Simchat Torah @
Pearlstone RetreatCenter
Simchat Torah
@ Pearlstone Retreat Center
- Fri Oct 2 - Sun Night Oct 4
Come Early - Thu Oct 1
Stay Late - Mon AM Oct 5
at add'l cost - see below
Join Davetrek Adventures for our 9th Simchat Torah Retreat, this year at Pearlstone!
LAST MINUTE RATES + NEW!!
BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT!!
2 Day Chag as low as
$415 per adult
Basic w/shared bathrooms
$499 per adult
Standard w/ private bathroom
"Well organized, warm ruach and great people!" Sarah - Simchat Torah 2025
"Amazing event all around: the people, the organization, the food, the nature, the program, and the inspirational holiday component." Elina - Simchat Torah 2025
Simchat Torah Highlights
Relax in the comfort of the Pearlstone Retreat Center. Accommodations range from 3 star hotel rooms with private bath to single sex dormitory style with shared bathrooms.
Singles, Couples & Families Of All Types Are Welcome.
Our Simchat Torah Retreat last year had 140 people and was sold out!
RSVP Early So You Don't Get Closed Out!
- 180 Acres of Rolling Hills & Wild Meadows
- Delicious Kosher Food - OU Supervised
- Bonfire - Thursday Night with Smores!
- Orthodox Services with Mechitzah
- Lectures and Classes on the Chag
- Grazing Sheep!
- Daily Yoga
- Nature Walks!
- 5 Acre Pond
- Natural Mikvah
- Zip Line (at additional cost on Fri, if offered)
- Hiking Trails with 3 Mile Loop
- Workout Room
- 2 Sukkahs w/Shemini Atseret Option
- Simchat Torah - Men and Women Dance Separately with the Torah + Aliyah Options for All
Details
Rates are per person.
Choose your room type and length of stay.
NEW! BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT!!
INFO: If you and a friend or family sign up,
you each get $20 off any of the current adult Last Minute Rates.
This applies to a family also. If you are signing up for you and your immediate family and you have a friend or an additional family member like a parent, sibling, aunt, etc also signing up, you each get $20 off of each adult rate. You can also each be in different room classes and come for different periods of time.
HOW DO I GET THE DISCOUNT: During the RSVP process, you just need to sign up either together or separately, mention the "bring a friend" discount and each other's names in the general comments section at the end of the RSVP form.
The discount is conditional on each person paying in full, in advance of the retreat start date and may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
This offer may not be combined with any other discounts or offers.
The single-adult rate applies whenever only one adult stays in a room, even if one or more children are also staying in that room. See Payments,
Refunds & Rooming Rules below for more details
Register early for the lowest rates!
To reserve your space, pay the initial deposit by PayPal or Zelle. The remaining balance should be paid by Zelle.
Paying this balance by PayPal will incur an approximately 4% credit card fee.We will let you know the exact amount before you pay
To keep your discounted rate, the remaining balance must be paid as follows:
Initial Rush Rate: September 8
Standard Rate: September 16
Last Minute Rate: Within 2 business days of your RSVP.
For Initial Rush RSVPs - no refunds of any deposits after September 1st or refunds of the remaining balance after September 8th.
For Standard RSVPs -
no refunds of any kind after Sept 16.
See Payments, Refunds and Rooming Rules below for more details. If there are any mistaken pricing in the html table, we reserve the right to price it according to the actual pricing for that period of time as typos may occur. We will send you an email after registering and paying the deposit with your confirmed pricing.
| Room Type | Initial Rush Aug 28–Sept 2 | Early Bird Sept 3–10 | Standard Sept 11–16 | Last Minute Sept 17–30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic — Lodge 4 3 to 4 adults per room | 2 nights: $375 3 nights: $535 | 2 nights: $389 3 nights: $545 | 2 nights: $399 3 nights: $549 | 2 nights: $415 3 nights: $555 |
| Standard — Lodge 5 Front rooms with translucent blinds Double occupancy; limited quantity | 2 nights: $460 3 nights: $640 | 2 nights: $475 3 nights: $649 | 2 nights: $485 3 nights: $655 | 2 nights: $499 3 nights: $665 |
| Deluxe — Lodges 1, 2 & 3 Lodge 5 — Back Rooms w/ translucent blinds Double occupancy | 2 nights: $485 3 nights: $665 | 2 nights: $509 3 nights: $675 | 2 nights: $525 3 nights: $685 | 2 nights: $560 3 nights: $715 |
| Children — Ages 5–12 Children under 5 are free | 2 nights: $199 3 nights: $299 | 2 nights: $205 3 nights: $305 | 2 nights: $209 3 nights: $309 | 2 nights: $219 3 nights: $319 |
| Single — Standard & Deluxe Rooms Limited quantity; see Single Room rules below | 2 nights: $675 3 nights: $860 | 2 nights: $710 3 nights: $875 | 2 nights: $725 3 nights: $885 | 2 nights: $749 3 nights: $899 |
Sunday Night Add-On
$60 per adult · $30 per child
Includes a simple breakfast Monday morning. Departure by 10:00 AM
Payments, Refunds and
Room Rules/Details
Payments -General Info + Initial Deposit + Balance Due + Credit Cards
Payments work as follows:
Initial Deposits - Paypal or Zelle
In order to reserve your place, you must make an initial deposit of $150 per adult.
You can make the initial deposit either via a credit using PayPal or Zelle.
Remaining Balance
Once confirmed, we will then email you regarding what your balance is and the remaining balance may only be paid using Zelle.
In order to get the discounted rate you rsvped for, you must pay the balance by the later of the deadline below or the one specified in the email we send, as we need to make payment to the facility based on the monies received.
Balance Due Deadlines as follows:
Initial Rush rates - you must pay the balance no later than Sept 8th.
Standard Rates - you must pay the balance by Sept 21st
Last Minute Rates - you must pay the balance within 5 days of when you RSVP or before you arrive, whichever is sooner.
Credit Card Option for balance - if you prefer using a credit card for the remaining balance, we will calculate the fees associated with this payment - they typically run about 4%. Please let us know that you are selecting this option prior to making any payments so we can calculate the proper fees.
Refund Policies
Initial Rush RSVPs - For those RSVPing for the Initial Rush, your deposit is refundable up to Thursday, September 3, 2026. No refunds of the Initial Deposit after 9/3/2026, though you may get someone to substitute for your spot, upon our prior approval and then get a refund of the deposit.
Any remaining balance you pay is refundable until Wednesday, Sept 9th, 2026 and you may get someone to substitute for your spot, upon our prior approval and then get a refund of the remaining balance.
Standard RSVPs - Deposits and any remaining balance is refundable until Sept 16, 2026.
No refunds after September 16, 2026, though you may get someone to substitute for your spot, upon our prior approval and then get a refund of the deposit or the remaining balance, as the case may be.
Lodge 5 - Standard Rooms vs Deluxe Rooms
Lodge 5 has 25 rooms, all with the same basic amenities:
* Private ensuite bathroom
* Mini fridge
* Translucent blind on the main room window
The difference between Standard and Deluxe rooms is primarily their location and level of privacy:
Standard Rooms — 13 rooms at the front of the lodge
These rooms face the walkway to the main building. Because guests regularly pass in front of the room windows, they offer somewhat less privacy and are priced at the lower Standard Room Rate.
Deluxe Rooms — 12 rooms at the back of the lodge
These rooms do not face the main walkway, have views of the orchard and therefore offer somewhat greater privacy and are priced at the Deluxe Room Rate.
Click on the Accommodations tab for more details about these rooms.
Single Rooms & Single-Adult Rates
1. Single rooms are subject to availability. They are not guaranteed and they will be confirmed no sooner than 10 days before the event.
If you can only come if you get a single room and they are unavailable at the confirmation time, you will have the option to cancel without any penalties at that time.
2. Single rooms are normally available only in Lodge 5. The only exception is for families using adjoining rooms in Lodges 1, 2, or 3, as described below.
3. The single-adult rate applies whenever only one adult stays in a room, even if one or more children are staying in that room.
4. Lodges 1, 2 & 3: A room with only one adult may be charged the single-adult rate only when a family is using adjoining rooms.
For example, if the parents stay in one room and their children stay in an adjoining room, any room occupied by only one adult will be charged the single-adult rate.
Basic Rooms - Info and Details
Basic rooms in Lodge 4 are single-sex, dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms.
Rooms normally have 3 or 4 adults. Additional people may be added if the retreat is close to selling out or if the people sharing the room request it.
Rooms have a combination of twin beds and bunk beds: either 2 twin beds and 1 bunk bed or 2 twin beds and 2 bunk beds.
Normally, no one will be asked to sleep in a top bunk. Top bunks will only be used if the retreat is close to selling out and we need space for last-minute guests who agree to sleep in the top bunk, or if the people sharing the room want to have additional friends stay together in the room.
Click on the Accommodations Tab for more details about these rooms.
Transportation & Getting There
Interactive Wayfinder
Pearlstone is located at 5425 Mt. Gilead Rd., Reisterstown, MD 21136
Calculate your driving time using google maps
Metro North Station
Conveniently located just 1 mile away. Enjoy direct routes on the Hudson line, running hourly schedules straight from the city hubs.
15-Minute Scenic Walk
The flat, well-marked walking path takes you through beautiful woodland shortcuts, leading directly to our welcome gate.
Address
Pearlstone is located at 5425 Mt Gilead Rd, Reisterstown, MD 21136 – about 30 minutes NW of Baltimore
Public transportation
There is no public transportation directly all the way to Pearlstone, but you can get fairly close using subways/ buses from the Baltimore Train Station and the BWI airport and then using Uber/Lyft when you get close to the area for the 'last "few miles'.
Basically, you take an Amtrak to the main station in Baltimore, Penn Station - Baltimore. You then either take a bus or walk to the State Center Metro Subway Link and take that to the last station in Owings Mill, which is within 10 miles of Pearlstone.
Our recommendation is to take an uber or lyft from there and we will help coordinate people to go together so this journey and the uber costs for the last part are shared vs just on a single individual.
You can also choose to take an 87 Bus to Reisterstown, Maryland, typically to the Hanover Park/Westminster Pike stop across from the Allensway Shopping Center, and then you are about 4 miles away and will need to take an uber from there.
We have a WhatsApp group for those coming via public transportation and we will put people using public transportation in touch to coordinate and come together using public transportation.
Baltimore/DC & Nearby Airport/Trains - Distance
Approximate travel time by car from:Baltimore
Washington Airport (BWI) – 40 minutes
Baltimore Penn Station – 35 minutes
Reagan National Airport – 85 minutes
Baltimore City – 30 minutes
Washington, DC – 75 minutes
Philadelphia – 2 hours 15 minutes
There is no public transportation to Pearlstone, but you can get fairly close using subways/ buses from the train station and airport and then using Uber when you get close to the area for the 'last few miles'.
Night Driving/Near major highways
The retreat center is less than 30 minutes from Baltimore. You are on major highways the entire way until the last 4 miles, which is on local roads and takes about 10 minutes, so its easy to drive to and from at night.
Pricing & Registration
Lock in your spot for our next big adventure. Choose your deadline phase, send payment via Zelle or PayPal, and RSVP to confirm your spot!
Deadlines & Rates
🐣 Early Bird Phase
$140 — Register & pay by August 14 to save maximum budget for campsite snacks!
⛺ Standard Registration
$165 — Secure standard entry between August 15 and August 19.
🎒 Final RSVP Deadline
$190 — Last call! Registration officially closes on August 22.
How to Secure Your Spot
- Zelle Transfer: Send payment to registration@davetrek.com (Davetrek Adventure LLC)
- PayPal: Pay to paypal.me/davetrek (Please choose 'Sending to a Friend' to avoid fees)
👉 Note: Please write your Full Name and 'Davetrek August' in the payment memo. Once you have sent the payment, confirm your RSVP using one of the instant buttons below so we can add you to the group chat!
PREPARED FOR ADVENTURE
What to Bring
Pack smart, stay comfortable, and get ready for a wonderful journey. Here are the play-ready essentials you should definitely tuck into your backpack.
Trail Shoes
Broken-in trail runners or boots with solid grip.
Swimwear
For wild dips in secret mountain lakes and streams.
Sunscreen
Keep protected from high-altitude sun exposure.
Water Bottle
A reusable bottle or hydration pack (minimum 1L).
Light Jacket
Packable windbreaker or warm fleece layering piece.
Important Notes
Before we set out on our next adventure, please review our core event policies. We keep things clear, simple, and safe for everyone.
Weather Policy
Our adventures proceed rain or shine! We only postpone or cancel trail sessions in the event of continuous, heavy downpours or lightning hazards. Light drizzles won't stop the fun.
Refund Policy
Because we secure trail permits and reservation resources in advance, we cannot offer standard refunds. Full refunds are only issued if we have to cancel due to severe weather conditions.
RSVP Deadlines
Registration closes strictly 48 hours prior to the trailhead meeting time. This buffer allows us to coordinate shared safety equipment, arrange gear guides, and finalize permit headcounts.
GOT QUESTIONS?
Davetrek Explorer FAQ
Before you lace up your boots and head out into the wild with us, here are answers to our most common expedition questions.
What happens if it rains?
We hike rain or shine! Davetrek adventures are all about embracing nature. If there is severe weather (like lightning or high gale winds), we will contact you 2 hours before the start to reschedule. Otherwise, grab your favorite raincoat and let's explore!
Are there refunds?
Yes, bookings are fully refundable up to 48 hours before the trek departure. Cancellations made within 48 hours are eligible for a 50% refund or a full credit voucher towards our next playful expedition.
How do I get there?
Our primary trailhead meeting point is highly accessible! It is located just 15 minutes outside the city center, reachable by the regional transit shuttle (Route 4) or via our designated carpool lot. We send exact GPS coordinates and parking passes 24 hours prior to our adventure.