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.
Event Location
Spring Valley Academy
1461 E. Spring Valley Road
Centerville, OH 45458
Where to Enter
Please enter through the high school wing and atrium, located on the left side of the building when approaching from the street.
Parking is located to the right side of the building.
Registration and check-in: Atrium
Main presentations: Chapel
Meals: Gym
Saturday outdoor activities: Forest Field Park
Check-In
Friday Check-in
Friday, July 24 | 5:30-7:30 PM
Spring Valley Academy 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:
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Your personalized name badge with age color-coded lanyard
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Weekend information
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Any activity or group assignments
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Additional event announcements
Please wear your name badge throughout the weekend. It helps everyone learn names and identifies you as a registered guest.
What's Included:
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All presentations, discussions, and activities
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Friday evening programming
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Saturday lunch
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Saturday supper
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Guided mingling and small-group activities
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Outdoor recreation
Guests are responsible for their own lodging, transportation, Friday supper, Saturday breakfast, and Sunday breakfast.
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:
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A Bible
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Notebook and pen
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Reusable water bottle
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Casual clothes for outdoor activities
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A light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned rooms
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Umbrella or rain jacket
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Phone charger
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Personal medications
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Any specialty food you may need
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Sunscreen or insect repellent
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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:
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A casual outfit for Friday evening
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Comfortable Sabbath clothing for Saturday sessions
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Walking shoes or athletic shoes
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Bring a change of clothing for Saturday evening activities
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Comfortable travel clothes for Sunday
Making the Most of the Weekend
Many guests will arrive alone, and that is completely normal. The weekend has been structured to help you meet people naturally through guided conversations, meals, group activities, and shared experiences.
A few ways to get the most from your weekend:
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Introduce yourself to someone new during each activity period.
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Sit with different people at meals.
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Participate in the guided activities, even if you feel nervous.
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Ask open-ended questions and listen with genuine interest.
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Include people who may be standing or sitting alone.
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Spend less time on your phone while conversations are happening.
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Avoid staying exclusively with people you already know.
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Be curious without turning the conversation into an interview.
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Give the weekend time to unfold naturally.
You are not expected to connect romantically with anyone you meet. Show up with openness, kindness, and a willingness to learn about others.
Conversation Starters
Need a little help getting started? Try one of these:
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What brought you to the weekend?
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Where did you travel from?
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What is something you have been enjoying lately?
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What kind of work or ministry are you involved in?
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What does a great Sabbath afternoon look like to you?
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What is something you would love to learn?
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What place would you love to visit?
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What quality do you value most in friendship?
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What has God been teaching you recently?
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What is one experience that shaped who you are today?
Keep your questions respectful and appropriate for the stage of the conversation.
Guest Expectations
We want this weekend to feel welcoming, safe, and respectful for everyone.
Be Present – Participate at your comfort level. Step away from any activity if needed.
Respect Boundaries – No one owes personal info, contact exchanges, or continued conversation. A polite "no" should always be accepted, no pressure or guilt.
Ask First – Get permission before exchanging contact info, taking close-up photos, or posting identifiable photos of others.
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 rules, stay in designated areas, and listen to event staff.
Report Concerns – If something feels off, tell an event leader privately.
Saturday 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):
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dayton-Centerville
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Dayton-Centerville
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Residence Inn by Marriott Dayton Miamisburg
Airports
Dayton (DAY) is closest. Cincinnati (CVG) has better fares.
Vegan & Vegetarian Dining
Restaurant hours and menus may change. Check the restaurant’s website or call before traveling, especially for Sunday service.
Close to the Event
Meadowlark Restaurant
5531 Far Hills Avenue
Dayton, OH 45429
Contemporary American dining with vegetarian dishes and globally inspired flavors. (Destination Dayton)
[VIEW MENU]
[OPEN DIRECTIONS]
Holiday Inn Express Area Restaurants
The Holiday Inn Express Dayton-Centerville is within walking distance of several restaurants near Wilmington Pike. (IHG Hotels & Resorts)
[ADD SELECTED NEARBY OPTIONS]
Fully Vegan or Plant-Based
That’s Soul Vegan
2700 Miamisburg Centerville Road
Dayton, OH 45459
Plant-based comfort food and soul-food-style dishes. (Destination Dayton)
Important: Confirm the current location, operating status, and weekend hours before adding the final link.
[VIEW CURRENT INFORMATION]
[OPEN DIRECTIONS]
Cafe 1610
521 Wayne Avenue
Dayton, OH 45410
Listed by Destination Dayton as offering a completely vegan menu. (Destination Dayton)
Important: Confirm current operating status and hours before publishing.
[VIEW CURRENT INFORMATION]
[OPEN DIRECTIONS]
Vegan and Vegetarian-Friendly
Butter Cafe
1106 Brown Street
Dayton, OH 45409
Breakfast and brunch options have included tofu scrambles, vegan pancakes, and vegan breakfast burritos. (Destination Dayton)
[VIEW MENU]
[OPEN DIRECTIONS]
Wheat Penny Oven and Bar
515 Wayne Avenue
Dayton, OH 45410
Pizza and creative dishes with vegan and vegetarian options. Pizza may be prepared with vegan modifications. (Destination Dayton)
[VIEW MENU]
[OPEN DIRECTIONS]
Old Scratch Pizza
812 S. Patterson Boulevard
Dayton, OH 45402
Neapolitan-style pizza with large communal tables and vegan or vegetarian options. This may be a useful choice for guests meeting after the program. (Destination Dayton)
[VIEW MENU]
[OPEN DIRECTIONS]
Lily’s Dayton
329 E. Fifth Street
Dayton, OH 45402
A restaurant in Dayton’s Oregon District with vegan and vegetarian menu choices. (Destination Dayton)
[VIEW MENU]
[OPEN DIRECTIONS]
Cedarland Bakery and Restaurant
4515 Linden Avenue
Dayton, OH 45432
Lebanese cuisine with several naturally vegan and vegetarian choices. (Destination Dayton)
[VIEW MENU]
[OPEN DIRECTIONS]
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 the photo and video consent selection you made during registration.
Guests should still ask permission before taking close-up photos, recording private conversations, or posting identifiable images of another attendee.
Lost and Found
Lost items may be brought to [LOST-AND-FOUND LOCATION].
During the event, ask for [CONTACT NAME].
After the weekend, email [EMAIL ADDRESS] with a description of the missing item.
Items not claimed by [DATE] may be donated or discarded.
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 Event Questions
Name: Tom Albrecht
Phone: (419) 575-4510
Venue Emergency
Call 911 for immediate emergencies.
Registration/Website Issues
Name: Andrew Carroll
Phone: (484) 269-4445
Meal or Allergy Concerns
Name: [NAME]
Phone: [PHONE]
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.