Guest Hub
July 24–26, 2026
Spring Valley Academy, Dayton, Ohio
Welcome to the guest hub for Try This at Home: Dating. Here you'll find practical details you will need before and during the weekend, including the schedule, directions, meals, lodging, nearby restaurants, event expectations, and contact information.
​
Please bookmark this page and check it again before traveling. Any important updates or schedule changes will be posted here.
Donations & Payments
PayPal
PayPal - contact@abide.network
Zelle - contact@abide.network
Venmo - @AbideNetwork
Cash App - $AbideNetwork
Checks payable to:
Jennifer Schwirzer
Abiding Place Farm
5832 Conner Trail
Orlando, FL, 32808
Check-In
Friday Check-in
Friday, July 24 | 5:30-7:30 PM | Atrium
The opening program begins at 7:15 PM, so arriving early will give you time to check in, receive your name badge, and get settled.
Sabbath Check-in
Guests who are unable to arrive Friday may check in Saturday morning between 8:30 and 10:00 AM in the Atrium.
At check-in, you will receive:
-
Your personalized name badge with age range color-coded lanyard
-
Weekend information
-
Any activity or group assignments
-
Additional event announcements
Please wear your name badge throughout the weekend. It helps everyone learn names and identifies you as a registered guest.
Lanyard Color Age Groups
20-25
26-30
31-35
36-40
41-45
What's Included:
-
All presentations, discussions, and activities
-
Friday evening programming
-
Saturday lunch
-
Saturday supper
-
Guided mingling and small-group activities
-
Outdoor recreation
Guests are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, Friday supper, Saturday breakfast, Sunday breakfast and lunch.
Meal Schedule
Friday supper: On your own before arriving
Saturday breakfast: On your own
Saturday lunch: Included
Saturday supper: Included
Sunday breakfast: On your own
Sunday Lunch: Local eateries
Dietary information submitted during registration has been shared with the event team. We will make a reasonable effort to accommodate registered dietary needs.
For questions about a serious allergy or dietary restriction, contact Tom before the event.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
​
-
A Bible
-
Notebook and pen
-
Reusable water bottle
-
Comfortable walking shoes
-
Casual clothes for outdoor activities
-
A light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned rooms
-
Umbrella or rain jacket
-
Phone charger
-
Personal medications
-
Any specialty food you may need
-
Sunscreen or insect repellent
-
A musical instrument, if you would enjoy the Sat evening music time
Please label personal items when possible.
What to Wear
The recommended dress is attractive but casual.
​
This is a relationship-focused weekend rather than a formal church convention. Wear something that helps you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to interact.
​
For Saturday afternoon, bring clothing and shoes suitable for walking or relaxed outdoor activities.
​
You may wish to bring:
-
A casual outfit for Friday evening
-
Comfortable Sabbath clothing for Saturday sessions
-
Walking shoes or athletic shoes
-
Bring a change of clothing for Saturday evening activities
-
Comfortable travel clothes for Sunday
Making the Most of the Weekend
Many guests arrive alone — that's completely normal. The weekend is designed to help you meet people naturally through guided conversations, meals, and shared activities.
​
A few ways to lean in:
-
Introduce yourself to someone new at each activity.
-
Sit with different people at meals, and include anyone standing or sitting alone.
-
Jump into the guided activities, even if you're nervous.
-
Ask open-ended questions and listen with genuine interest — curious, not an interview.
-
Stay off your phone during conversations.
-
Branch out beyond people you already know.
-
Let the weekend unfold naturally — there's no pressure to connect romantically, just to show up with openness and kindness.
​
Respect & Safety
We want this weekend to feel welcoming, safe, and respectful for everyone.
-
Be present. Phone away, participate at your comfort level, and step away if you need to.
-
Respect boundaries. No one owes personal information, contact details, photos, or continued conversation. A polite "no" is always accepted — no pressure, no guilt.
-
Ask first. Get permission before exchanging contact info or taking/posting identifiable photos.
-
Keep it appropriate. This is a Christian event — conduct should reflect respect and maturity. Harassment, pressure, unwanted touching, or degrading comments won't be tolerated.
-
Respect the venue. Follow Spring Valley Academy's rules and event staff guidance.
-
Follow up respectfully. Had a great time? Reach out afterward, but respect the other person's pace and response.
-
Report concerns. If something feels off, talk privately with an event leader.
Conversation Starters
Need a little help getting started? Try one of these:
​
-
What brought you to the weekend?
-
Where did you travel from?
-
What is something you have been enjoying lately?
-
What kind of work or ministry are you involved in?
-
What does a great Sabbath afternoon look like to you?
-
What is something you would love to learn?
-
What place would you love to visit?
-
What quality do you value most in friendship?
-
What has God been teaching you recently?
-
What is one experience that shaped who you are today?
Keep your questions respectful and appropriate.
Sabbath Outdoor Activities
Saturday afternoon includes relaxed outdoor recreation and conversation at Forest Field Park.
​
Forest Field Park
2100 E Centerville Station Road
Washington Township, OH 45458
​
​
​If weather affects the outdoor schedule, the replacement activity and location will be posted in the Weekend Updates section and announced during the event.
Hotels
We've secured discounted room blocks at two nearby hotels.
See book deadlines, these rates will not be extended.
Looking to split costs?
Check our private Facebook group where you can connect with other attendees for roommate matching and carpooling.
​
Additional hotel options nearby (no group rate):
-
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton-Centerville
-
Home2 Suites by Hilton Dayton-Centerville
-
Residence Inn by Marriott Dayton Miamisburg
​
Airports
Dayton (DAY) is closest. Cincinnati (CVG) has better fares.
Local Dining Options
Key: V = Vegetarian Options VG = Vegan Options GF = Gluten-Free Options
​
Lunch & Casual Dining
​Chipotle Mexican Grill (V, VG, GF) $
Build-your-own burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads with vegetarian and vegan options.
​
BIBIBOP Asian Grill (V, VG, GF) $
Build-your-own Korean-inspired bowls with tofu, vegetables, and a variety of gluten-free and vegan options.
Old Scratch Pizza (V, VG) $
Wood-fired pizza with vegetarian toppings and vegan cheese available.
La Piñata Mexican Restaurant (V) $
Casual Mexican favorites with vegetarian options.
Greenhouse Café (V, VG) $
Fresh sandwiches, salads, soups, and plant-forward meals.
​
The Blueberry Café (V, GF) $$
A local favorite known for brunch and comfort food, with vegetarian and gluten-free selections.
Another Broken Egg Café (V) $$
Popular breakfast and brunch restaurant with several vegetarian choices.
​
Dinner​
Amar India (V, VG) $$
One of the area’s best choices for vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine.
Mamma DiSalvo’s Italian Restaurant (V) $$$
Classic Italian dining with vegetarian pastas and entrées.
Troni’s Italian Restaurant (V) $$$
Traditional Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting.
​
Lily’s Dayton (V, VG) $$
One of Dayton’s most popular date-night restaurants. Seasonal menu and a lively atmosphere.
​
Coffee, Desserts & Snacks
​
Contempo Roast Coffee & Roastery (V, VG) $
Specialty coffee with plant-based milk options and light bites.
Power Plant Juice Bar (V, VG) $
Smoothies, juices, acai bowls, and healthy snacks.
Billie Gold Bubble Tea Lounge (VG) $
About 15 to 20 minutes away. Bubble tea, fruit teas, and dairy-free options.
Bill’s Donut Shop (V) $
About 20 to 25 minutes away. A Dayton institution serving fresh donuts around the clock.
Gem City Catfé (V, VG) $$
Enjoy coffee, tea, and light snacks while spending time with adoptable cats. Reservations are recommended.
Sunday Guide
Free Things to Do
Parks & Nature - The Dayton area is home to America’s largest connected paved trail network, with more than 340 miles of scenic trails perfect for walking and biking.
-
Carriage Hill MetroPark
-
Caesar Creek State Park
-
Charleston Falls Preserve
-
Carillon Historical Park
-
John Bryan State Park
​
Museums & Attractions - Explore Dayton’s rich history and unique attractions.
-
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force (Free admission, donations appreciated)
-
American Sign Museum
-
National Packard Museum
-
Dayton Art Institute
-
Cox Arboretum MetroPark
-
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Cincinnati)
​
Outdoor Adventures
If you’d rather stay active together:
-
RiversEdge Canoe & Kayak Outfitters (seasonal, reservations recommended)
-
Loveland Bike Rental (great if you’re heading toward Cincinnati)
​
Climbing
Urban Krag Climbing Center - A former church transformed into a unique climbing gym.
Best for experienced climbers, certified belayers
​
RockQuest Climbing Center - Great for beginners. Features auto-belays, bouldering wall
Casual Date Ideas
Poelking Woodman Lanes - Bowling
The Magic Castle - Mini Golf
Skateworld of Kettering - Roller Skating
On Par Entertainment - Indoor Fun: mini golf, duckpin bowling, darts, karaoke, arcade games
Scene75 Entertainment Center - Go-Karts & Indoor Fun
​
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend only part of the weekend?
Registration is designed for the full weekend experience. There is no single-day ticket or livestream option. Contact the event team if travel delays or an emergency will cause you to miss part of the program.
​
What happens if I arrive late Friday?
Go to the Atrium registration area when you arrive. If registration has closed, follow the posted instructions or contact Tom or Andrew.
​
Are breakfasts included?
No. Guests are responsible for Saturday and Sunday breakfast.
​
Can I bring a guest who has not registered?
No. All attendees must be registered in advance and meet the event eligibility requirements.
​
Can I bring children?
No. This is an adult singles event, and childcare is not provided.
​
Is there assigned seating?
No, there is no assigned seating.
​
Will I be required to participate in every activity?
Participation is encouraged, but you may step away when needed. Please remain respectful of activity leaders and other guests.
​
What if I feel awkward coming alone?
Many attendees are coming alone. Activities are structured to help people begin conversations and form connections without having to navigate the room entirely on their own.​
​
What if it rains?
Outdoor plans may be moved indoors or replaced with another group activity. Check the Weekend Updates section for the latest information.
​
Can I bring a musical instrument?
Yes. Guests are encouraged to bring portable instruments for the Saturday evening music time. Participation will depend on the final program and available space.
​
May I exchange contact information with another guest?
Yes, when the interest is mutual. Respect a person’s decision if they prefer not to share their information.
​
Who should I contact if I feel uncomfortable?
Speak privately with Tom or Andrew.
Important Contacts
General Questions
Name: Tom Albrecht
Phone: (419) 575-4510
Registration/Website Issues
Name: Andrew Carroll
Phone: (484) 269-4445
​
Venue Emergency
Call 911 for immediate emergencies.
Photography/Video
Photography and video may be taken during the weekend for event documentation and future Abide Network communications.
​
Please let our registration team know at check-in if you have questions about photo and video consent
​
Guests should still ask permission before taking close-up photos, recording private conversations, or posting identifiable images of another attendee.
Lost and Found
Text LOST & FOUND to Tom at (419) 575-4510
Lost items may be given to any volunteer.​​​
Items not claimed in 1 week will be donated.
We’re Glad You’re Coming
This weekend is an opportunity to step out of routine, meet people who share your faith, learn more about healthy relationships, and practice genuine connection.
​
Come ready to participate. Come ready to listen. Come ready to let other people surprise you.
​
We look forward to welcoming you to Dayton.
​