Retreat Portal

Arrival & Departure

Indigofest retreat commences 4pm-7pm Monday August 3rd to allow time for check-in at the Main Lodge, KomBluecha meet & greet, sauna signup, and orientation(5-7pm)

  • 8/3 Sou’wester check-in starts at 4pm

  • 8/3 Orientation and Meet & Greet 5-7pm

  • 8/7 Sou’wester check-out by 11am

  • Quiet hours 10pm-8am

Schedule Overview*

8/3: Monday Meet & Greet with focaccia & KomBluecha and all campus check-in from 4-7pm. Please arrive no later than 5pm for orientation and meet + greet(5-7pm). Optional sunset (8:41pm)pilgrimage to ocean in the evening.

8/4-8/6: Workshops and group activities T/W/Th 9am-4pm(with 12-2pm break for lunch). Group sauna signups for evening sessions T-TH available at checkin. Indigo movies and special features available in the Movie Bus on T/TH evenings.

8/5: 5pm all-campus pizza + potluck, optional 8pm karaoke

8/5: 6:30pm Trunk show, Art Gallery, Vat Raffle, + Music

8/7: Checkout and closing circle & farewell 10am-11am

*subject to changes

True Blue Camp Details HERE

Travel Details

See email for carpool/ride share information to/from PDX

Historic Sou’wester Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort Address: 3728 J Place Seaview, WA 98644

Please address all lodging questions and concerns directly with the Sou'wester email souwesterfrontdesk@gmail.com or call 1-360-642-2542

Internet wifi available onsite for Sou'wester guests, passcode provided upon arrival.

Sou’wester Grounds Map

Cancellation Info

Blue Crew

Instructors Britt and Iris will be joined this year by long time Blue Crew member Sara. The Blue Crew comprises folks who have all been a big part of our indigo adventures and preparation and will help things run smoothly during the retreat and assist in small group vat time. Thank you to: Wren, Libby, AJ, James, Shelby, Isaac, Kristi, Lorelei, Nancy, Elan, and Joe.

Photographer: A professional photographer, Melissa Righero, will be onsite taking photographs and video(you will have the option to consent/dissent to photography). View our album from last year’s retreat here:

View the gallery from Ifest ‘25 Here - passcode: “blue2025”

All images courtesy of Erin Scabuzzo

Late checkin: Sou’wester Lodge staff will be onsite for checking/lodging/grounds support 9am-9pm.

Get in the Blue Mood

Listen to our Blue Beats playlist on Spotify


Pack List

  • Apron - (and clothes that can get stained blue.)

  • Notebook with writing supplies

  • Indelible waterproof pen to mark samples

  • Mask - for fine powders

  • Comfortable, sturdy shoes. We will be sitting in the morning lecture settings and standing/moving around outside in the afternoon dye sessions(chairs always available at request).

  • Water bottle - filtered drinking water available at the outdoor kitchen spigot

  • Clothing & Toiletries: Stay prepared by bring layers for a wide temperature range 50-75℉ - it is generally cool at night/morning and very humid on the coast. It will be warmer in the afternoons, with daytime average high in the high 60/70F. Rain is always a possibility. Sauna is clothing optional/swimsuit/robe. While the ocean is nearby/walkable, its not typically hospitable for swimming(average temp of 56F) and rip currents are strong. For recommendations on swimming nearby, inquire at Sou’wester front desk. There may be a group of brave early am cold plungers you can join. Hat, sunglasses, jacket, boots, sandals, all recommended. Add “Seaview, WA” to your weather app to track.

  • Sunblock, hat, & bug spray (mosquitos, though not too bad this time of year, they may make an appearance in the evenings)

    Sou’wester provides all bedding, linens, towels for shower, pillows, and towels for the sauna.

    OPTIONAL ITEMS:

    • Your favorite camp chair or picnic blanket. Seating available will be padded banquet chairs for lecture mornings inside the pavilion and wooden picnic benches for potluck outside.

    • Flashlight/headlamp

    • Needles and thread/small item to mend/spinning wheels, etc. other handcraft projects for free communal craft time.

    • If local, feel free to bring cut indigo plants to swap/share(in a bucket w/ small amount of water for travel.)

      Please do not bring:

    • Extra fiber for dyeing. Indigofest supplies all of the fibers for this event and these fibers have been measured and preprepared intentionally for our vats to ensure everyone receives appropriate dips/time in the vats.

    • Any and all fireworks, weapons, & firearms are prohibited on campus

    • Illegal substances are prohibited

    • Smoking (cigarettes or otherwise) is prohibited on the Sou’wester campus, both inside buildings and all outside spaces.

Food/Restaurant Recommendations

Food is not included in your retreat ticket with the exception of Wednesday nite Pizza dinner + potluck, please plan accordingly.

  • Complimentary coffee/tea is available daily and komBluecha on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

  • Sou’wester lodge has small general store(start a tab to pay at checkout) basics like eggs, canned and boxed dry goods(beans, rice, soups) and a few prepared foods like burritos/tamales and miscellaneous snacks/treats/beverages/beer/wine. 

  • Onsite all lodging is equipped with kitchenettes or full kitchens(in most trailers, cabins, suites) or full outdoor kitchen access for the rustic trailers, personal RVs/vans, and campsites.

  • Wednesday nite pizza dinner is included in your ticket - gluten free/dairy free/ vegetarian/vegan/ omnivore options will be available.

  • Potluck: we encourage folks to bring potluck sides to the pizza dinner to share.

Within walking distance is: The Depot restaurant

Event Ethics & Policies

We strive to nurture a welcoming community of learning. We commit to being kind and working together. As humans we are astoundingly diverse in our ideas while deeply similar in our needs. This paradox can lead to both wonder and conflict. We aim to tip the balance towards wonder when we gather with the intention of keeping curiosity forward, listening skills at the ready, and hearts open. Legally, this is spelled out in the following way:

We are committed to providing a safe space for learning and inclusion for all participants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Our policies are as follows.

1. Show courtesy and respect for people of different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs.
2. Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior and speech (both verbal and written).
3. Follow applicable policies and safety procedures, as well as local law.

Unacceptable behaviors may include but are not limited to:

1. Harassment, bullying, and discrimination, including any verbal, physical, or visual conduct.
2. Sustained disruption of the event.
3. Any inappropriate, unwelcome, lewd or offensive behavior or language, including explicit or offensive language or conduct, profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious or ethnic slurs.
4. Being intoxicated, as determined by event management and/or property owners.
5. Any other illegal or otherwise inappropriate activity.
6. Failure to follow any rules or regulations of the event or instructions of the event staff could result in removal/dismissal from event and Sou’wester property.

  • Responsible and respectful use of alcohol is permitted on campus. The Sou’wester lodge store sells beer and wine for you to enjoy in your rooms or immediate outdoor vicinity. Per Washington State Law, open containers are not allowed in public areas.

  • Smoking and candle lighting are prohibited inside all Sou’wester buildings/structures. Guests may utilize outdoor common areas for smoking with consideration for others.