2026 SCBWI Ohio North: Skipping Stones Retreat
Step away from the noise. Step into creativity.
Whether you are drafting a manuscript, developing a picture book, or building a portfolio, this intimate and supportive retreat environment provides dedicated time to work on your creative goals while building community. Work alongside industry professionals through personalized critiques, craft-focused keynotes, and an industry Q & A. The 577 merges history, nature, and artistic energy through the beautiful grounds making this location perfect for inspiring creativity. Come skip stones with us!
Registration
- Registration for SCBWI members opens on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 2:00 pm
- Registration for non-SCBWI members opens on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 9:00 am
- Registration closes on Tuesday, September 9, 2026
- To register for this retreat, visit: https://www.scbwi.org/regions/ohionorth/events
- Registrants will be fulfilled in the exact order they arrive, and retreat spots are limited
Pricing
- SCBWI Members: $675 (Registration opens June 27, 2 pm)
- Non-SCBWI Members: $725 (Registration opens July 20, 9 am)
***UPDATE***
- For ease of registration and to reserve a spot, both SCBWI Members and Non-Members will be charged only half of the total retreat amount at registration ($337.50 for Members / $362.50 for Non-Members). An invoice for the remaining balance will be emailed to you within a day of registering with a payment due date of 8/1 for Members and 8/8 for Non-Members. The balance can be paid any time between registration and the due date.
- Full payment must be received before materials can be submitted for critiques.
What's Included:
- Two critiques (one in-person critique and one written critique) with industry professionals that offer valuable, personalized feedback
- Refreshments & Meals (Friday-Dinner, Saturday-Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Sunday-Breakfast)
- Ample time to create and enjoy the 577 Foundation grounds and buildings
- Craft-focused keynotes
- Industry Panel Q&A
- Post-submission opportunities with all in-person and off-site faculty
Retreat Add-ons (optional):
- Written-Only Manuscript Critiques: $65 each
- Additional critiques will be available for purchase on or after Saturday, August 1, 2026, for retreat registrants only
Lodging:
- 2-night stay (Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, 2026) at Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Perrysburg at Levis Commons: $129 per night (plus tax), if you book in our block of rooms, single occupancy, standard king room
- Lodging is not included in the retreat cost and is considered a separate expense.
SCBWI Ohio North Refund Policy:
The SCBWI Ohio North Skipping Stones Retreat offers full refunds (excluding a $15 processing fee) until August 15, 2026. No refunds shall be issued for any written critiques and additional paid events or add-ons. Email [email protected] for refund questions.
To ensure a high-quality, intimate retreat experience, this event requires a minimum number of 20 participants. If that minimum is not reached by August 15, 2026, the retreat will be canceled and all registered attendees will receive a full refund of any payments made.
Registration for the Skipping Stones: Writers and Illustrators Retreat closes September 9, 2026. Registration must be completed online. Payment fees must be made online through SCBWI's Stripe payment system. Registration is non-transferable to another person. Please note that because of scheduling logistics, no changes to registration can be made after September 9, 2026. You are not fully registered (i.e., retreat selections will not be saved) until full payment is received.
KEY DATES
JUNE 2026
Mon 6/22 - 8:30-9 pm (EST) Q&A Session
Sat 6/27 2 pm - Registration opens for SCBWI members
JULY 2026
Mon 7/20 9 am EST - Registration opens for non-members
AUGUST 2026
Sat. 8/1 - Balance due for remaining retreat payment for SCBWI Members
Sat. 8/1 - Additional written critiques available for purchase for Retreat Registrants
Sat. 8/8 - Balance due for remaining retreat payment for Non-SCBWI Members
Sat 8/8 In-person Faculty Critique Submission Deadline
Sat 8/15 - Last day for full retreat refunds (No refunds on written critiques)
Fri 8/28 Last day for SCBWI Ohio North room block pricing at Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Perrysburg
SEPTEMBER 2026
Wed 9/9 - Registration Closes
Wed 9/9 - Last day to purchase written critiques
Wed 9/9 - Accessibility and dietary needs form due
Tue 9/15 Pre-Retreat Meet & Greet for Retreat Registrants
Wed 9/23 Pre-Retreat Critique Cohort Session for Retreat Registrants
OCTOBER
Fri 10/9 and Sat 10/10 Skipping Stones Writers & Illustrators Retreat