Are There Really Critters at Camp?
OK, this is actually your Fearless Leader hugging a lion cub on vacation. But at Camp GetAway, we also keep a sharp eye out for Mother Nature's creatures. We've seen deer, coyote, raccoons, squirrels, chipmonks, owls, blue jays (plus Dakota, the camp boxer dog) and have heard on-site director Janet's stories of bear sightings. WOW, wilderness! What a concept!
Why I Love Camp GetAway
No, it isn't because it makes money (put a pencil to it and you will realize, this is a labor of LOVE, girlfriend). I love Camp GetAway. And many of our alums sure love it, too. Here are some reasons why:
1. It is quiet. Peacefully, blissfully quiet. No TV. No traffic noise. No kids.
2. It is healthy. The air is delicious. The food is hearty. The water is divine.
3. The company is great. Women, lots of happy women. Without men to interrupt or need our attention. Or pets that need walking. Or other family members who always seem to NEED something.
4. Simple pleasures and basic fun. Crafts, if you want. Hikes, even if you aren't an athlete. Yoga just to stretch the ol' bod a bit.
5. Talking. With friends and with strangers. Talking about things that will NEVER get back to anyone. Talking for hours. Girl talk. Women talk. Ahhh, talking.
6. No talking. Just sitting. Reading. Walking. Thinking. Breathing.
7. It is youthful. Yes, we sleep on bunks. Yes, we play some light games. Yes, we SING and DANCE. And it is absolutely wonderful.
8. Good food cooked by someone else. And no dishes to clean afterwards.
9. Delicious coffee made from delicious mountain spring water. Deeeelicious.
10. Chocolate.
How to Keep Your Cool at Camp
It’s California, and autumn weather in the mountains can be tricky to predict. Typically in October, days are on the warmer side and nights on the chilly side! What does that mean to your packing list? Daytime shorts AND nighttime sweatpants. Hiking shoes ‘n socks for outdoor activities, of course. But uggs for after-activity kicking back always welcomed.
Basically, if you plan for DIS-comfort, you'll be the most comfortable of all. In October, Patti brings a down sleeping bag to snooze warmly and lightweight jammies if it's cooler than usual. If you have a tiny personal fan, throw that in the car, too.
Remember that massage oil and magical facial potions will also make you slightly grimier. Hey, it's camp! Don’t bother with a hairdryer if a slicked-back ponytail or headband will do. Drink lots of water whenever you are in the mountains, and wearing a hat or visor during outside activities in the sun strongly advised.
Part of the fun of Camp is letting our hair down and being in the moment. Whether it’s picture-perfect weather or a touch on the challenging side, being flexible and prepared will ensure your weekend results in happy memories.
Send an Enlisted Serviceman's Wife to Camp -- 2009!
Until we meet again….
~steph
One Major Camp Theme is CHOCOLATE
What do women really want? Chocolate. CHOCOLATE. CHOCOLATE!!! To get you in the mood for being in a happy place, give Patti's recipe for Kahlua Chocolate Cupcakes with Kahlua Buttercream Frosting a try. She posts her recipes on her foodie blog, Worth The Whisk. P.S. we know a few of you don't crave chocolate, and no worries there. Chocolate at Camp is just one element of good times here.
Field Trip to Organic Apple Farm Announced
Apples, My Pretty!! This October's itinerary will include an exciting field trip to a local ORGANIC APPLE FARM. U-Pick, U-Buy -- and in anticipation of Mother Nature's bounty, we're preparing take-home recipes such as our Absolutely Awesome Homemade Applesauce (super easy and better 'n anything from the store). Registered campers get recipes on-site for their fresh-picked, luscious apples.
Addicted to Archery
Maybe it is the ability to visualize the face of an ex-husband on that archery target that makes our campers clamor to shoot arrows. It isn't willy-nilly here, however. Certified instructor David ensures campers learn the proper and safe way to take out their aggressions. Ready, aim, shoot and you are ADDICTED to the power behind that archery bow. Hang on there, we'll make sure you get your turn!
Judy Copenbarger Returns for October 2-4 Camp
Money in Today’s Economy -- get it, save it, manage it, protect it.... -- Our October Camp welcomes back seminar instructor Judy Copenbarger, financial manager to the masses. Are you not so great at money? Time to learn, girlfriend. This enlightening workshop will educate, encourage and entertain, as Judy uncovers the truth behind earning, spending, investing, protecting and managing your cash in this ever-changing world. Each attendee will walk away with practical ideas and tools which can be immediately implemented to make a difference in your financial life and your future. Empower yourself with this incredibly impactful financial education. What a great seminar for your girlfriend getaway.
Our Hearts Belongs to Tie Dye
When you attend Camp GetAway, you discover we put our whole heart into the Tie Dye activity. Pack at least one white cotton PREWASHED thing and learn to make beautiful heart designs like these. All it takes is a rather thin fabric (like t-shirt), rubber bands, marbles and patience.
Weather is Warming, Camp is Coming
We see a noticible jump in web traffic when the weather starts warming up. That means our campers are dreaming about getting away. October may seem like a very long time from now, but it shows up FAST. Getting a gaggle of girlfriends together also takes a lot of wrangling. If you want to have a Camp GetAway weekend, start the process now, no waiting. Summer comes and our brains go to mush until those kids are back in school and then, waaaaaa, it might be too late to register! Watch for camp emails and get registered.
Why We Absolutely LOVE Camp Coffee
Besides the fact that our Camp Coffee is brewed with cold, delicious mountain water, the real reason we love a steaming cup o' Joe here is the fact that someone else has made it before we get up, the fireplace is roaring, the pile of magazines is gigantic and absolutely NOBODY needs anything from us. Is this heaven, or what?
What Will The Party Theme Be?
Don't make us laugh! Wait, DEFINITELY MAKE US LAUGH, that's what Saturday's Dinner theme is all about. Don't worry if you aren't the costume-type, there are NO requirements. Just pack your sense of humor. In the past, we've included TVLand, Pretty in Pink, Hawaiian Luau and others. Registered Campers receive their party invite in their registration packet.
The Healing Power of Grown-Up Fun
Grown-up fun. Yes, it exists. Putting aside the stresses of everyday life is difficult for most women, but once we do, the weight of the world lifts from our shoulders like angel's wings. How do you achieve FUN? Where is it hidden? Does it take a lot of effort?? Follow the leader! Your Camp Fearless Leader has created an itinerary jam-packed with grown-up fun, designed to encourage you to let off steam, leave troubles behind and, at least for one lovely weekend, feel like a kid again. Do as much or as little as you please here, your time is completely your own.
How to Find Your Bliss
Bliss, bliss, bliss. It can be an overworked and confusing word, what exactly does it mean? "A state of extreme happiness." Pretty simple to say, and most times, pretty hard to achieve. Anderson Cooper of CNN tells the story that when he was a teenager getting ready to interview for a restaurant job, he asked his mother (the famed Gloria Vanderbilt) for advice. She said, "Follow your bliss." Well, Coop thought that was a little over the head of a 17-year-old waiter and it took some time before he could appreciate it, but today Coop says, he follows his mother's advice in his high-profile journalism job. Extreme happiness can be a life situation or simply a weekend away from the stresses of home and work. In either case, bliss is what you make of it. What do we sell at Camp GetAway? Massive amounts of bliss.
These Shoes Were Made for Walkin'
And crafting. And dancing. And tie dying. And canoeing. Fearless Leader, Patti's Camp Keds were a familiar sight each time we all got together. But sadly, even sneakers' lives come to an end. These made it all the way to Hanoi, Vietnam this past Christmas, fell apart and decided to stay there. Next Camp GetAway... new Keds for Patti!
FAQs - We Get Asked Every Camp:
Q. When do registrations sell out?
A. We honestly never know. Every Camp is different; some book up earlier than others.
Q. Can I make a deposit to hold a space?
A. Sorry, only full payment secures a spot.
Q. How many campers in a cabin?
A. Cabins have several configurations, averaging 4 to 6 bunkrooms. Bunkrooms sleep up to 8 campers. We use a secret formula to do cabin assignments that only Fearless Leader is privy to. Believe us, you spend very little time inside cabins, everything FUN is happening throughout Camp. The bathrooms ARE indoors, the showers ARE private and the water IS hot.
Q. I'm lactose-intollerant, will I have a problem?
A. Your registration form asks campers to list any food issues, so that we can accommodate. For "weight loss" focused campers, there are plenty of healthy food choices at each meal.
Q. I don't have anyone to join me, will I fit in attending solo?
A. We always have solo travelers, no worries. And to be honest, once groups get here, they often split in several directions, too.
Q. Can I book spa treatments closer to the Camp date?
A. Sure. Registered campers receive materials in the mail that allow you to add spa treatments later, if available. We add spa staff based on pre-paid appointments.
Q. I have special needs due to a disability. Can you accommodate?
A. Yes, we can. Contact Patti directly at 310-471-3138 x 105 to discuss so the proper cabin, parking, etc. can be assigned.
Q. Are there discounts for groups?
A. Everyone pays the same rate. Keep an eye on the Early Bird Discount deadline.
Q. I'm a brand new mommy, still pumping. Advice?
A. All bunkrooms have electrical outlets, and the lodge has a camper 'fridge, so you can store until time to go home.
Q. We have friends who want to attend, but cannot pay yet. Can we save spaces?
A. Bunks are reserved by paid registration. However, your registration form does ask for a list of requested bunkmates, so we can watch for named campers' anticipated registration to keep groups together.
Q. Our group wants to funnel everything through one contact, how do we do this?
A. Each camper MUST submit her own online registration, for liability reasons. If one person wants to submit payment for the group, have her email Patti@CampGetAway.com for a special invoice. Each paid camper receives her registration packet in the mail.
Q. How can I "surprise" my sister with a gift of Camp GetAway weekend?
A. Every camp, we have a few surprise attendances (last camp, we had THREE). Email Patti@CampGetAway.com to arrange submission of her registration form, and where to mail her registration packet.
Q. When do we know the day and time of our spa appointments?
A. Campers with FRIDAY appointments are emailed a week before Camp. All other appointments are in your welcome envelope.
Q. Can I bring my dog?
A. Only service animals may attend.
Q. What happens if I need to cancel?
A. Our website posts the cancellation and refund policy.
Posts
