We’d love to see you at Retreat, so much so that we’ll cover the costs of one room for your 2-night stay and all of the shared meals we’ve arranged for our group! We’ll ask you to cover the rest of your expenses which might include: transportation, parking, free time activities, and any meals while traveling.
The Hotel Chalet
Since opening on the grounds of the iconic Chattanooga Choo Choo train station in 1974, The Hotel Chalet pays homage to it’s rich history by embracing the spirit of rail travel as it sits nestled between the Tennessee River and the foothills of Appalachia.
September 17
Arrival + Connection: an evening of welcome, encouragement, and shared vision
5:00P – 6:00P Welcome Reception
6:00P – 7:30P Dinner
7:30P – 8:30P Session One:Vision + Stories
8:30P – 9:30P Choose Your Night: Reconnect or Rest
September 18
Strengthening Our Ministry Model: Exploring our partnerships with churches and agencies
6:30A – 8:00A Optional Morning Activities
8:00A – 9:00A Breakfast
9:00A – 10:30A Session Two: Partnering with Pastors
10:30A – 10:45A Break
10:45A – 12:00P Session Three: Caring for Caseworkers
12:00P – 1:00P Lunch
1:00P – 2:00P Breakout Sessions
2:00P – 5:00P Free time: Optional Group Activities
5:00P – 7:00P Dinner
7:00P – 9:00P Session Four: Worship + Witness – Stories, Song, and Prayer
September 19
Leading with faithfulness + intentionality: Nurturing the leader behind the ministry and inviting others in
6:30A – 8:00A Optional Morning Activities
8:00A – 9:00A Breakfast
9:00A – 10:00A Breakout Sessions
10:00A – 11:30A Session Five: Growing as you Lead
11:30A – 12:00P Closing Encouragement + Departure
My husband and I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the pre-retreat service project last year. Serving with the national team and other advocates at a local homeless shelter was one of the highlights of our time at retreat. What a blessing and honor it was to be able to serve with like-minded believers in such an impactful way. The project was not only a way show Jesus to the community, but it also reinforced God’s call on my own life to be about serving the less fortunate. It was an experience that truly brought me closer to the heart of Jesus. I am already looking forward to the service project for retreat 2025!
Come early and join us on September 17th at the Chatt Foundation to serve the homeless in Chattanooga. Find details in the FAQ’s and on the registration form.
Have Questions?
Read through our FAQs
Can I bring someone with me to Retreat?
Retreat is tailored to you, the TFI Advocate. Our desire that this is a time for you to be filled up—to find connection, be encouraged, and rest. You are welcome to bring your spouse or an approved Coordinator along with you that you don’t mind sharing a hotel room with. If you decide you would prefer to bring someone along rather than coming by yourself, we recommend considering the person(spouse/approved Coordinator) who would encourage you in finding connection with other Advocates and making the most of this time together!
I have special dietary needs. Can you accommodate me?
Yes, when you RSVP, please note any special accommodations you or your guest may need.
Is training credit (continuing education) available to foster parents?
Yes! Training certificates will be made available that you can submit to your licensing worker. It will be the Advocate’s responsibility to complete the training certificate and submit that paperwork to your licensing worker for approval. Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee that each state or licensing agency will grant training credit.
Can I bring my child/children to Retreat?
We love your kids but thought you could use a couple of days off! Adults-only, please and thank you.
If Retreat is free, why are you asking for a credit card?
TFI National is honored to be able to offer Retreat as a free event to our Advocates and a guest! You may notice that we are requiring a credit card with your event registration. If you register and let us know you are unable to attend after August 1st, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $250. Our intent is not to put any barriers between you and attending. Rather, it allows us to plan more accurately for the number of guests attending and optimize your experience. Historically, with any cancellations we have absorbed all hotel costs. This will help contribute to the costs we will pay upon your inability to attend at the last minute. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.
Where will the event take place?
The event will take place at The Hotel Chalet in Chattanooga,TN.
When should I arrive?
We would recommend arriving between 3:00-4:30 pm EST to have some time to settle and prepare for our evening together.
Can I come early or stay late?
Arriving early or staying late would be something that you are responsible for covering costs for, including joining us for our pre-Retreat add-on. That being said, we would love for you to extend your time away! Contact Sarah and she is happy to see if discounts are available to you.
I’m flying in. Can you help me get from the airport to the hotel?
We recommend flying into Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, which is just 8.7 miles from the hotel. We recommend a ride sharing service like Uber or Lyft(est. $25), or a rental car, though you will not need a vehicle on-site for the duration of the event. You can also opt to fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta, which is about 125 miles away. Unfortunately, we are unable to coordinate your personal transportation from the airport. Should you desire to connect with other Advocates about ground transportation from the airport, indicate your interest on our RSVP form.
I'm driving. What is the parking situation?
There is a lot on-site at The Hotel Chalet for $12/day. The fee includes in-and-out privileges. This is paid at the front desk upon check-in and is an expense covered by the Advocate/Coordinator.
Is there a form of transportation I can use during retreat?
Chattanooga has a free electric shuttle and The Hotel Chalet is right at the beginning of it’s route! Feel free to hop on to get around to local attractions.
What should I wear?
On our first evening, we are going to be having a welcome dinner. This will be an opportunity to dress up a little bit! Outside of this, the event is casual. Feel free to dress however you feel most comfortable.
What is this pre-Retreat optional service opportunity?
It is such a sweet opportunity to give back to the city that is hosting us! This year for our pre-event service opportunity we will be partnering with Chatt Foundation. We are honored to be able to join them for 2-3 hours on the morning of September 17th before Retreat officially begins. This is about a half mile away from The Hotel Chalet, and we will plan to walk. Lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the event. We hope you will join us!
Paddle board and kayak rentals on the Chattanooga River.
Pick your adventure and journey deep inside historic Lookout Mountain to see the tallest underground cave waterfall open to the public in the United States! Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator and walk the cavern trail to the thundering waterfall and ancient formations.
Ride a funicular railway train to the top of Lookout Mountain.
The Riverwalk path stretches over 16.1 miles along the southern banks of the Tennessee River, with additional legs stretching into Chattanooga with shaded trails that serve views of the Tennessee River.
Coolidge Park, located on the city’s North Shore, is one place where you can overlook the beautiful Tennessee River, stroll across on one of the world’s largest pedestrian bridges-the Walnut Street Bridge, test your skills at rock climbing, admire a military memorial and even ride on the 100-year old antique carousel.
The Hunter Museum of American Art features a collection of nearly 3,000 works illustrating the diversity of the American story and the creativity of the American spirit.
Hamilton Place Mall features over 200 stores and services within its two-story structure and surrounding area, making it Tennessee’s largest shopping complex.
At the Natural Body Spa + shop, the treatment rooms offer the city’s most exquisite spa services in a warm, intimate environment.
All-day café with coffee, brunch, and casual bites.
Cozy breakfast and lunch spot known for omelets.
Farm-to-table favorites with a unique twist.
Legendary fried chicken and Southern sides.
Rustic Italian eaery with wood-fired pizzas and pasta.
Butcher shop with gourmet sandwiches and charcuterie.
Scratch-made Southern comfort food.
Latin American, New Orleans, and Low-country flavors.
Handmade chocolates, pastries, and hot drinks.
@thehotchocolatier_stelmo
Local favorite for handcrafted ice cream.
European-style café with pastries and coffee.
Gelato, fresh pastries, and light breakfast options.
