Camp Unfold 2026:
Layer by Layer

Unfold’s annual in-person retreat

October 1-5, 2026 • Pullman, WA

Camp Unfold 2026: Layer by Layer

October 1-5, 2026 (+ optional September 30)

Pullman, Washington

There’s that adage about how we all contain multitudes, but how do we explore them? We do it one by one, pulling back each layer to find ourselves and each other. This year at Camp Unfold we’ll explore the many pieces that make us up, excavating and gently uncovering ourselves, like compassionate archeologists. We’ll also explore our layers as a community—the things we can and will discover together. Whether that’s literally laying paper at a collage workshop or going deep into listening to each other, let’s find out what’s underneath the surface when we peel back the superficial and search for ourselves.

Camp Unfold is only open to Unfold and playBC alumni (any year, including 2026).

Our Guiding Questions

How do I honor the many parts of myself in my writing practice?
How do I make space for each piece while seeking integration?
What do I need to say for all of myself?
What do I bring to my community in my fullness?

2026 Schedule

Official programming will be from October 1-5, 2026. You also have the option to arrive early on September 30 for a bonus day (extra $123), separate from the regular retreat.

Wednesday, September 30: Flexible arrival, 3 pm Spokane airport pick up, & activities chosen by early arrivals
Thursday, October 1: Flexible arrival, 12 pm Spokane airport pick up, potato potluck, welcome, workshops, & bonfire
Friday, October 2-Sunday, October 4: Daily workshops, meals, and activities in community and nature
Monday, October 5: Closing activities & 10:30 am airport drop off (flights must depart after 2 pm PDT)

Schedule is subject to change. More details will be added as the retreat approaches.

You can expect the following:

Camp Unfold is a highly scheduled, active retreat. Although you will have plenty of down time, this is not the retreat for you if you'd like to be left alone all day. Community is the heart of our retreat and workshops, so expect to spend significant time with other retreat participants. With that said, everything we do is suggested but not required. You are always welcome to sit any session out and take care of your personal needs.
Communal living: We ask that participants come ready to contribute to communal living, which includes things like cleaning and meal preparation. We will schedule shifts in advance but expect everyone to pitch in.
Lodging: Lodging for the retreat is included with your registration, but please know, you will likely be sleeping on a church floor, in shared rooms. There are very limited couches and air mattresses. We ask participants to travel with any sleep materials (or purchase them upon arrival). If this is not comfortable for you, we get it! You are welcome to find alternate housing for the retreat and still join us for all meals and activities. We recommend Hotel McCoy! It’s a five minute walk from the church and several participants have comfortably stayed there in past years.

More Details

Transportation: You can fly into Pullman or Spokane, WA (90 min. drive from Pullman). Spokane airport pickup will be coordinated with other participants and you may need to wait at the airport for your pickup. We recommend flying into Seattle and then taking the connecting flight from Seattle to Pullman (once per day).
Accommodations: Simpson UMC is large enough to accommodate just about any size group’s needs, however we will most likely be sleeping on the floor in a large, shared room. There are restrooms and classrooms available for changing and possible alternative sleeping arrangements. There are showers available. You are welcome to bring an air mattress. Our host is also willing to procure air mattresses (at your own cost) to have ready for you if that’s something you wanted to plan ahead of time. You should plan to bring your own pillow/sleeping bag.
Accessibility: All workshop activities can be held on the first floor of Simpson UMC, which is easily accessible. We do have one accessible bathroom, and accessible showers. There is a second floor but no elevator. There are showers in the basement, which is accessible via an outdoor ramp. Our host is endlessly irked by the limited accessibility of the building, but we will do our best to make it as accessible as possible!
Dietary needs: All dietary needs can be accommodated, but we need to know ahead of time! Please include any dietary restrictions/needs in the registration form. All meals will be provided by the host.

(yes, the potato potluck will return for 2025)

Pricing

Regular Retreat:
October 1-5, 2026

Includes:

All meals & snacks from supper on October 1 to breakfast on October 5
Lodging (church floor, we’re on a budget)
Travel to and from Pullman or Spokane airport
All programming & workshop materials
Exclusive Camp Unfold merch

$1,111

$250 nonrefundable deposit due by May 15. Full payment due by September 1.

Bonus Day + Regular Retreat:
September 30-October 5, 2026

Includes:

Entire regular retreat (see left column)
Less stressful travel—arrive when it's convenient for you
Pre-retreat activities chosen by the group (workshops and an outing)
All meals and snacks on September 30
An extra day away from the real world :)

$1,234

Same deposit and payment schedule as regular retreat.

Your tuition does not include:

Airfare or other travel to Spokane or Pullman airport
Sleeping supplies (please bring your own blanket, pillow, and/or air mattress)*

Your deposit and payments are nonrefundable—please ensure you are fully available before registering!

* In past years, we have been able to secure enough air mattresses and other sleeping supplies that participants flying in have not needed to bring their own. We will do our best to make this happen again but cannot guarantee it yet.

Payment Timeline

Friday, May 15: Registration & $250 nonrefundable deposit due
Tuesday, September 1: Full payment due
Wednesday, September 30: Spokane airport pickup: 3 pm PDT (must arrive earlier). Pullman airport pick ups as needed.
Thursday, October 1: Spokane airport pickup: 12 pm PDT (must arrive earlier), Pullman airport pick ups as needed.
Monday, October 5: Spokane airport departure from Pullman: 10:30 am (flights must depart after 2 pm PDT). Pullman airport drop offs as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have any other questions you think would be helpful to add here? Email unfoldwriting@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram (@unfoldwriting)!

Unfold is a 30 day writing community hosted by Tristan Richards each April, in celebration of National Poetry Writing Month. Camp Unfold participants must be Unfold or playBC alumni, so consider registering for Unfold in April if you're new!
Tristan Richards (retreat planning & curriculum) & Danielle Estelle Ramsay (host site & logistics).
We ask participants to mask while traveling and test on arrival to the airport (We’ll provide a COVID-19 test). If you know you’re symptomatic, please don’t attend / communicate as early as possible. Up to date COVID-19 vaccines required.
Nope! This retreat is for you (and other Unfold alumni). It is intentionally alumni-only as this allows us to arrive with a certain degree of familiarity and vulnerability in place. Our retreat activities will build off of what you learned in Unfold.
With that said, there is a very cozy hotel close to the church. If you’re traveling with family, we recommend they stay at Hotel McCoy while you spend your time at the retreat.
Yep! A $250 deposit is due at time of registration, you’ll set up your own payment plan after that.
Yes—the church we're staying in does not allow any alcohol or drugs (including weed) on the premises. We want to be good partners and respect that, so leave that stuff at home.

Camp Unfold 2026:Layer by Layer