The CE Signature
Vermont Retreat 2026
August 2-4 & August 5-7 • The Mountain Inn at Killington, Vermont
Where mountain air meets the craft of writing your story.
Join us for three immersive days nestled at the base of Killington Mountain where high-elevation views, waterfall trails, and New England charm set the stage for your next chapter.
Welcome
This isn’t your typical writing workshop. It’s a rare chance to step away from the everyday, gather in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, and dive deeply into the craft of story-writing — while you hike trails, stroll through classic New England towns, breathe fresh mountain air, and immerse in community.
Who This Retreat Is For
Rising Juniors and Rising Seniors
This year, we are including juniors to our VT Retreat so they can come to do pre-work on resumes, set up applications, and start the work of personal writing alongside seniors who are a year ahead and completing their college process.
At our retreat, you'll:
Work alongside our expert counselors on: completing your applications, drafting and editing your resumes, writing and revising your personal statement and any other writing prompts geared towards the college process.
Visit waterfalls, take mountain adventures, and experience the small-town charm of nearby Vermont villages.
Return home 85-90% submission-ready, and with memories of a summer retreat you’ll talk about for years.
Venue
The Mountain Inn at Killington
Students will spend twelve working hours during this three-day program alongside our counselors in breathtaking Killington, Vermont.
During our college counseling sessions, each student edits, revises, and finalizes their resumes, personal statements, and school-specific supplements. Counselors share valuable insights about the college application process and admissions landscape — and get to know students more deeply over meals and group activities. They complete their applications while they consider and discuss application strategy.
Between writing sessions, students enjoy everything that makes Vermont unforgettable:
Hikes through the Green Mountains
Trips into quaint New England towns filled with local shops and cafés
Waterfall adventures and mountain excursions surrounded by crisp summer air
We’re thrilled to host our 2026 retreat at The Mountain Inn at Killington, a cozy lodge at the base of the mountain that gives students the perfect balance of focus and fun.
The inn offers access to a pool and fitness center, and is just minutes from Killington Resort’s Adventure Center — home to the Beast Mountain Coaster, ropes course, ziplines, gondola rides, bike park, and golf course.
Whether students choose to unwind by the pool, challenge themselves on a ropes course, or simply reflect outdoors with new friends, every moment here combines inspiration with adventure.
The Mountain Inn at Killington
47 Old Mill Rd, Killington, Vermont
Just 2.5 hours from Boston and 4.5 hours from New York City.
The Schedule
DAY 1
Welcome to Vermont
Arrive between 3:00 – 4:30 PM and settle into The Mountain Inn at Killington, your home for the retreat.
The evening begins with light introductions, an overview of the retreat, and your first collaborative writing session.
5:00 – 6:00 PM Ice breakers | Retreat overview | Schedule review
6:00 – 7:00 PM Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 PM Work Session 1
DAY 2
Focused Writing & Exploration
Mornings are dedicated to focused writing alongside counselors: polishing essays, revising resumes, and refining supplements.
After lunch, students step outside for Vermont adventure before returning for more collaboration and evening reflection.
8:30 AM Breakfast
9 – 12 PM Work Session 2
12 – 1 PM Lunch
1 – 4 PM Group Activity
4 – 6 PM Work Session 3
6 – 7 PM Dinner
7 – 9 PM Work Session 4
DAY 3
Reflection & Wrap-Up
The final morning brings last revisions and counselor feedback before a collective wind-down and closing session.
8:30 AM Breakfast
9 – 12 PM Work Session 5
12 – 1 PM Lunch
1 – 2:30 PM Wind-down & Feedback Session
A Retreat That Transforms College Prep
Into Connection and Confidence
At this retreat, the focus goes beyond applications.
It’s about helping students find their voice, uncover what drives them, and bring those truths to life through their essays... all while surrounded by mountain air and genuine community.
Over three immersive days, students don’t just learn how to write: they experience what it means to express who they are. Every session is guided by counselors who’ve helped hundreds of students enter their dream schools... not through formulas, but through honest storytelling and thoughtful mentorship.
Between sessions, students share meals, laughter, and memories that remind them: college prep can be inspiring, not stressful.
What Our Students Say
By the end of the retreat, every student leaves with
College Essays That Sound Like You
Not templates routines but strong essay drafts that reflect your unique, authentic voice and profile
Confidence That Lasts Beyond the Retreat
You’ll discover your own voice, celebrate your achievements and find the courage to put yourself out there.
A Clear Roadmap for College Admissions
You’ll understand what colleges actually look for: and how to communicate it with purpose.
A Retreat
You’ll Remember
Between writing breakthroughs and Vermont adventures, you’ll walk away ready for what’s next.
Choose Your Session
Program I
August 2 - 4, 2026
Choose from room options: Shared Occupancy, Single Occupancy, Virtual Attendee
Shared Occupancy: $2,950
Single Occupancy: $3,450
Virtual: $2,400
Program II
August 5 - 7, 2026
Choose from room options: Shared Occupancy, Single Occupancy, Virtual Attendee
Shared Occupancy: $2,950
Single Occupancy: $3,450
Virtual: $2,400
Cost includes tuition fees; and for those who attend in-person: activity fees, all lodging, meals and snacks, supervision and transportation to and from local spots for field-trips. Students who attend in-person should only plan to bring a small amount of spending money to purchase a souvenir, if they’d like.
A Note from Christine:
“Each year, I watch students arrive nervous and leave confident, not just about their essays, but about who they are.
This retreat was built for students who want to go deeper: to write with heart, to think critically, and to connect with others doing the same.
It’s the best part of my summer — and I can’t wait to welcome you to Vermont.”
— Christine Chapman, Founder of Chapman Education
Secure Your Spot
Limited seats available for both sessions.
Once we hit capacity, registration will close.
