Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your next retreat at Mingus or want a quick review of the items most folks ask about?

Cancellation Policy

How far from your arrival date you cancel will determine what you may owe (or not owe). Please see this excerpt from the Booking Contract Policies:

Should you find it necessary to cancel, you must call the camp management directly and follow up with an email. For cancellations made by the host due to fire, weather, natural emergency, or other unexpected closures, groups shall be granted a full refund of deposit and any advance fees paid.

Cancellations must be made 6 months or more days in advance of arrival date to receive full refund of fees paid minus a $50 processing fee.

Groups canceling between the following time frames prior to the arrival date will be charged the following:

- 90-182 days: 25% of the minimum guarantee.
- 45-89 days: 50% of the minimum guarantee.
- 44 days – day of: 100% of the minimum guarantee.

Groups booking within the 6-month window will be held to this cancellation policy beginning with receipt of the signed contract. Failure to call/email and cancel your reservation will result in full minimum due charges.

FAQ’s about your visit to Mingus Mountain:

I keep seeing “minimum guarantee” regarding booking; what does this mean?

Minimum guarantee refers to the minimum number of guests, and the cost associated with that count, required to book services. This could be for food service, exclusive use of camp, reserving specific buildings, and even programs and activities led by camp staff. To maintain a reservation for booked services, you are responsible for bringing the number of guests to meet these minimums at the full period rate OR paying that minimum, even if you have less guests than the outlined number.

Can meals be tailored to meet special dietary needs?
In many cases camp can work with common dietary restrictions (nut allergies, gluten free, etc) provided we are notified at least two weeks in advance. The kitchen is usually prepared to accommodate the following special dietary needs: nut, soy, and shellfish allergies, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan. Please be advised– when many of these items are cross-connected, for example, when someone is vegan and gluten-free, it becomes more challenging to ensure they are accommodated.

In those circumstances, we strongly encourage you to bring along some items to supplement your meals. We’re happy to store them in our kitchen- simply mark the items with your name and bring them to the kitchen staff upon arrival.

What will the weather be like? Will we be warm enough in cooler months?
You will want to check your preferred weather app or website before arrival, however, Mingus is close to 8,000 ft elevation and typically 10-15 degrees cooler than the temperatures in Prescott Valley, off the mountain. Additionally, lodging and meeting spaces are heated and will be quite comfortable.

Do I need to bring my own linens, pillows, toiletries, etc.?
Camp does not provide any type of bedding, towels, or toiletries (except in the VIP’s, and a few extra on hand for emergencies), so please plan to bring everything you may need for sleeping and showering.

Can my group do our own cooking?
Yes! Groups wanting to do self cooking must reserve Harris Retreat Center. Due to the limitations in Harris, groups of 30 must use food service provided by camp staff. Please contact us for more details.

Does camp have WiFi and cell service?
Though most cell providers get service at camp, it can be a bit spotty depending where you are. There is a landline available in the camp office for emergencies. WiFi is made available to the group leader upon request; they will be given the password, however, WiFi availability cannot be guaranteed. Camp internet does not have the capacity for downloading or streaming content; please download any resources you may need before you arrive.

But wait; I have more questions!

We encourage you to review the detailed Hospitality Guide, Rate Sheet, and Booking Contract Polices for further details about what camp offers. For more questions, contact Assistant Director, Jonathan Gowan, at jonathan@dscumc.org or the camp office: (928) 649-5949.