Ampersand Families is a small nonprofit organization based out of Roseville, MN that serves older youth in foster care. Our contract allows us to host 3 retreats for our families every year, and our spring retreat was held at Cedar Valley Resort. The weather was a bit chilly but the youth still had a great time biking on the bike trails, playing lawn games, and using their imaginations on the playground. There was plenty of space for them to run around and play flashlight tag and ghost in the graveyard too. All of our meals were hosted in the Retreat Center. We got catering and deli food delivered from the local restaurants/grocery stores, and we served it out of the kitchen. The kitchen was gorgeous and had everything we needed (and more!). It was a beautiful space to eat, socialize, and set up crafts. There was a fireplace in every building, including the Retreat Center, and a firepit and grill outside each as well. We had a campfire one evening to roast our own hot dogs and smores, and we also fired up a grill to cook the hamburgers we brought. Everyone reported having a great time, and it was a pleasure to stay there. The owners are all super accommodating and kind. We would love to come back in the future. As long as an organization has the staff and materials to do their own programming and meals, this is a great place to host retreats and gatherings!

- Mina Verified

Response from Cedar Valley Resort Thanks for taking the time to write a review, Mina! You were a great group to host!