Getting There / Arrival & Departure Times

 

Q: When should I arrive on Thursday?

 

A: Conference registration opens at 2:00 PM. Room check-in starts at 3 PM.  For the first time ever, we are offering a special FREE Pre-Conference Workshop from 3:30 – 5:15 PM with Susan and Franz Schoning “Your Two-Hour Marketing Makeover.” However, you must register in advance on Whova. Or you can explore the beautiful Camp Allen grounds until your room is ready.

 

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Q: When is departure time on Sunday?

 

A: Hotel checkout is 11 AM on Sunday and the Conference concludes at 11:30 AM (lunch is not provided.)

 

 

Q: How do I get to Camp Allen?

 

A: Camp Allen is located at 18800 FM 362, Navasota, Texas 77868, approximately one hour northwest of Houston. See campallen.org for directions. 

 

 

Q: I plan to fly there – which airport is closest?

 

A: The closest airport to Camp Allen is Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The camp is about an hour drive northwest of IAH.

 

 

Q: How can I find a shared ride to/from Camp Allen?

 

A: The Whova app has the capability to ride match. (See Whova description below)

 

 

What to Bring

 

Q: What should I pack/bring?

 

A: March in Texas is early spring, and the weather is hard to predict. Average temperatures can range from 45 degrees to 80 degrees, with some occasional rain.

 

Plan to dress in layers, as it can be cool in the morning and very warm in the afternoon. The meeting rooms can be chilly, too. Here are some ideas for items to consider bringing:

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• Comfortable shoes - walking shoes, tennis shoes, hiking boots (Closed toe and heel shoes and long pants are required for some of the fun extracurricular activities) 

• Casual clothes - be comfortable, jeans are fine

• Bring layers of clothes. Maybe a jacket. It can be really chilly, cool, or warm

• Poncho or umbrella in case of rain

• Medications and toiletries.

• For outside activities, bring your own folding chair or stool.

• Flashlight

• Travel size hand sanitizer - if you want one with you all the time

• Snacks

• Binoculars are optional for wildlife watching (the eagles may still be there)

• Camera if you like

• A Coaching Mindset

• A desire for connections

• Readiness to stretch and grow

 

Q. Can I bring a pet?

 

A. No pets are allowed on the premises of Camp Allen

 

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Q. What stores or resources are close to Camp Allen?

 

A. There are a variety of antique shops, cafes, and boutiques in Navasota, Texas, about 20 minutes away. About 40 minutes away there are more shops and restaurants in Brenham, Texas.

 

Camp Allen’s website offers a list of local resources, including medical care and gas stations.

 

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Food & Beverage

 

Q: What about special dietary needs?

 

A: Menus are posted for each meal, with indications of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.

 

 

Q: Are beverages available outside of mealtimes?

 

A: Yes, Camp Allen offers 24/7 access to a complimentary beverage station featuring tea, coffee, and juices.

 

 

Q: Is the water at Camp Allen safe to drink?

 

A: The water at Camp Allen is safe.

 

 

Accessibility

 

Q: I can’t climb stairs easily. What if I need special assistance?

 

A: There is a small elevator in the main meeting area and one in the lodging area. However, you will need to request a first floor room by contacting Camp Allen directly: Heather Mason heatherm@campallen.org

 

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Camp Allen Amenities

 

Q: Are there refrigerators in the rooms?

 

A: Not every room has a refrigerator. If you want a refrigerator, contact Camp Allen directly:  Heather Mason heatherm@campallen.org

 

 

Q: Is there Wi-Fi?

 

A: Yes, lodge guests have free Wi-Fi service.

 

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Q: Will I have cell service there?

 

A: All major cell phone providers have no issue on site. There is an AT&T tower actually on the property and there is a Verizon tower 5 miles up the road. The only service provider that anyone has had an issue with is T-Mobile and some of the smaller providers. However, there is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the conference center and in all hotel rooms so if you connect to that you will be able to use Wi-Fi-enabled calling on your devices if needed.

 

 

Q: Are towels, linens and pillows provided?

 

A: Yes. If you have certain allergies, you might consider bringing your own pillow.

 

 

Lodging Alternatives

 

Q: Must I stay at Camp Allen? Is there alternative lodging available?

 

A: You are not required to stay at Camp Allen. There are hotels in the area that are approximately 15 miles from Camp Allen:

 

Best Western, Navasota

8965 Texas Hwy. 6, Navasota, Texas 77868

Website

 

Comfort Inn & Suites, Navasota

9345 State Hwy 6 Loop, South, Navasota, Texas 77868

Website

 

Holiday Inn Express, Waller

31380 FM 2920 Waller, Texas 77484

Website

 

However, to have the best possible retreat experience and to maximize your connections with other attendees, we encourage everyone to stay at Camp Allen. The lodging cost at Camp Allen includes all meals and access to all facilities and activities.

 

If you do not stay on site at Camp Allen, you must purchase a Guest Package for $190 to cover the cost of meals and use of all the facilities and activities available.

 

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Agenda

 

Q: Where can I access the agenda?

 

A: The agenda is available on our website and the Whova app when it becomes available. A detailed agenda, with session descriptions, presenter bios, times, and meeting rooms, will be available in the Whova app (see below). In Whova, you can set your own personal agenda and also register for the Pre-Conference Workshop and the outdoor activities.

 

 

Whova Event App

 

Q: What is Whova?

 

A: Whova (“hoo-vuh”) is the go-to app for all things All Texas Retreat & Conference. Conference agenda, session descriptions, rooms and times, presenter bios, interactive features. You can create your schedule.

 

An email will be sent to all registrants in early January with instructions on how to download the app and access Whova. From there, you can create your profile, register for special activities, and start networking with other attendees.

 

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General

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Q: Are meetings mandatory?

 

A: Absolutely NOT! This is both a retreat and a conference. You are in charge of your experience. The only session attendance requirement is for CCEUs.

 

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Q: This event sounds amazing. How can I get involved for next year?

 

A: It is amazing. We hope you enjoy it. If you want to volunteer, contact one of our TCC Board Members or email contact@texascoachescoalition.org .

 

 

Q: Where can I get help with Whova questions?

A: Contact: Whova@texascoachescoalition.org

 

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Q: Is tobacco use permitted at Camp Allen?

A: Guests are able to smoke outside of the buildings. No smoking or vaping is allowed inside the conference center or hotel rooms.

 

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Q: Can I bring my own alcohol?

A: Outside food and beverages may be brought into your hotel room only.

 

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Q: Do I need cash at the event? Is there an ATM on site?

A: There is a Camp Store that sells a variety of conference and retreat related items. The store will take all major credit/debit cards as well as apple and google pay for purchases. There is not an ATM on site.

 

 

Q: What extracurricular activities are available?

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A: ​Enjoy a variety of FREE outdoor activities surrounded by towering pines and rolling hills. There is no need to reserve any of the activities below.

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• Athletic Courts (Tennis, Pickleball, Basketball—balls and rackets available at front desk)

• Barnyard Viewing at the Equestrian Center

• Biking Trail (check out helmets and bikes at the front desk)

• Disc golf (discs available at the front desk)

• Fishing (Check out poles and bait from the front desk. All fishing at Camp Allen is catch & release.)

• Fitness Center (cardio machines, free weight, weight machines, and mats. Water and towels provided.)

• Nature Trails

• Park & Pavilion Games (e.g., Cornhole, Horseshoes, Sand Volleyball, Ping Pong)

• Swimming Pools are CLOSED during our conference

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In addition to the wide range of FREE activities, a selection of fee-based activities is being provided to enhance your retreat experience. These activities are offered on Thursday afternoon and Saturday afternoon. Reservations are required two weeks before the conference to accommodate limited capacity and logistical arrangements.​​

 

 

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• Guided Nature Hikes led by a Camp Allen Discovery Instructor (minimum 5, max 15)

• Hayrides (minimum of 6, max of 14)

• Zip Line (minimum of 9 per session, max of 15 – closed toe and heel shoes are required. Long shorts or pants are recommended. 250lb weight limit.)

• Horseback Riding (6 minimum-- Participants must wear long pants and closed heel shoes. Tandem rides are not permitted. 200lb weight limit.)

• Canoeing (minimum of 6, max 20)

 

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Q: What if I have other questions?

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A: Ask any of our board members or send an email to contact@texascoachescoalition.org.