jRetreat 2024: Join Us for the Return of Our Annual Adviser Retreat

Ever have one of those days where you’re about to just pull your hair out and you’d give anything to just get away from it all and relax?

Now you can! With people who feel exactly like you—fellow journalism advisers.

We all need a little revitalization, especially in the winter months. And after a couple years of virtual offerings, VAJTA is excited to once again offer our annual in-person getaway to jump-start the second half of your year!

Join us for jRetreat January 12-13 in historic Petersburg, Va. Come by yourself or, better yet, grab the other journalism advisers in your school or your county/area and enjoy a road trip together!

This year, we welcome Wayne Epps, Jr. and Chris Waugaman as our Experts in Residence as we explore the world of Sports Journalism, touching on everything from reporting and writing to photography, social media and design.

Before leaving the Richmond-Times Dispatch, Epps was the beat writer for the newspaper covering the VCU Rams. Waugaman, now an assistant professor at Virginia State University, previously advised the media team at Prince George High School for 20 years.

Time to learn, share and re-energize…

In addition to the information you will receive and the opportunity for hands-on learning, you will also find so many moments to socialize with your fellow Virginia and regional media teachers.

If you’re coming in Friday evening, we plan to have dinner together at 7 p.m. at Maria’s Old Town 21.

On Saturday, we will meet at 9 a.m. at the Virginia State University Multi-Purpose Center, home of VSU Athletics, for our instructional sessions. In addition to a behind-the-scenes look at a major college arena, you will also be able to attend the home baseball game that afternoon. There will be a lunch break around noon, and official activities will wrap up by 4 p.m.

Attendees are also invited to join us Saturday evening for dinner at Trapezium Brewing, followed by an evening social hosted by Waugaman.

Many folks may be planning to stay in the area overnight on Saturday, so attendees are also welcome to join us at Demolition Coffee for our Sunday VAJTA board meeting.

Registration and travel info

Registration for Saturday’s workshop sessions will cost $35 for VAJTA/JEA members and $50 for non-members. (Note: The registration fee ONLY covers the workshop itself. Attendees are responsible for covering the cost of meals and lodging.)

Please register online. Then, send your check made payable to VAJTA to:

jRetreat Registration
Erinn Harris
501 N. Armistead Street, #102
Alexandria, VA 22312

There are several hotels in the area. Here are a couple options:

  1. Hilton Garden Inn Southpark Blvd, (804) 520-0600, $126 a night
  2. Comfort Suites Southpark Colonial Heights, (804) 520-8900, $116 a night

Please note: There are no reserved hotel room blocks. These are just hotel suggestions. (Prices checked on January 5, 2024.)

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].