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The-Venue The-Program Lodging Event-Registration Subsidy-Application Sponsorship FAQ Excursion-Policies Reviews
SEPTEMBER 22nd - 24th 2023
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.
The Venue
Big Forest Retreat - Main 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.
Serenity in the Mist - Additional Lodging and Small Groups Sessions
The second lodge is just across the road from our main venue and is open to anyone needing a quiet moment away from the crowd. The cabin is smaller but grants all the same breathtaking views and comfort as the main building. Book your accommodations here if you’re looking for more peace and quiet on your excursion.
Majestic Pines - Additional Lodging and Small Group Sessions
This is the smallest of the lodges and was added after we sold out the other two. Majestic Pines is located only four houses down from the main venue and is located at the end of the street for added peace and privacy. This lodge has all the same accommodations and views as the other two on a slightly smaller scale.
The Program
Friday, September 22nd
1PM - 3PM - Arrivals and Greetings: Guests check-in, find their rooms, and explore the lodges.
3PM - 5PM 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.
5PM - 6PM Short film & award-winning documentary “Faces After Suicide” followed by Interview and Q&A with Lindsey Doolittle
6:10PM - 7PM Religion Trivia Game with Kara Griffin
7PM - 8PM Dinner
8PM - 9PM Religious Trauma and Your Brain with Darrel Ray
Saturday, September 23rd
7:00AM - 9:00AM - Breakfast
9:00AM -9:35AM - Mindfulness and Meditation Session with Candace Gorham
9:40AM - 10:40AM - Identifying Your Values with Travis McKie-Voerste
10:45AM - 11:15AM - Dying Out Loud with Dave Warnock
11:30PM - 1PM - Support Groups Break Out Sessions
1PM- 2:30PM - Lunch
2:30PM - 3:30PM - Politics and Civil Engagement After Religion with Jason Racheotes
3:40PM - 4:40PM - Deconstructing Monogamy Post Religion with Glenda Jordan
4:50PM - 5:50PM - Rediscovering Your Body Through Dance with Rachel Hunt
6PM - 6:45PM - Religion Madlibs with Kara Griffin
7PM - 8:30PM - Dinner
9:00PM - 11:00PM - Karaoke Party!
Sunday, September 24th
7;00AM - 9:00AM - Breakfast
9:00AM - 10AM - Secular Grief with Candace Gorham
10:10AM - 11:10AM - Secular Relaunch with Gayle Jordan
12PM - 12:30PM Farewell and Final Remarks
1PM - Checkout
Speakers
Dr. Darrel 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.
Candace Gorham Candace Gorham is a licensed professional counselor with a background in middle and high school education. A former evangelical minister, she founded the Ebony Exodus Project, and authored The Ebony Exodus Project: Why Some Black Women Are Walking Out on Religion and Others Should Too and On Death, Dying, and Disbelief. Candace is a member of the Secular Therapy Project and Clergy Project.
Dave Warnock was caught up in the Jesus movement of the 70s and lived the bulk of his life as a Charismatic Evangelical, serving as a pastor on three different church staffs.
Following several years of internal struggle, Dave came to the conclusion in 2011 that he no longer believed in a personal God. In 2019 he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), a progressive neurodegenerative disease with an average 3-5 year life expectancy.
Dave is spending the days he has left speaking out about the dangers and harm of fundamental religions, with a focus on Evangelical Christianity. He also seeks to provide a safe haven to those questioning their faith, recovering from religious trauma or navigating life's tribulations as he shares his own perspective as a former ex-evangelical, but now an atheist, facing a terminal diagnosis.
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.
Kara Griffin was born in Texas and raised in Southern Baptist, evangelical, and non-denominational mega-churches and private schools. After leaving the faith in the mid-2000s, Kara was able to pursue their passion for learning, traveling, and experiencing diverse cultures and perspectives. They hold undergraduate degrees in Psychology, International Relations, and Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management, and a PhD in Anthropology.
Kara enjoys working with secular community services that support other people who may have experienced judgment, repression, or other struggles related to involvement with religious groups. At RfR, Kara volunteers as the Online Programming Director and hosts the weekly RfRx Talks sessions. In their free time, Kara can be found volunteering, teaching and lecturing at universities and conferences, reading all kinds of books (especially sci-fi), and spending time with their dog, Snow.
Glenda Jordan lives in Las Vegas and works full time as an artist, model, and entertainer. She grew up on a farm south of Nashville, Tennessee where she was indoctrinated into Southern Baptist faith from birth. After deconstructing religion in college, she became involved in activism for various causes. Joining the third wave intersectional feminist movement, Glenda believes that liberation from the patriarchy and the destructive influence of misogynistic faiths are inexorably linked. Focusing on atheistic feminism and sex positivity, Glenda is an active volunteer with RfR and other non-profit organizations and her local queer communities. Other passions include fantasy and sci-fi, Star Trek, art history, traveling, and national parks. When she’s not in her studio or doing marathon Zelda gaming sessions, Glenda enjoys spending time with her partners and friends.
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.
Jason Racheotes was raised in a secular household, despite Jewish and Greek Orthodox family backgrounds. He has always been interested in the relationship between politics and religion, topics that have long been presented as too taboo to discuss. He grew up learning about the cultural significance of religious traditions, and went on to study political science at The George Washington University. He has taught social sciences previously and has been volunteering with RfR since May of 2022. He also co-hosts the Non-Essential Workers podcast, a show about the breakdown between media and politics.
Director, children’s book author, art educator, and RfR suicide loss support group leader, Lindsey Doolittle, will be sharing her Award-Winning documentary, Faces After Suicide. The short film supports suicide loss survivors and promotes forward thinking on suicide awareness. The film contains information about suicide which may be triggering to survivors. People who have lost someone to suicide will not only blame themselves, but are usually blamed by others. Supporting survivors can help break the cycle of stigma. www.abovetherug.com
Rachel is a motorcycle-riding ballroom dance teacher from rural Texas.
Married with two adult children, Rachel has a strong interest in psychology, philosophy, and communication, in addition to the creative arts and home improvement. She was raised in Christian Science but drifted off as a teenager. She explored Scientology, Law of Attraction, and a variety of Protestant churches before settling comfortably into atheism.
Since joining RFR in late 2020, Rachel has come to view this community as a core part of her life. She has become friends with many of her fellow volunteers and loves the opportunity to grow her peer support and leadership skills. You may have seen her hosting the Women’s Support group, posting in the Online Community as Spinouette, or at the Fall Excursion.
Lodging
The lodges are fully equipped with stocked kitchens, 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 for 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 12PM and check-out is at 1PM.
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.
Big Forest Retreat Accommodations - Main Venue
Serenity in the Mist Accommodations - Secondary Venue
(Just across the street from the main venue)
Majestic Pines Accommodations - Third Lodge
(Located Four Houses Down from the Main Venue)
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 and 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. 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 and FLU considerations:
We highly suggest that all eligible attendees receive flu and covid vaccinations before attending. We will not require vaccinations, but anyone showing clear signs of illness (severe cough, vomiting, etc) or having a fever will have to stay in their room or leave the event for the safety of all attendees.
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. Volunteers will be taking forehead temperatures at check-in for the safety of all attendees and volunteers.
We reserve the right to make changes to our COVID policy as needed by changes in the status of the pandemic.
Registration pricing for the Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion includes all meals, snacks, swag, and event activities.
Kids three and under are FREE. Registration for all children includes meals and some snacks. Guardians must remain onsite; children who are unmanageable or inconsolable (given a reasonable amount of time to settle) will be required to stay under the direct supervision of their accompanying guardian until they settle or are reasonably manageable.
Registration for all children includes meals and some snacks. Guardians must remain onsite; children who are unmanageable or inconsolable (given a reasonable amount of time to settle) will be required to stay under the direct supervision of their accompanying guardian until they settle or are reasonably manageable.
Registration for all children includes meals and some snacks. Guardians must remain onsite; children who are unmanageable or inconsolable (given a reasonable amount of time to settle) will be required to stay under the direct supervision of their accompanying guardian until they settle or are reasonably manageable.
We will be accepting applications for subsidized registration and lodging so that the Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion is more accessible to even more people. Your donation will help us to better provide a greater sense of well-being and support to people who are recovering from harmful religious experiences and overcoming doubt.
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
All Subsidy Applications for Registration and Lodging submitted after 5/31/2023 will be put on a Waitlist.
We can still grant subsidies for offsite registrations, but we have granted all of our onsite subsidies. You can still apply for an onsite subsidy, but we will only be able to grant it in the case of a cancellation.
There are low-cost offsite lodging alternatives within a 15-20 minute drive of the venue. Please check out our FAQ section to get started on your search.
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, we 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.
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. The secondary venue, Serenity in the Mist, is directly located across the road.
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" is 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.”