Speakers

THE THEME FOR THE RETREAT IS WOMEN WHO LOVE YESHUA. The speakers from the main stage will be lifting up Yeshua as Divine, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and worthy of worship. The talks will encourage you to focus on Yahweh as the Author and Perfector of our faith, and Yeshua as His source of salvation through his death and resurrection. We will also focus on Yeshua as our example of righteous living. We are seeing a troubling attempt in our greater Torah community to diminish the Divinity and rightful place of Yeshua, and we will teach from Scripture that He is not only our Master and Saviour, but also God. The main stage talks will draw you closer to Yahweh as you learn more about His Son, Yeshua, from Scripture, which is our only source of truth on these most important matters. You will be encouraged, Sister!

Important from Todd and Amy:

If you do not agree with the focus of this year’s retreat, you are welcome to attend, but you may not speak against Yeshua or the principles outlined above to others at the retreat.  If you’re willing to be challenged, please come. But do not speak against our viewpoint to other women during the retreat.

These are the speakers for the 2026 Retreat.

Anne Elliott

Anne Elliott is a wife and mom to seven kids. She lives in Michigan, where she homeschools, blogs, and writes curriculum. She is passionate about feeding women from the Word and helping them grow in their walk with Yeshua, His Torah, and their relationships with others. Find her at AnneElliott.com and HomeschoolingTorah.com.

Heidi Cooper

Heidi and her husband Doug have been married for 25 years, and have seven children. They homeschool and homestead on their Michigan farm where the days are filled with coffee, animal care, and discussions around the dinner table. Heidi helps families and especially moms build their homes on Torah and Scripture. She has written several books including ‘My First Torah’ and created a planner for Torah keeping moms. You can find her at www.torahfamilyliving.com. Heidi also enjoys knitting and crochet, Bible study, and joining in the discussion at her local Shabbat fellowship.

Amy Kay Hickerson

Amy Kay Hickerson will speak at a session and serve as your hostess throughout the entire retreat. Amy Kay is the woman behind Torah Sisters, the magazine, and this retreat. She is a wife and homeschooling mom in small-town Michigan. She started TorahSisters.com to encourage women through her YouTube videos, podcast, free printables, and especially the magazine. She is also the author of “Thirty-Day Sabbath Challenge.”

Workshops

Elizabeth Mattos

I’m Elizabeth, and I’m so excited to attend the 2026 Torah Sisters Retreat! I love worshiping the King through Worship dance and am excited to lead worship dance workshops at this year’s Retreat! I’ll break down worship-dance steps/sequences you’re likely to run into at other fellowships and events, using songs you’ll also likely come across often.

Next to my love for dance, I LOVE to paint. I founded “Elizabeth Grace Fine Art & Design” with the mission to make the world a more beautifusl place through Watercolor Artwork, while endeavoring to honor God with each piece I paint, and I am so excited to have a table at the 2026 Torah Sisters Retreat marketplace! The pieces I’ll have at this Retreat’s marketplace will be inspired by Scripture, an inspiration I draw from often for the Watercolor artwork I create. Check out Elizabeth Grace Fine Art & Design here: https://www.elizabethgracefineartanddesign.com/

Blessings, and I cannot wait to fellowship with you all this Retreat!

Special Thanks

Cameron & Jen Kreager

Cameron & Jen Kreager will join us again this year! Cam will be running the production of the retreat, so you’ll spot him in the back running sound, A/V, and generally paying attention to those little details that will make this retreat an amazing experience. Jen will be Amy’s right hand, helping with set up, check-in, liaison with Faholo staff and so much more. Cameron is a pastor at a Lansing church, and I get to fellowship with their family on Shabbats. Jen is a homeschooling mama, photographer, and author! Click here to learn more about her book, Press on Like Paul. My review of it is on the back cover!

Jackson & Christian Guenther

Jackson and Christian will be helping again, too! They are Amy’s sons and have become a very valuable help to her. Most of their work is behind the scenes with set up, moving equipment and supplies, and working with Cam on production, lights and sound. You might also see them when you purchase Torah Sisters items from Amy’s tables. Jackson is in his first year of college at home, studying to be a naturopathic doctor. Christian is a full time tenth grader and basketballer. Their sister, Bethany, is a guest, but also helps a great deal, too.

Todd Hickerson

Todd Hickerson is the husband of Amy Kay, and together they run Torah Sisters. Todd is a devoted husband, father and stepfather, and a data architect by trade, but his passion is writing and teaching about prayer, intimacy with Yahweh, keeping Yeshua as King of Kings, Torah apologetics, and guiding men to love their wives well.

You’ll see Todd throughout the retreat and hear from him on the stage at some point. He’s investing heavily into praying for this retreat, shepherding and working with Amy to plan and direct this special event, and especially in praying for you and your husbands as He desires for the messages to transform you, your family, and your kingdom work.

Tentative Schedule

This schedule may change, but it will give you an idea of what the retreat will be like.

Wednesday, May 13

8:30 Breakfast

10:00 Activities and free time

12:30 Lunch

2:00 Tabernacle

4:30 Retreat ends, Must be checked out of rooms by 5:30 pm

Important Details

WHAT IS DIFFERENT FROM LAST YEAR?

If you’ve attended before, you’ll want to be aware of these changes.

1. I’m changing the recreation this year. Details will be announced upon arrival. Just don’t plan on going on the go-karts or zip line in 2026. There will still be swimming and a hot tub as in years past.
2. At this time (October 2025), I’m unsure if there will be any workshops. The women love free time and fellowship. I may add workshops, but I may not.
3. Infants are not allowed.
4. I’m no longer offering camping tickets. There are campgrounds in the area you can utilize if you purchase the off-site ticket.

WILL THE SESSIONS BE RECORDED?

The truthful answer is that I don’t know, but I will try! Recording sessions are not as easy as they sound, and I want our full attention to be on our live audience. Please do your best to join us, and don’t count on a recording. It worked out great last year, but I cannot promise for this one. Whenever technology is involved, I never make promises. Attendees are not allowed to record the sessions in any way.

CAN YOU HELP ME FIND A RIDE?

No, I’m unable to do that. First, I don’t have the time, and second, I’m unsure how to do it safely. I tried a Facebook group in the past, but it yielded little help for ladies. I recommend getting the word out to your local fellowships that you are looking for a ride.

WILL THE FOOD BE CLEAN?

Yes! The kitchen staff at this facility will accommodate our Biblically clean diet (not kosher) and have done this for other groups as well. They have been very good at this in the past.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS?

Please inform us about your special dietary needs and food allergies when purchasing your ticket.  Only request the most critical special food needs that pose an immediate risk to your health. Please do not ask for preferences, weight loss plans, etc.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?

Each ticket includes the meals; whether or not you eat them is up to you. There are no refrigerators available for your use. There will be very little room for a cooler in your room, but you may be able to fit a small one. There is no ice for sale at the camp, but there are gas stations nearby.

WILL THERE BE A SWAG BAG?

You betcha there will be a swag bag! Purchase your ticket before April 1 to guarantee you get a swag bag of goodies. Click here for information about including your gift in the swag bags.

WILL THERE BE A MARKETPLACE?

Yes! Come with a list of upcoming gifts you need to buy. Bring your checkbook in case someone is unable to accept credit cards. Have a business? Click here for information about promotion opportunities and to learn about being a vendor.

CAN I REQUEST A ROOMMATE?

Yes, you can request a roommate(s) when you purchase your ticket and I’ll do my best to accommodate your request. However, please be aware that there is a chance it may not work out. I will be making the roommate assignments, and you will get them upon arrival. I will say, though, that at previous retreats, several women were roommates with strangers, and the women were thrilled with their new friendships! Sharing rooms makes ladies become close friends fast! We are here to build relationships more than anything, right? Please pray for me in this. Making the rooming assignments is one of the most challenging aspects of organizing a retreat. I’m very careful, and it takes a considerable amount of time. Teen girls must be in the same room as their mothers; however, I will ensure that request is met.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?

I cannot give refunds. You may give or sell your ticket to someone else on your own. I cannot help find a buyer for your ticket.  The woman who purchased your ticket also needs to email me at Amy@TorahSisters.com.

CAN I PAY FOR JUST ONE OR TWO DAYS?

No, I’m selling tickets for the entire event only. You can attend for just part of the event, but you must purchase a ticket for the entire duration, even if you are unable to stay for the entire time. If you need to arrive late, please notify me.

CAN I BRING MY DAUGHTER?

If your daughter is 14 or over, yes! Please buy her ticket separately in a different transaction/checkout. You must be sleeping in the same room as your daughter. Please note this when purchasing your ticket. TEENS CAN ONLY COME WITH THEIR MOM OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. (If you think I should make an exception for you, please reach out to me.). The only exception will be for a teen whose mom has passed away, and a woman from her congregation is coming to be responsible for her. No other teens may come without their mother. This is for safety and legal concerns. This is not a teen retreat.

WILL THERE BE SPECIAL PROGRAMMING FOR THE TEEN GIRLS?

No. This is a women’s retreat, not a “mother-daughter retreat.” I am not planning special programming for the teen girls. Yah has made it clear to me that my mission is to minister to women, and not necessarily teens. There is a lot of value in them doing woman things with the women and hearing women talks from the women, and just joining in with us in what we are already doing.  I will have a table for the teens to sit together at some meals. Prepare your daughter to come ready to pour out into her peers, ready to give more than she receives, and I pray she will be blessed tremendously with new friendships as she shows the love of Yeshua to her new friends.

Teen girls must be in their rooms when their moms have gone to bed. A group of teen girls (or even one alone) should not be up and awake outside of their room late into the night without one of their moms supervising them.

CAN I BRING MY INFANT?

No. Infants are not allowed at the retreat.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT FLYING IN?

I’m so glad you’re flying in to join us!

1. Fly into DTW, Detroit Metro Airport. It’s only about a 30-minute Uber to the camp from DTW.
2. After you buy your ticket, Click here to join a Facebook group where you can ask to borrow stuff.
3. The local ladies will be happy to provide you with extra blankets, pillows, a hair dryer, and other amenities if you would like them to be available for you.
4. Whenever you spend a significant amount of money on a trip, I always recommend purchasing private travel insurance. It usually costs very little and will likely help you in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

• Towel for the swimming pool. (Can’t take room towels)
• Earplugs, sleep mask if you’re a light sleeper.
• Bedding for a twin-size bed if you bought a dorm ticket.
• Towels if you bought a dorm ticket.
• Extra blanket if you get cold – the one they provide is not very warm.
• Toiletries
• Camp chair for campfires (maybe leave it in your car until you need it)
• Water bottle
• Tote bag for your Bible, water bottle, and so on, for walking around camp
• Swimsuit for the hot tub and pool
• Water bottle
• Checkbook for shopping (not all vendors take credit cards)
• Favorite games
• Bible
• An extension cord or power strip for charging your phone.
• Casual clothes.
• Comfy shoes for walking
• Jacket, hoodie
• If you are flying and need bedding provided in a dorm, contact me.

WHAT ARE THE ROOMS AND BATHROOMS LIKE?

See the gallery of pictures below to see images of the insides of some of the rooms.

WILL THERE BE WALKING?

Yes, this is a camp, so there will be some walking involved. It’s all close together, though. Your car will stay parked. If you have a disability, there are some parking spots at each of these buildings for a few of our Sisters to drive back and forth. Most of us will walk.

CAN I BUY A TICKET AT THE DOOR?

No, I don’t offer tickets at the door.

ABOUT THE DRINKING WATER

The camp has city water. I recommend bringing a water bottle and filling it up with ice water at the dining hall at mealtimes to take with you. There is also a drinking fountain at the tabernacle. If you have special water needs, please bring your own water. Be considerate of your roommates, though, because there may not be room for you to have a whole case of water at your bedside. Consider leaving it in your car and bringing in a few bottles at a time. This may also help keep it cool, as there is no refrigerator available for Retreat attendees. I provide bottled water for my staff and speakers only.

WHAT ABOUT THE PRONUNCIATION OF THE NAME AND OTHER CONTROVERSIAL MATTERS?

At Torah Sisters, I’ve always insisted that this be a place of shalom and no arguing or hurt feelings, and the Retreat will certainly be the same. There is a wide variety of beliefs among the Torah Sisters who will attend the retreat. All of us believe that Yeshua is the Messiah and the source of our salvation and that as believers, we are to keep Torah. But beyond that, there are differing interpretations of scripture in several matters. Some of these matters that many of us interpret differently are:

• how to say the name of YHWH
• which calendar
• Judaism
• head coverings
• women wearing tzittzit
• what the word “Christian” means
• which kinds of food ingredients are clean
• and so on.

If any of these types of matters are so important to you that they would hinder peaceful fellowship, then this is not the retreat for you. However, the Father has shown such astounding grace to us that surely it is an easy matter for us to be able to show that grace to others. Please remember that while we may have our differences, we are of one accord in many things, and this retreat is to be one of shalom and grace among us. I want you to join us! I will add that I don’t want any discussions where one woman is trying to convince another to do any of the following: reject Yeshua as Messiah or Divine, reject Paul, say we don’t need to keep all of Torah and the Feasts, or promote polygamy. I do hope you exchange phone numbers so you can discuss these important matters from home. I don’t think those discussions are appropriate at the retreat, where many others can overhear your conversations, so refrain from them if they come up. 

DOES THE CAMP HAVE ANY RULES?

Yes, indeed, the camp facility has some rules that we must abide by. No alcohol, smoking, or pets are allowed on the property. If you bring alcohol, the camp will send us all home immediately without a refund. Don’t bring alcohol, not even in your car. If you bring it, I’ll ask you to leave immediately without a refund, as it puts me at risk of losing several thousand dollars and would ruin and end our event. Don’t bring alcohol onto the property. By purchasing your ticket, you agree to these terms. Thank you!

CAN I STAY AN EXTRA NIGHT?

No, I cannot offer extra nights. Please plan to arrive during the check-in time and leave at the end of the event. There are lots of hotels nearby if you have a long way to travel.

WILL THERE BE ANY OF THE CAMP’S ACTIVITIES?

Yes! Adult ladies 18 and over can use the pool and hot tub at any time, except during tabernacle services. Teen girls can use the pool and hot tub when a lifeguard is on duty, which will be determined by staffing. You will also be able to walk around the camp, sit by the beach, play disc golf, and engage in other recreational activities.  I’ll also have some card and board games available.

IS THERE A FACEBOOK GROUP FOR US?

Yes! I have created a Facebook group just for those who purchased tickets. Click here to join the group after you purchase your ticket.

WHO SHOULD NOT ATTEND?

This is not an all-inclusive list, of course, because each situation is unique, but here is a short list of women who should not attend the retreat. I have this policy to ensure a shalomy and Yeshua-focused retreat for all of us. If a woman stirs up conflict or gossip at the retreat, I’ll ask her to stop. If she continues to do so, I will ask her to leave. With such a short retreat, that is all the time I will have to deal with the situation in the most Biblical manner possible at such a brief event. Women who are not allowed at a Torah Sisters event:

• Women who just want to argue.
• Women can’t stop grumbling, complaining, or trying to get others to complain against Amy, the Retreat volunteers or the camp.
• Women who can’t control their gossiping.
• Women who stir up conflict and discord in the community, either online or in real life.
• Women who are under any sort of discipline or restriction at any congregation.
• Women who feel the need to practice or promote energy healing, muscle testing, scanning, and the like, during their stay. These practices are sins and not allowed to be done or promoted on the retreat grounds.

What did they say from the last retreat?

“I knew no one at the retreat and came alone, but felt welcome right away. One of my favorite things was the request that we sit with different people at each meal. It was such a great way to meet a lot of people and helped avoid segregating into little cliques. I also met someone who lives near me, and we are able to join them for Shabbat sometimes!” -Shannon P., Columbus, OH

“I didn’t know anyone and hadn’t met anyone Torah observant when I bought my ticket, but I’m so glad I did! Everyone was so friendly and made me feel very welcomed. I now have the encouragement I desperately needed, and I’m so thankful I traveled the distance!” Teresa J., Reno, NV

“I had a great time at the retreat. I plan to attend 2020. I met lots of new lady friends and made two real special friendships because of the roommate pairings! The speakers were super inspirational and no one there was judging the others “walk” or “beliefs” and they were a wide range of walks and beliefs represented! Everyone was able to just enjoy each other’s company.” Barbara K., Winona, TX

Feedback from past surveys

“I thought the retreat was wonderful! I left blessed and thankful I came!”

“All the speakers did a great job and everything was very well thought out!”

“Keep doing what you’re doing and being lead by Him! It was a truly beautiful experience I won’t forget.”

“It was really so very thoughtful and intentional and just wonderful.”

“You thought of EVERYTHING and even things I didn’t know I needed were provided!”

“It was excellent, and I cannot think of any way to make it better.”

“You did an amazing job Amy! I was blown away by how well the retreat went!!”

“I really think your scheduling was very well thought out. I was very impressed.”

“This retreat was such a blessing because everyone seemed to be genuinely walking in love. No gossip or backbiting, no cliques.”

“For all the conferences I’ve gone to, I have to say Amy’s organizational skills are off the charts.” “I loved having the schedule on the back of the name tag.”

“Very much worth the drive!”

“I loved having it where we did. It was all amazing! Thank you for all of your hard work!”

“I really liked the schedule because it gave opportunities for down time and shopping and fellowship in between.”

“I loved all of it. The give aways were particularly fun! Did every attendee get a prize?? It seemed like it! The polls were a fun way to bring unity. Having worship with the music videos was actually great. I was a little uncertain how that would feel but it was really enjoyable. “

“Loved it all! would not change a thing. Especially enjoyed the polls. The announcements were very helpful and we always knew what to expect. ” “Announcements were very helpful. Loved the worship time. ” “First time here, was very great experience.”

“There was nothing I didn’t like about them, I actually LOVED every part of it, from the announcements to the giveaways, the Worship was AWESOME, I thought you did wonderful on the song selection, the short videos brought me to tears every time! “

“Everything was well laid out. Worship songs were spot on!”