Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions, please call us at 360-826-3599 or use our contact form.
What is Cedar Springs Renewal Center?
Cedar Springs is a raw food retreat center on a 50 acre farm in Washington State. We welcome anyone who wishes to cleanse and detox the mind, body, spirit and emotions. You will learn to purify and detoxify the body with diet, fasting, cleansing and exercise.
How many quests do you take at one time?
Group sizes will always be kept to a maximum of 15 people to give you the personal attention that makes Cedar Springs unique among retreat centers..
What are the grounds like?
The Center itself is an eighty-year-old dairy barn that we converted and completely remodeled in 2002 at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars. It is now a seven thousand square foot Renewal Center that houses our healing retreats and accommodates up to 15 guests. Inside, there is a sanctuary, which is ideal for meditation, stretching, and dancing.
What happens during the program?
As guests begin the program, the detoxing effects of pure water, raw organic foods and lymphatic exercise sessions begin to promote mental clarity and physical well-being. Typically, guests will lose weight at a higher rate than at home on a diet plan. Guests have classes each day, with free times to rest, walk outside, meditate, read a book, or engage others in conversation in one of the many seating areas.
How long is the program?
Guests can stay one or more weeks; as many as they feel are necessary to get the results they desire. There is also a three day mini-retreat option. Many guests stay two weeks or longer, particularly those with health opportunities.
When is the check-in time?
Check-in time is 4 p.m. on Sunday & check-out time is 10 a.m. the following Sunday.
What are the classes like and do I have to take them all?
Classes revolve around the holistic mind/body/spirit approach to health. We have classes on raw food prep, emotional detox and non-judgmental conversations about spiritual issues. We encourage you to participate but all classes are optional.
What kind of food do you serve?
We serve gourmet live, raw, organic, gluten and casein free vegetarian foods and other enzyme-rich foods like wheat grass juice, which is central to our program and is consumed by itself. The week before you arrive it is a good idea to start eliminating meat, dairy, sugar, and processed foods from your diet. Guests are asked to not bring any outside food or drink onto the premises because the food provided is carefully selected and prepared to provide maximum cleansing, nutrition and energy.
What if I don't like the food?
No other food is permitted on the grounds. It is important that you understand that we offer a raw vegetarian diet. The healthy food we offer is an important part of cleansing and is integral to the healing process. If you have questions, please contact us.
Do you have an exercise program?
Every morning, we begin with a light exercise program designed specifically to aid in cleansing the body, draining the lymph system, and de-stressing and relaxing the mind, all of which boost the immune system and contribute to the healing process.
Why do people attend Cedar Springs?
There are many reasons. Some are first time inquirers seeking mental, physical. spiritual and/or emotional healing. Others are on a journey toward a happier, healthier, more spiritually-rewarding, purpose-driven life. Many of our guests return regularly for renewal while others have a significant health opportunity and seek healing on various levels.
Will the program help me lose weight?
If you participate in the daily exercise classes, drink the required amounts of water and eat only the meals prepared in our kitchen, you will most likely lose weight during your stay. In addition, by attending classes, you will learn how a variety of factors impact your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health that will enable you to continue the healing process and focus your attention on specific goals while you’re here and after you return home.
Will the program help me stop smoking?
While the program is not designed to help with smoking cessation, the program will help cleanse the body of toxins generated by smoking. You will learn how a variety of factors impact your mental, physical, spiritual and emotional health that will enable you to continue the healing process and to focus your attention on specific goals upon returning home. Please note that smoking is not permitted in your room or anywhere on the grounds of Cedar Springs.
What additional services are offered?
These are optional services not included in the cost of tuition. Massage services are provided by independent contractors located on our grounds. Colonic hydrotherapy is available from an experienced provider close by the center. Advance appointments for additional services are recommended, please call or use our contact form.
Do I have to do colon cleansing?
Colonic Hydrotherapy is optional; some guests have health opportunities that preclude a colonic. If you are medically capable, we recommend at least one during your stay with us to maximize your detoxification experience.
How many colonics do you recommend?
The number and frequency of colonics are a financial and personal decision, if you would like advice, please call or use our contact form.
You serve wheat grass, what if I am allergic to wheat?
The wheat grass juice should not affect you since the grass is harvested before gluten has formed. In addition, we serve only gluten and casein free (GF/CF) gourmet meals at Cedar Springs.
Directions
Where are you located?
Cedar Springs is located near the town of Sedro-Woolley, in Washington state. We are only 1.5 hours north of Seattle and 1.5 hours south of Vancouver B.C. and about 45 minutes from the ocean. We are approximately 20 minutes from I-5, going east from the Burlington exit. We are on the south side of the Skagit River at the base of the Cascade Foothills. Please see the directions page for a map.
How do I get to Cedar Springs from the airport?
If you are arriving at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport, call Airporter Shuttle at 1-866-235-5247 and request to be dropped off at the Burlington stop. From Burlington, a taxi can be called to bring you to Cedar Springs Renewal Center, a 25 minute ride.
What is the weather like?
We enjoy a wide variety of weather; sunny skies, occasional rain, and temperatures that average about 75 in summer and and about 45 in December and January. You can either call a few days prior to coming or go to weather.com (direct link to our weather page) to check the forecast predicted.
Reservations
Do you require a deposit to make a reservation?
We require a deposit of 1/3 of the total due for the first week of your stay and the balance upon check-in. If a reservation is for more than one week, the remaining balance for the entire stay is due at check-in. The tuition fee includes your room, towels and linens, gourmet raw food meals, infrared sauna use, and class instruction.
What are the methods of payment?
We accept Visa, Master Card and debit cards.
What happens if I must cancel or change my reservation?
Reservation deposits are non-refundable but attending dates are changeable for one year. This policy also applies to emergencies.
I have a relative (or friend) who is very sick and needs an immediate reservation.
Cedar Springs uses a first-come, first-served system. Your relative (or friend) must also be well enough to care for himself or herself. He or she must be willing to participate in all facets of our integrated program for mental, physical, spiritual and emotional healing. There are stairs at Cedar Springs and each person must be to walk up and down them.
Policies
Does Cedar Springs have a dress code?
No; however, casual dress is best for this program. Also, for obvious health reasons, shoes or loose foot coverings must be worn in the common areas at all times. Comfortable pants or warm-up suits are suitable for the exercises. Also bring hiking boots/walking shoes and rain gear to enjoy the outdoors. Bring a robe for sauna use.
Can I bring children?
Please call us 360-826-3599 or use our contact form to inquire about children attending.
Is baby-sitting available?
No, baby-sitting is not provided.
Are pets allowed?
No.
What kind of clothes or toiletries should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing with closed toe shoes and please leave all fragrant toiletries at home. Only bring products that are chemical and scent free. People become highly sensitive during detoxification, and perfumes or other scented items may be offensive.
Do you have a medical staff?
We have a consulting relationship with doctor Kenneth Fine, who provides food sensitivity testing for those who are interested, but Cedar Springs is a renewal ministry, not a medical facility, and we have no medical staff that can provide medical care to you.
Can I bring my computer and/or cell phone?
Yes, you may bring your computer and cell phone. There are no radios or televisions and there is limited cell phone and internet service available on the premises. Out of respect for our other guests, please use cell phones and laptops in your room only.
Do you have a laundry facility?
Yes. We have detergent available at no charge or you can use your own.
Can I have visitors at any time?
No, visitors are not usually allowed. We have carefully created a spiritually safe, tranquil and monastic environment exclusively for our guests. By strictly limiting visitors, we keep distractions to a minimum and allow you to focus your attention on the program.
Can chemically sensitive people come to the institute?
We try to keep the environment as free from chemicals as possible, but it is not a completely chemical-free facility.
Can I continue to take my medications, vitamins and nutritional supplements while I’m on the program?
You must consult with your doctor about your medications. We do not advise you to continue taking vitamins and nutritional supplements while on the program because it may interfere with the detoxification.
Any other policies I should know about?
Please leave your cigarettes, alcohol, perfumes, incense and candles at home. Due to sensitivities of clients during detoxing weeks, we ask that you not use them.
