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 17-19 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!

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. for our instructional sessions. 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
Mary Kay Downes
14808 Harvest Court
Centreville, VA 20120

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

1. Brand new hotel in the heart of downtown: Hotel Petersburg, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, (804) 280-0998, $146
2. Hilton Garden Inn Southpark Blvd, (804) 520-0600, $143 a night
3. Comfort Suites Southpark Colonial Heights, (804) 520-8900, $121 a night

Please note: There are no reserved hotel room blocks. These are just hotel suggestions. (Prices checked on October 14, 2024.)

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