The Hostel in the Forest Turns 50!!!

July 4th Weekend Celebration | July 4–7, 2025

Join us for a once-in-a-generation gathering as we celebrate 50 years of the Hostel in the Forest—half a century of nature, community, creativity, and magic.

We’re throwing it back to the old days with a playful, open-ended weekend full of connection, celebration, and spontaneity. Programming will be light and flexible, with plenty of space for former staff, alumni, and longtime guests to bring their own spark.

Weekend Themes:

• Fancy Friday

• Superhero Saturday

• Dirt Church Sunday

• One More Day Game Monday

As part of the celebration, we’re honored to host a special Tea Time with Tom—an intimate gathering with Hostel founder Tom Dennard. Come listen, reflect, and share in stories of how this magical place came to be.

Accommodations (3-night minimum):

• $180 – Private Hut

• $150 – Dorm Lodging

• $120 – Tent or Car Camping

We understand that not everyone will be able to stay all three nights—and that’s completely okay. However, in order to support the expanded scale of this special event, we are asking all guests to pay the full weekend rate regardless of length of stay. We’re so grateful for your understanding and contribution to making this celebration possible.

Tent and car camping will be sprinkled throughout the forest. Camping must be fully self-sufficient—please bring your own tent, sleeping gear, towel, and anything else you’ll need to be comfortable. There are no power hookups, and no bedding or towels provided for camping.

To help support the Hostel’s limited kitchen capacity, we encourage everyone to:

• Bring a food donation to share with the community kitchen

• Limit refrigerated items or bring your own cooler

• Bring your own plate, bowl, cup, and utensils for meals

Communal Amenities:

• Nightly vegetarian dinners (included and prepared with love)

• Composting toilets

• Hot outdoor showers under the canopy

• A spring-fed lake for swimming and reflection
  
  

Local Community Welcome:

We’re opening the forest gates to the local community on Saturday, July 5, from 12–4 PM. Come enjoy the forest, swim in the lake, walk the trails, and soak in the magic of this special place. This is a beautiful opportunity to connect with the spirit of the Hostel—no overnight stay required.

Want to help out?

This event is being created in the true spirit of the Hostel: collaboratively, creatively, and from the heart. If you’re a former staff member, manager, or longtime community member looking to reconnect, we’d love your help over the weekend. Reach out and let us know—there will be many opportunities to support the land, the kitchen, and each other.

Whether you’re returning to reconnect with old friends or experiencing the Hostel for the first time, this weekend is your chance to be part of something historic.

Space is limited to 75 guests.

To Reserve Your Spot:

Reservations must be made by phone, (912) 264-9738, through the Hostel.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!