1. Go thru your Goodwill bag to resurrect shirts for Tie-Dye. Tie-Dye hides a LOT of sins – spots and yellow underarms seem to disappear. 100% cotton is best. Patti is going to try dying her well-worn white Keds, while we’re at it.
2. Patti says down sleeping bags are washable, she’s done it! Hot weather is the best time. Unzip the bag to open completely. Stuff it into your washing machine and run on delicate with a teensy bit of soap in warm water. Open the lid once or twice and shove it all under water if it’s poofing up. Once spun dry, it will still be pretty drippy. Hang outside in the heat of the day (on a clothesline, over chairs or some way for air to circulate), turn it a couple of times during the day. If still damp by sundown, bring inside and re-hang outside tomorrow. It will smell incredibly fresh.
3. Order “Skin So Soft” lotion from Avon – sunscreen, moisturizer and bug repellant in one really good product.
4. Clear out your camera memory card to not run out of space. The mountains are beautiful, and when friends are relaxed and refreshed, photos really reflect it. You’ll get the best shots if you shoot everything and delete at leisure.
5. When was the last time you READ a good book? Ask friends for a loaner, then grant yourself “me time” to gobble up a wonderful story.
6. Bag up magazines to bring. We have a “bring one, take one” table – once you’re done pouring thru yours, feel free to take a whole pile back home at the end of the weekend. Or rip them up right there on-site if you want that article or recipe… we ENCOURAGE it (how many times have you been at the doctor’s office and oh-so-quietly tore out a page? At Camp, let ‘er rip).
Six Tips to Prep for Camp
Top Ten Reasons to NOT Attend Camp
# 10 - I won’t know anyone.
We feel your pain, however, coming solo has some distinct benefits. For one thing, you can REALLY leave all your worries behind, because you're also leaving family, mom, sis, cousin, co-worker or neighbor behind. And one of the rewards of attending Camp is stretching beyond your comfort zone.
# 9 - I live too far away.
In 12 years, our campers have come from North, South, East and (obviously West) states, even Alaska. Last camp, we had a first-timer attend from New York!
# 8 - Isn’t this camp just for Moms?
Not at all! When first opened in 1996, it was called Camp Mom, but word got out so quickly how much fun we have, the name was soon changed to Camp GetAway – for all of us at all stages of life. Similar camps have popped up on occasion, but Camp GetAway is the Mother Of Them All.
# 7 – I’m not a camper.
Well, friend, this ain’t camping. It’s CAMP, big difference. Yes, it’s still in the mountains and yes, we have S’mores and sing-a-longs and hikes. But bathrooms are indoors, showers are blessedly hot, cabins are heated and delicious food is served on real plates with real utensils -- and NO placemats with crayons.
# 6 – I don’t think I’m physically able to keep up with others.
If by “keeping up” you mean laughing, talking, eating, singing, crafting, karaoke-ing and making friends, that’s hard to believe. But if you mean taking a 25-mile hike up a mountain, NOT HERE. We have activities for all levels of physical ability and interests. This is where marathon runners veg all weekend. And where couch potatoes try yoga, canoeing and shooting a few arrows.
# 5 – I'm on a budget.
Have you seen hotel prices lately? Where else can you get 2 nights lodging, all your meals, a cute souvenir t-shirt, tons of entertainment, professional speakers, creative crafts, outdoor activities, prizes and more for the such a low price?
# 4 – I'm not into playing games.
Don’t let the idea intimidate you….most of us don’t have any talents to brag about, but we can act a little silly and try something new if the chance arises. Or not. Being an audience member is also helpful here.
# 3 – I don’t have time to get away.
Who DOES? Free time doesn’t magically appear, you have to plan to get away! Tell your family this is "me time." Here, you get to relive some good ol’ days - staying up late, acting like teenagers, doing what you want to do.
# 2 – I didn’t go to Camp as a kid, I’m not sure I belong.
About half our campers never attended camp as a kid. But they sure love it now! A water balloon fight at THIS age is just as fun as at 12.
And the NUMBER # 1 EXCUSE NOT TO ATTEND CAMP...
# 1 – I don’t like to have FUN.
Then by all means, stay home! But, if you actually DO like to have FUN, Camp is PERFECT FOR YOU. Don’t miss the "Biggest Slumber Party Around"….you know what they say, “What Happens at Camp, STAYS AT CAMP!”
How to REALLY Reduce Stress
We promote the magical powers of Camp as stress-reducing and rejuvenating, but to be honest, there are some requirements on the campers’ part to ensure this happens. Most of the time, campers arrive in a stressed state, having finished a full week of work or home/family duties to endure a gridlocked drive to the base of the mountains.
And being typically busy, some campers have a tough time unwinding once here, so we offer these tips in advance to help you throw aside anxiety and turn into a nice blob of joyful jello as quick as possible.
Leave expectations at the bottom of the mountain. Camp GetAway is neither a spa nor a hotel. It is “camp,” like when we were kids. There can be things that, at least at the beginning, can throw new campers for a loop. Those who see the spirit of adventure in what they encounter here shed stress more quickly. It all depends on attitude. We once had a camper who literally SCREAMED obscenities at a raccoon in the trashbin, instead of marveling at its beauty. She never unwound that weekend, nor did anyone want much to do with her. Which is pretty sad. Pledge to yourself to give "unwinding" a real try.
Breathe. And we mean that. Take time to sit alone on a deck, slow down your pace, listen to the wind whispering in the pines, and really HEAR those wonderful birds. Watch chipmunks scurry. Put the mental brakes on, in other words.
Do everything, or do nothing. But don’t succumb to the notion that if you aren’t provided an activity every minute, that “camp” isn’t fun. This weekend is about being out of your element from home, escaping the drone of busyness and discovering “me time.” Ask friends for a recommended book and bring it just for you.
Take a break from your cabinmates. Split up for a couple of hours. Do things independently. With friends comes discussions of home issues, work issues, kid issues, relationship issues. Take a breather from all of that.
Regarding sleep... don’t fret. One (or possibly two) nights, you won’t get the "same" type of sleep as at home. Just like when you travel on vacation, sleep definitely IS important but that’s not the only reason you’re here. You’re here to OPEN your eyes just as much as CLOSE them. Thus, naps are highly encouraged here, too.
Enjoy fellow campers from all walks of life, and of all ages. Join a card game, sit with someone new at lunch, tie-dye with someone you wouldn’t know back home. We are ALL magnificent, incredible creatures with special characteristics you will never see unless you meet.
Give the cell a vacation. Put your cell on vibrate and ask your family to disconnect with you for the weekend. "Give peace a chance," in other words. Most problems back home can work themselves out without you, and if it is an emergency, there are plenty of ways to get a hold of you.
Abandon the temptation to TM. That’s not “transcendental meditation,” which we encouragae... it’s text messaging. Give it up this one weekend. Not only is it a high contributor to your stress, but watching you do it is stressful to the rest of us – seriously! Be “present” at Camp, be HERE, not there.
Treat yourself. A facial to remove the impact of stress from your face. A massage to liquefy your muscles. A manicure to make you smile each time you look at your hands once home. Try yoga for the first time, it’s wonderful. Wake up early to appreciate nature at a sleepy moment. A delicious cup o' joe awaits you at the lodge. Take a nap later to catch up on missed zzzzzzzz’s.
Make an agreement with yourself... to leave expectations, concerns, anxieties and fears at the bottom of the mountain. If you miss them terribly while at Camp, in less than 48 hours, you can pick them back up again on the way home.
See you at Camp!
The Camp Granada Song
We know, we know, it's a totally goofy song. But it's definitely a part of "camp lore" for decades and it makes us laugh.
Hello muddah, hello faddah
Here I am at Camp Granada
Camp is very entertaining
And they say we'll have some fun if it stops raining.
I went hiking with Joe Spivy
He developed poison ivy
You remember Leonard Skinner
He got ptomaine poisoning last night after dinner.
All the counselors hate the waiters
And the lake has alligators
And the head coach wants no sissies
So he reads to us from something called Ulysses.
How I don't want this should scare ya
But my bunkmate has malaria
You remember Jeffrey Hardy
They're about to organize a searching party.
Take me home, oh muddah, faddah
Take me home, I hate Granada
Don't leave me out in the forest where
I might get eaten by a bear.
Take me home
I promise I will not make noise
Or mess the house with other boys.
Oh please don't make me stay
I've been here one whole day.
Dearest faddah, darling muddah,
How's my precious little bruddah
Let me come home, if you miss me
I would even let Aunt Bertha hug and kiss me.
Wait a minute, it's stopped hailing.
Guys are swimming, guys are sailing
Playing baseball, gee that's better
Muddah, faddah kindly disregard this letter.
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