Fried Center Retreat FAQ

You have questions. We have answers! However, if you have a question not answered in this FAQ, please feel free to reach out to your retreat organizer, Leslie Miller, at leslie@gatesofprayer.org.

How are kashrut and other dietary considerations handled?

All provided meals are kosher-style. We can also accommodate kosher, vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice.

We typically build free time into our itineraries, including one meal at an establishment of your child’s choice. We’ll provide a few options compliant with whatever dietary restrictions you may have.

What's your Shabbat observance policy?

Congregation Gates of Prayer is an egalitarian Reform synagogue with Friday night services, Saturday morning Torah study, and Shabbat morning services. However, we are not limited to CGoP’s worship schedule and can accommodate varied approaches to Shabbat observance, depending on your group’s needs.

If your group prefers a Friday night service, followed by a Saturday morning spent on a mitzvah project, we are happy to accommodate. If you’d prefer a no-cars, no-screens Saturday engaged in morning service followed by picnicking in City Park, we can do that too!

What safety measures are in place?

The Fried Center is located on a secure campus with controlled access points. We work with the Secure Community Network (SCN) to secure our campus and adhere to all local, state, and federal security guidelines. When your child visits New Orleans attractions, they will be accompanied by a CPR/First Aid-trained staff member of the Fried Center.

What happens in severe weather?

Hurricanes are a fact of life in the Crescent City, but a retreat scheduled for mid-October is unlikely to experience inclement weather, as that timing falls near the end of hurricane season. However, we monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center daily to make real-time decisions. If a Category 2+ storm is forecasted to hit the New Orleans area within five days pre-retreat, we will either reschedule the trip for a later date for no extra cost or provide full refunds to the group.

Is there anything special my child should pack?

We will distribute packing lists over the summer, closer to your scheduled retreat time. But please plan to pack light – most of what you’ll need will be provided by the Fried Center. That said, please plan to leave any weapons, valuables, expensive electronics, or illegal objects at home, though. It also never hurts to ensure early that your child will have enough of any necessary medications well in advance of arrival

How will medications be handled?

Generally, we plan to allow your synagogue representative to manage medications directly with you and your family. However, we will ask you to fill out a medical form indicating any medications your child takes or is allergic to.

What’s the communication plan during the retreat?

We want parents to stay informed, but we also don’t want to bombard you with updates. Please expect a daily update from us, with brief summaries and photos via email. We’ll also stay in touch in real-time via our WhatsApp channel.

If there’s an emergency, however, you’ll receive an immediate phone call from our staff.

What's the refund policy?

At this time, our ability to offer refunds for an extended length of time is restricted. However, if you need to cancel your reservation before August 31, we do so and offer a 100% refund. After that time, we cannot offer any refunds for cancellations, except for medical emergencies with documentation. However, if the city orders a weather-related evacuation, we do offer a full credit for a retreat at a future date.

Can I accompany my child for the retreat?

For group cohesion, we discourage parental chaperones, except in the case of designated synagogue representatives.

How do you accommodate special needs?

Every child learns differently. Please notify us during registration about any accommodations we can make to help your child have the best time possible, including:

Learning differences
Mobility needs
Sensory needs and/or sensitivities

Need More Answers?

Contact our Retreat Organizer, Leslie Miller at:

📞 504-885-2600
📧 Leslie@gatesofprayer.org
🕒 Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM Central