Virtual Retreat General Guidelines

The purpose of a Virtual Retreat is to provide the same information and support to TOPS and KOPS members who would otherwise be unable to attend an on-site retreat.

 All U.S. retreats can be paid by credit card or check - payable to TOPS Club, Inc. If you must cancel your reservation, contact U.S. Registrar, Kim Hogan, immediately at (414) 376-9215, ext. 250.

Also, if you violate TOPS Retreat Rules by failing to bring a caregiver when needed or by bringing your own food without permission, your participation in the retreat will be ended and you must leave the retreat.

Who May Attend?

Each Virtual Retreat has 23 openings for Adults (18 and older). Only paid, registered TOPS members will be allowed access to the Virtual Retreat sessions.

Not a member? You can join online and enjoy a full year of membership benefits. Call or email our retreat registrar (listed below) for assistance.

It is important to use the name under which you are a TOPS member when registering for the Virtual Retreat. Use this name also when signing in for the sessions. Retreatant names will be verified and those not registered will be denied access to sessions.

Time Zones

All Virtual Retreats are listed in Central Standard time. Please use www.timeanddate.com to check the times in your area.

Session Structure and Content

Using the Zoom platform, Virtual Retreats are held over multiple days and are divided into topic-specific sessions.

The sessions, which run from 90-120 minutes, follow a standard format with each Retreat Director bringing their own signature style to the presentation. Days and times are specific to each retreat and are outlined on the General Guidelines for each Virtual Retreat.

Additional Guidelines

• All sessions are live and will NOT be recorded.

• Topics that may be controversial are not used as subject matter.

• TOPS Rules and chapter situations are not subjects of discussion.

• Confidential matters are respected and treated as such.

Required Hardware/Software

• Communication will be through the use of email.

• Virtual Retreats will be presented on the Zoom platform.

  • A computer, laptop, iPad or notebook allows the best virtual meeting experience and internet access of sufficient speed to participate in a Zoom meeting.

  • A cell phone limits viewing and participating and there may be extra phone charges.

  • The technical knowledge/experience to comfortably access and participate in a virtual meeting via the internet is required.

  • The capacity to download and open attachments is required – printing is optional.

  • Virtual Retreat sessions DO NOT allow for teaching Zoom connection or techniques.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel attending a Virtual Retreat for which you registered, the amount paid may be applied to any Virtual Retreat within the next twelve months without penalty.

To cancel, please contact our Retreat Registrar immediately:

Retreat Registrar Kim Hogan
Phone: (414) 376-9215, ext. 250
Email: retreat@tops.org

Mail: TOPS Club, Inc.
          P.O. Box 070360
          Milwaukee, WI 53207

Retreats focus on helping each other Take and Keep Off Pounds Sensibly.