Accommodations are in Johnson’s spacious dormitories that are equipped with elevators and other modern amenities.

Each room has twin beds, a private bathroom with shower, and individual temperature controls. Each person will get one set of sheets, a lightweight blanket, one towel, and two washcloths. Bring your own pillow and pillowcase.

Small kitchenettes are on two floors of the dorms, and communal refrigerators are available.

Bible, personal hygiene items, pillow and pillowcase, extra towels and washcloths, bathroom mat, light blanket if you are cold-natured, hairdryer, flashlight, paper cups for your room, clothes hangers, bedside clock, swimsuit, small cooler or insulated lunch bag (for your sack supper), casual clothes, light sweater or jacket for air-conditioned buildings, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, board games, and playing cards.

Check-in begins Monday at 2:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Phillips-Welshimer Building (PW). There will be no early check-in. You will receive your room assignment at check-in. Lunch is NOT served on Monday, so please eat lunch before you arrive. A buffet dinner is served Monday in the Gally Commons, 5:00-6:45 p.m. The evening program will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Phillips-Welshimer Auditorium.

Monday at 6:15 p.m., in a private dining room adjacent to the main dining room, we will have a very important orientation for first-timers. Please try to come if you are a first-time attendee.

We will serve a buffet breakfast and lunch. You will pack your own sack suppers for Tuesday and Thursday evening meals during the lunch hour and save it to eat that evening whenever and wherever you want. Wednesday evening’s picnic supper will be in the Gally Commons. Ice cream is provided each night after the evening sessions. The last meal is a continental breakfast on Friday at 7 a.m.

Early morning coffee is available at 6:30 a.m. in the Gally Commons Private Dining Room; just follow the signs. Morning coffee break is on the PW porch after the morning Bible study, followed by workshops at 9:45 and 11:00.

Time for more workshops, relaxing, playing games, reading, walking, indoor swimming, ping-pong, pool, or exploring the mountains, malls, or area entertainment and attractions.

All sheets and towels need to be in the hall by 7:00 a.m. and dorm rooms vacated by 8:00 a.m. in order to prepare the rooms for the following week.

Click here to learn more and register for the Active Track options! Activities include biking, golf, hiking, kayaking, and pickleball.

One of the highlights of Renew in the Smokies is the opportunity to learn, create, and connect. Attendees consistently tell us how much they enjoy the variety of workshops and the chance to learn from Johnson’s qualified and engaging faculty.

Each morning features inspiring workshops on meaningful topics, while afternoons offer a mix of hands-on crafts, informative classes, and lighthearted games—something for everyone to enjoy.

View the full schedule of 2025 workshops and activities here!