HOUSING & AMENITIES

❓Who is this retreat for?​

Runway Ready is designed for students ages 12–17 who are serious about pursuing fashion design. It's ideal for those preparing to apply to fashion colleges or interested in building real-world design skills.

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❓ Do I need previous sewing experience?

Some basic machine experience is helpful but not required. You’ll be asked to complete a brief questionnaire before acceptance so we can tailor instruction to your skill level.

❓ Where is the retreat held?

In Sebastian, Florida — just minutes from the beach! The retreat is hosted in a private 3-bedroom home converted for creative instruction and student housing.

❓ Is housing included?

Yes, on-site housing is available for up to 4 students (female only). Students share rooms with twin beds and must be comfortable staying in a supervised but independent setting.

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❓ Are meals included?  ​

For students that are staying at the retreat house, it will be stocked with food for breakfast and dinner that they may cook themselves. Lunch will be catered. The only food that is NOT INCLUDED is if they choose to go to a local restaurant. All students that are not staying at the retreat house are responsible for all their own meals. They will be provided menus from the same catering restaurant as the others who have meals included and can call in the morning to add their order to the one being delivered for lunch. 

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❓ If my child cannot stay at the retreat because he is a boy, where can he stay?  ​

There are many AirBnb's and hotels in the area. If you wish to come along and have a nice vacation as well, I recommend staying at Captain Hiram's on the ocean in Sebastian.

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❓ Can parents attend or stay at the retreat house?

No. To create a focused, creative space for students, parents are not permitted to stay on site. They are welcome to inspect the quarters upon drop off and pick up only.  Supervision is provided throughout the program, and random check-ins at 10 pm are part of the structure. Parents and guardians are not permitted to stay at the retreat home, in order to preserve a focused, immersive learning environment. Miss Carol has a clean background check which qualified her to work in the public school system.

❓ What’s the daily schedule like?

Classes run from 11am–1pm and 1:30 –4:30 pm, with a catered lunch at 1 pm for on-site students. Homework assignments are given each evening to reinforce the day’s lessons.

❓ Is transportation provided?

No. Students must arrange their own travel to and from the retreat. We can provide a list of nearby airports and local transport options. For day trips to the beach or to local restaurants or museums, students may carpool in a hired Uber (cost not included in retreat package) at their own expense. 

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​​🧠 Student Questionnaire 

(for use after inquiry or enrollment)

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✏️ Student Info & Experience

1. Name:

2. Age:

3. Where are you coming from?

4. Have you used a sewing machine before?

5. How many years have you been sewing?

6. What have you sewed before?

7. Describe your current skill level:
   ☐ Beginner (never sewed before)
   ☐ Basic (some machine use, simple projects)
   ☐ Intermediate (comfortable with patterns, tools)
   ☐ Advanced (garment sewing, design experience)

8. Have you ever used a dress form?

9. Do you have any experience with sketching or fashion illustration?

10. Have you ever made a garment from a pattern?

11. Have you ever made a pattern?

12. ​Are you hoping to attend fashion school in the future? If yes, which ones?

13. What are you hoping to gain from this retreat?

🛏️ Housing & Independence Readiness

1. Have you ever stayed away from home without a parent before?

2. Are you comfortable sharing a room with another student?

3. Do you have any allergies, medical needs, or dietary restrictions?

4. Is there anything that might make your stay more comfortable or successful?

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✅ Participant Readiness Checklist

To join this retreat, participants should:

• ✅ Be between 16 and 22 years old at the time of the program

• ✅ Be able to work independently and respectfully in a small group setting

• ✅ Have an interest in fashion, sewing, art, or creative expression

• ✅ Be open to trying new techniques, receiving feedback, and exploring ideas

• ✅ Be emotionally mature and able to manage their time and personal needs without constant supervision

• ✅ Be comfortable staying in a shared or private room (with basic adult supervision on-site)

• ✅ Agree to follow the program’s community rules and safety guidelines

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🧭 Note for Parents & Guardians:

This is a mentorship-based retreat, not a camp. Participants are expected to be responsible, self-motivated, and capable of basic independence. While an adult instructor will be present for all scheduled classes and to the beach in the morning, this program does not provide continuous chaperoning. If you feel your teen is not yet ready for that level of independence, we recommend waiting another year or enrolling a day-only option.

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