Have a Question?
We have an Answer!
- FAQ: What happens after we get to Portsmouth?
You will be directed where to park in the Steamship Company dock, check in and unload your luggage. Finally board the ferry and you're on your way!
- FAQ: What do we do once we get off the ferry?
Once you have disembarked the boat, head up the road and up the steps of the Oceanic Hotel (main building, follow the crowd). Next, head into the hotel where you will confirm your room assignment at the lobby desk. Your luggage will be dropped off at living areas by island staff.
- FAQ: What is a shared room?
A shared room simply means a room with more than one person. Families, couples, or two+ people who would like to room together. A shared room does not mean you will be sharing with someone you don’t know.
- FAQ: How are the rooms laid out?
Different rooms offer different options. Some are the perfect size for singles or couples, others can accommodate a whole family. Most rooms can also fit a pack n play, and adjoining rooms are also an option. If you’re looking for a little bit more privacy then the cottages or motel rooms may be more to your liking. But there is always something for everyone!!!
- FAQ: Can I apply for both a discount and a financial grant?
Yes You Can!!
- FAQ: What is the hall monitoring service?
The island staff provides hall monitors every evening from 8 to 11 p.m. for families with children 8 and under. This is a group sitter service. Hall monitors are stationed in the hallways near the children’s rooms to listen, to see that the children are safe, and to see that the parents are sent for if their child/children need them. For more information, see the Youth and Families webpage. All families with children under 8 will be charged ~ $50 for this service.
- FAQ: How will I know what to pack?
Please see the packing list in your welcome email.
- FAQ: What kind of shoes should I bring?
It is best to bring a few different kinds. While flip-flops are great for the showers and in your rooms, they definitely won’t hold up outside. Closed toe sandals are best for kids! For adults, if you plan to stay on the paths the slip on sandals with thick soles are best. If you plan on adventuring off the path, or out on the rocks, you’ll want something that straps to your foot securely. It can be cold and rainy, so it’s good to have something waterproof and warm as well. If you plan on going swimming then water shoes are best, as the beach is very rocky.
- FAQ: Can I bring a stroller to the island?
Strollers are not recommended on Star Island, as the island walkways are not paved and have very uneven terrain. However, baby carriers/backpacks work wonderfully.
- FAQ: Does Star Island provide over-the-counter medicines (pain reliever, Pepto Bismol, etc.) if I get sick?
The best option is to bring a small first aid kit with everything you might need. However there is a small store in the lobby of the Oceanic Hotel, they will have a small array of personal care items. The First Aid station will also have medication in case of illness or injury.
-FAQ: Are there curtains in the rooms?
Most rooms have curtains, others have roller shades or wooden shutters.
- FAQ: Who are the Pels?
The Pels (short for Pelicans) are a crew of 100 or so employees (many are college students). They spend the summer on the island and do everything from housekeeping, maintenance, gardening, and cooking, to help ensure all guests have an amazing week!
- FAQ: What About Taking Showers on Star Island?
Availability: 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (closed in the middle for cleaning) any day. Location: Men’s and women’s shower rooms, beneath the lobby. Gender-neutral and first-floor accessible showers are available for those who aren’t able to use the main showers. It is best to bring a bathrobe or cover up to get back and forth from the showers to your room. To conserve resources, conferees are asked to limit showers to roughly every other day. Towels and soap are available outside the shower rooms. There is also a rinse-off shower located at the end of the pier for conferees wishing to rinse off after a swim.
- FAQ: What is the candlelight chapel service?
Experience some of the magic of Star Island! What could be more peaceful than a candlelight chapel service accompanied by the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and music? Candlelight services are a cherished Star Island tradition. At the close of each day, Shoalers gather at the foot of the hill and form a procession, carrying candle lanterns as the villagers of long ago carried their whale-oil lamps up the same winding path to the meetinghouse. Inside the chapel, the candle lanterns are hung on brackets from the walls, providing the only source of light. Whether you attend every night, make it to a few, or experience it only once it is not something you want to miss.
- FAQ: I’m an early riser, what’s the best way to start my day?
Whatever your speed is, there is something for you. Maybe you’re the get up and go type...If so, take a run around the perimeter road, or the polar bear plunge. Or maybe a cup of coffee or tea on the front porch is more your style. Either way you're bound to have a great day!!
- FAQ: What is there to do for the rest of the day?
The short answer: It's like summer camp for all ages!!!
The more detailed answer: When people talk about Star Island, they talk about it as both a “place to unplug” and a “place where something is always going on.” As hard as it is to believe, both are completely true. This year the morning programming for adults will focus on Deepening Faith…. While the adults are in their morning programs, children and youth 0-18 will get to enjoy our Young People's Programs. There are lots of other programs and activities on our schedule and you may want to spend some of your time exploring the island, taking out a kayak, or creating some artwork.
- FAQ: I see on the schedule there is an Underworld Tour, what is that?
Underworld Tours (offered for both adults and kids/youth) offer a “behind the scenes look” through the kitchens, laundry, staff dining areas, and other areas of the island operation on these interactive tours! Ask questions and chat about how the island is run as you walk.
- FAQ: I see on the schedule there is a Botany Walk, what is that?
The Island Naturalist will conduct a tour of the vast island flora, including a discussion on edible and medicinal plants native to the Shoals.
- FAQ: Are there games and/or sports equipment on the Island?
Of course!!! The following island equipment may be signed out at the Front Desk: Frisbees, ping-pong paddles (table is in Brookfield attached to the marine lab), volleyballs, basketballs, horseshoes, corn hole, hula-hoops, kick balls, tennis rackets, softballs, bats & gloves. Keep in mind that children under 12 cannot use softball equipment without an adult present. Or feel free to bring your own!
- FAQ: What is the swimming/beach like?
The beach is rocky so water shoes are a definite plus. You can also jump off the swim platform that is attached to the dock and go for a swim. Lifeguards are on duty during swim hours.
You will be directed where to park in the Steamship Company dock, check in and unload your luggage. Finally board the ferry and you're on your way!
- FAQ: What do we do once we get off the ferry?
Once you have disembarked the boat, head up the road and up the steps of the Oceanic Hotel (main building, follow the crowd). Next, head into the hotel where you will confirm your room assignment at the lobby desk. Your luggage will be dropped off at living areas by island staff.
- FAQ: What is a shared room?
A shared room simply means a room with more than one person. Families, couples, or two+ people who would like to room together. A shared room does not mean you will be sharing with someone you don’t know.
- FAQ: How are the rooms laid out?
Different rooms offer different options. Some are the perfect size for singles or couples, others can accommodate a whole family. Most rooms can also fit a pack n play, and adjoining rooms are also an option. If you’re looking for a little bit more privacy then the cottages or motel rooms may be more to your liking. But there is always something for everyone!!!
- FAQ: Can I apply for both a discount and a financial grant?
Yes You Can!!
- FAQ: What is the hall monitoring service?
The island staff provides hall monitors every evening from 8 to 11 p.m. for families with children 8 and under. This is a group sitter service. Hall monitors are stationed in the hallways near the children’s rooms to listen, to see that the children are safe, and to see that the parents are sent for if their child/children need them. For more information, see the Youth and Families webpage. All families with children under 8 will be charged ~ $50 for this service.
- FAQ: How will I know what to pack?
Please see the packing list in your welcome email.
- FAQ: What kind of shoes should I bring?
It is best to bring a few different kinds. While flip-flops are great for the showers and in your rooms, they definitely won’t hold up outside. Closed toe sandals are best for kids! For adults, if you plan to stay on the paths the slip on sandals with thick soles are best. If you plan on adventuring off the path, or out on the rocks, you’ll want something that straps to your foot securely. It can be cold and rainy, so it’s good to have something waterproof and warm as well. If you plan on going swimming then water shoes are best, as the beach is very rocky.
- FAQ: Can I bring a stroller to the island?
Strollers are not recommended on Star Island, as the island walkways are not paved and have very uneven terrain. However, baby carriers/backpacks work wonderfully.
- FAQ: Does Star Island provide over-the-counter medicines (pain reliever, Pepto Bismol, etc.) if I get sick?
The best option is to bring a small first aid kit with everything you might need. However there is a small store in the lobby of the Oceanic Hotel, they will have a small array of personal care items. The First Aid station will also have medication in case of illness or injury.
-FAQ: Are there curtains in the rooms?
Most rooms have curtains, others have roller shades or wooden shutters.
- FAQ: Who are the Pels?
The Pels (short for Pelicans) are a crew of 100 or so employees (many are college students). They spend the summer on the island and do everything from housekeeping, maintenance, gardening, and cooking, to help ensure all guests have an amazing week!
- FAQ: What About Taking Showers on Star Island?
Availability: 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (closed in the middle for cleaning) any day. Location: Men’s and women’s shower rooms, beneath the lobby. Gender-neutral and first-floor accessible showers are available for those who aren’t able to use the main showers. It is best to bring a bathrobe or cover up to get back and forth from the showers to your room. To conserve resources, conferees are asked to limit showers to roughly every other day. Towels and soap are available outside the shower rooms. There is also a rinse-off shower located at the end of the pier for conferees wishing to rinse off after a swim.
- FAQ: What is the candlelight chapel service?
Experience some of the magic of Star Island! What could be more peaceful than a candlelight chapel service accompanied by the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and music? Candlelight services are a cherished Star Island tradition. At the close of each day, Shoalers gather at the foot of the hill and form a procession, carrying candle lanterns as the villagers of long ago carried their whale-oil lamps up the same winding path to the meetinghouse. Inside the chapel, the candle lanterns are hung on brackets from the walls, providing the only source of light. Whether you attend every night, make it to a few, or experience it only once it is not something you want to miss.
- FAQ: I’m an early riser, what’s the best way to start my day?
Whatever your speed is, there is something for you. Maybe you’re the get up and go type...If so, take a run around the perimeter road, or the polar bear plunge. Or maybe a cup of coffee or tea on the front porch is more your style. Either way you're bound to have a great day!!
- FAQ: What is there to do for the rest of the day?
The short answer: It's like summer camp for all ages!!!
The more detailed answer: When people talk about Star Island, they talk about it as both a “place to unplug” and a “place where something is always going on.” As hard as it is to believe, both are completely true. This year the morning programming for adults will focus on Deepening Faith…. While the adults are in their morning programs, children and youth 0-18 will get to enjoy our Young People's Programs. There are lots of other programs and activities on our schedule and you may want to spend some of your time exploring the island, taking out a kayak, or creating some artwork.
- FAQ: I see on the schedule there is an Underworld Tour, what is that?
Underworld Tours (offered for both adults and kids/youth) offer a “behind the scenes look” through the kitchens, laundry, staff dining areas, and other areas of the island operation on these interactive tours! Ask questions and chat about how the island is run as you walk.
- FAQ: I see on the schedule there is a Botany Walk, what is that?
The Island Naturalist will conduct a tour of the vast island flora, including a discussion on edible and medicinal plants native to the Shoals.
- FAQ: Are there games and/or sports equipment on the Island?
Of course!!! The following island equipment may be signed out at the Front Desk: Frisbees, ping-pong paddles (table is in Brookfield attached to the marine lab), volleyballs, basketballs, horseshoes, corn hole, hula-hoops, kick balls, tennis rackets, softballs, bats & gloves. Keep in mind that children under 12 cannot use softball equipment without an adult present. Or feel free to bring your own!
- FAQ: What is the swimming/beach like?
The beach is rocky so water shoes are a definite plus. You can also jump off the swim platform that is attached to the dock and go for a swim. Lifeguards are on duty during swim hours.
Have more questions?
Please feel free to reach out to our registrar April Rosario using the button below.
Please feel free to reach out to our registrar April Rosario using the button below.