About Highlights Foundation

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
On the traditional and contemporary lands of the Lenape Nation, the property resides in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is sustainably cared for by the descendants of the founders of Highlights for Children, Garry and Caroline Myers. Their farmhouse is located here, which is still operational for lodging and gathering space as part of the facility. It’s tucked in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, situated a couple of hours away from NYC and Philadelphia.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

3 farm-fresh meals per day and unlimited snacks are included. We can accommodate most all dietary preferences and needs; inquire when booking.

Getting Here

Location icon Highlights Foundation, 392 Boyds Mills Road, Milanville, PA 18443, USA

Directions

Our Retreat Center is located near the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania. It’s worlds away from the grind of daily life, but we make it easy for you to get here. --You can drive. Our Retreat Center is located in Milanville, PA (also called Boyds Mills, PA; depends on what map you’re using). We can provide directions as needed, and there is ample parking. If you enter 392 Boyds Mills Road, Milanville, PA 18443 into your navigation app, it generally works. --You can fly, and we’ll pick you up. The closest airport is Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AVP). We offer complimentary shuttle service to/from the AVP airport. --You can take a train, and we’ll pick you up. There is a station in Port Jervis, NY with service from NYC. We offer complimentary shuttle service to/from the Port Jervis train station. --You can take a bus, and we’ll pick you up. There is a bus station in Honesdale, PA served by a route from NYC daily. Bus routes also run between Philadelphia and Scranton, PA. We offer complimentary shuttle service to/from the Honesdale and Scranton bus stations.

Customer Reviews

4.37 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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How to Submit to Publishers and find an Agent
This was an excellent mini workshop loaded with up to date info on the above topic. Very pleased with all I learned!

Thank you!!

Caren Waters

3.0
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Harold Underwood was great
I learned a lot from the workshop with Harold Underwood on submissions to agents and publishers. I especially liked his positive attitude with not giving up and enjoying the journey in the process of finding a home for a manuscript. His advice on query letters was most helpful. This was an excellent online course, and like all Highlights Workshops very well organized and informative. Thank you.

3.0
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Solid Overview of Submitting
Harold Underdown's class provided a well-rounded, general overview of the submissions process in 2024.

5.0
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Great classes so far
I’ve participated in 2 mini courses and they are exactly what I would expect from Highlights. Information-intensive with no fluff. Can’t wait to take the next class.

So happy to have connected with this group. I finally feel like my writing is moving forward.

5.0
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Revise,Resonate picture books
It was a most delightful and enlightening 2 day workshop with great information on how to revise and to have your picture book stand out. It was inspiring and encouraging.
Sudipta Bardhan is down to earth and willing to help as much as she can answering questions .

Mission & Vision

The Highlights Foundation was founded in 1985, offering a weeklong summer workshop for children’s authors and illustrators at the Chautauqua Institution in New York.  In 2000, the Foundation started offering smaller workshops and retreats for the children’s publishing community on these grounds year round, building more facilities and spaces to support operations. The Highlights Foundation still calls the Barn & Retreat Center at Boyds Mills home, but has expanded use of the grounds in order to support the organization’s goals. 

We are also committed to our efforts in conservation and sustainability. We’ve made several enhancements throughout the property for energy efficiency, and are currently undergoing a shift to primary solar energy.