarding the use or consumption of any substance. Smoking or vaping of any kind is not permitted inside of any structure onsite. Please dispose of any ashes, butts, bottles, or any other garbage inside of garbage receptacles. Absolutely no firearms of any kind are permitted onsite or in lodges.
Littering: No littering of any kind will be tolerated. All garbage and/or food remnants must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles. In natural areas where a trash receptacle is not available, you must retain your garbage until you reach a trash receptacle.
Bathrooms: There are two bathrooms in the Lakeside event lodge and several in each lodge. Despite wooded surroundings, you must use bathrooms. If you are in a natural area that is not within reasonable sight or walking distance of a bathroom, please use discretion and keep all human refuse buried as is necessary and well away from any trails.
Pets: We do not allow pets to stay in the lodges with the exception of service animals. Owners are expected to keep their service animals leashed and owners must clean up after their service animals.
Noise: Please be respectful of the activities in session throughout the day and night and please be respectful of your lodgemates and neighbors. The time between 11PM and 7AM are considered quiet during which loud music, talking, and singing outside are prohibited.
Food and Drink: Attendees are permitted to bring food or drink with them anywhere onsite and may imbibe or snack as long as they are not being disruptive to any activities or other attendees. If there are spills, please clean it up promptly or ask for help if needed.
Name Badges: Please wear your name badge whenever you are outside of your lodge or elsewhere onsite. Name badges allow us to make sure that everyone is an Excursion participant. Name badges will also be color-coded according to whether participants want their presence noted in pictures, videos, or writing. Those wearing red badges should not have their picture or video taken, purposely or inadvertently, or have their name shared in writing on any social media, blog, or other website.
Harassment: The Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion is meant to be a welcoming and safe place for all people, regardless of their beliefs, non-beliefs, race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We will not tolerate the harassment of any attendees in any form. Sexual harassment or misconduct is considered unwanted attention of a sexual nature and may include:
-Remarks about someone's appearance.
-Unwanted flirtations.
-Suggestive or sexual pictures
-Touching someone without their permission
-Coercive talk or behavior concerning sex
-Unwanted contact of any nature
Any attendee may report, at any time and without fear of reprisal, harassment of any nature to any Cabin Host or other Recovering from Religion Board Member, Staff to include the Executive Director, or Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion volunteer.
If you aren't certain whether your words or actions are welcome, it is your responsibility to seek unequivocal positive consent. If you do not receive unquestionable positive consent, you run the risk of making others uncomfortable, being removed from the event, or other consequences.
Discipline: It is our goal to achieve the best possible outcome for all of our attendees, which means contributing to an overall reasonable sense of comfort and safety. Attendees who violate this code of conduct may be advised as to their behavior, limited in what activities they may attend, or removed from the event as we see fit. No refunds will be provided for those who are required to leave due to their misconduct.
Emergencies and First Aid: Every lodge is outfitted with a first aid kit for the purpose of attendees to self-administer non-critical first aid as is necessary. If you experience an emergency, please call 911 and notify the nearest volunteer as you are able.
Reviews from our attendees
“This is late but heartfelt. I’m so glad I attended the Fall Excursion. It was evident that much heart, planning, and hard work went in to this endeavor. It seemed to have just the right balance of workshops, time to socialize and connect, fun activities, and great food. I loved the short hike. Thank you to everyone that volunteered and worked so hard to create a safe space for us. I was touched many times by the struggles and courage of my fellow attendees. Susan”
“This weekend was filled with laughter, insight, joy, compassion, and yes, some tears. It was wonderful to find more friends to consider family. Thank you for providing a space for all to feel safe!”
“I have never been around a more welcoming, encouraging group of people. What a delightful weekend.”