Were so excited your joining us for this years
BEGINNINGS RETREAT
Welcome to the Beginnings Retreat!
This page is designed to be your central resource for everything you need throughout the weekend. Here, you’ll find the agenda, weekend structure, participant and speaker bios, helpful resources, directions, and other important details. Our hope is that having everything in one place allows you to arrive prepared, stay present, and make the most of our time together. We’re grateful you’re joining us and look forward to a meaningful weekend of connection, growth, and conversation.
Our Agenda
October 16th - 18th, 2026
48 hours of immersive engagement with experienced professionals designed to foster a collaborative environment and promote personal growth.
-
Check In:
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Welcome Dinner:
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Session One:
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Huddle Group:
8:30 PM - 9:15 PM
-
Breakfast:
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Session Two:
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Huddle Groups:
11:00 AM -12:00 PM
Lunch:
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Session Three:
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Huddle Groups:
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Recreation:
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Dinner:
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Session Four:
6:30 PM - 7:40 PM
-
Breakfast:
7:00 AM - 7:45 AM
Huddle Group:
7:45 AM - 8:45 AM
Survey & Next Steps Session:
8:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Dismiss:
10:00 AM
Speakers and Leaders
Click each picture to read bio.
Duane Donner
J. Lee Ellison
BJ Davis
William Gray
Ben Haynes
Andrew Cronin
TJ Johnson
Blake Hamby
Tyler Vinyard
Hawk Cornwell
Participants
Duncan Bicksler
William Brewer
Will Denton
Christopher Byars
Carter Engle
Bradley Gray
Kyler Hancock
Carter Harsh
John Marks
Nicholas Luebke
Garrett Mikels
Jackson Niketas
Tyler Peppers
Hunter Watkins
Matt Mullinex
David Morris
Griffin Walker
OUR HOST
ROCK MOUNTAIN FARMS
DIRECTIONS TO ROCK MOUNTAIN FARM
-
Rock Mountain Farms
2478 Lakeside Drive, McCalla, AL 35111
Open in Google Maps -
The entrance is on the right, on the back side of a large dam and small pavilion. Look for tall rock columns and a cedar beam with an RMF sign.
-
Main Gate: #0328
High Fence Gate: 03288 (no #) -
Enter the Main Gate code and follow the gravel road to the High Fence Gate.
Enter the High Fence code. The gate opens automatically.
Pull forward and wait for the gate to close behind you before driving on.
Continue on the gravel road and cross the bridge, then take the road to the right.
Drive straight through the pasture. The lodge is on the hill ahead.
-
Park in the spaces next to the circle driveway or in the lower driveway behind the lodge.
-
At the High Fence Gate, enter the code and wait for the gate to close before pulling away. At the Main Gate, no code is needed. Pull forward and it opens automatically.
What to Expect:
What to Bring
Attire is casual. Jeans and shorts are perfectly fine. Bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes, a light jacket for the evening fireside gatherings, and a camp chair.
Activities
There will be free time to enjoy the property, with a variety of activities to choose from, including hiking, fishing, skeet shooting, and a golf simulator. If you'd like to fish, please bring a fishing pole. Shotguns and all other equipment will be provided.
Weather
Expect fall weather. The forecast shows mid-70s during the day and mid-50s at night, with a slight chance of showers.
