Cacapehon retreat started as two separate programs, the “Mountain Recording Retreat” in 2016 and the “Mountain Songwriting Retreat” in 2018, but after an experimental combined event in 2021, we found that the participants loved the new format. The two programs are now combined, with the possibility of adding more components in the coming years. Also, so many participants from the recording side and the songwriting side have become such good friends, we could not bring ourselves to tear them apart now!

The new  name “Cacapehon” was launched for the 2024 edition of the retreat. The name is one of the Anglicized versions of an old Shawnee word, likely meaning “Healing Waters”. There is also speculation that the name may have meant “to appear,” “to rise to view,” and “to be found again.”  Other variant spellings of this word can be found throughout the Capon Valley, including the beautiful Capon Springs Resort, where our retreat is held. We chose the variant that George Washington used in his journals from 1732.

The titles says we have the same goals, but maybe the truth is that the goals are becoming more into focus. The retreat is completely packs with education, but the reality is that over the years it has become clear that the gathering of wonderful people is the heart and soul of Cacapehon.

Learn more about the name here