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.
Why I Love Camp GetAway
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.
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.
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.
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!
Mmmmm, Camp Quiche is Yumm-o!
Women like quiche. We like how fun it is to use different ingredients and the fact that you pretty much cannot screw it up. Men and kids like it because it's pretty dang delicious. At Camp, Sunday brunch featured deeeelicious homebaked quiche. Here's that recipe:
Camp GetAway Quiche
Each serves 6
1 9-inch pie shell, thawed (Camper Cathi strongly recommends Marie Calendar* brand, so we never stray)
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheese (Jack, cheddar, your choice)
1 tsp. seasoning of your choice -- Italian, Mexican, salt & pepper
Then pick 2-3 of such ingredients, NOT ALL:
1 pkg. (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach or broccoli, thawed and drained
1 can (4.5 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
3/4 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - a full can is too much
3 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup cooked chicken, turkey or sliced sausage
Any other veggie you think sounds yummy, like bell pepper or chopped onion
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In pie shell, place your choice of ingredients from the bottom list. Top with cheese. In separate bowl, use a fork or whisk to blend together the eggs and milk. Carefully pour over the ingredients and use a fork to shift contents around a little so egg mix seeps thru. Place in oven on a cookie sheet or foil (it usually spills a bit) and bake 35 minutes. Wiggle the quiche to see if the middle is set, if not, bake another 5 to 10 min. When brown and set, remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.
* these come in packages of 2 pie shells. Make two quiches by doubling recipe. Sometimes we have extra ingredients, so we make a THIRD crustless quiche, known as a fritatta. MMMM. GREAT in the mountains, high altitude doesn't seem to affect it.
Fun Seekers vs. Fun Suckers
Listening to a Satellite Sisters podcast the other day, the subject of "fun seekers versus fun suckers" was covered, which is a fairly appropriate topic for our campers. Camp is a place where you literally see attitudes adjust in front of your own eyes. Picture Friday check-in... a steady stream of burned-out gals who've had a hectic week and usually a tough commute to get here. Winding down isn't easy for full-speed-ahead women, and hesitancy about "what have I gotten myself into??" also contributes to the afternoon's buzz. But a hearty dose of gourmet chow blended with fresh girltalk launches the relaxation process. By our first official activity -- the Mixer & Mingler -- fun-SEEKING has begun. What happens after that... stays at camp!
Sing-A-Long Sneak Peek
Guilty!! We've been known to slightly "renoodle" the lyrics of classic songs to suit our needs. Enjoy THIS ditty (best when sung at the top of your lungs):
Now sit right back and let’s tell the tale,
The tale of a well-earned trip.
That started on this Friday night
I packed, and kissed, and SPLIT.
I jumped into an SUV
With sisters, friends and more.
I didn’t seem to want to stay
Camp GetAway’s in store. CAMP GETAWAY’S IN STORE!
The gossip started getting rough,
The tiny truck was hot!
If not for the snacks and the jokes and sweets,
The fun might have to stop.
We found the Highway Thirty-Eight
Up, up our auto climbed.
Say “adios” to smog and cars,
And stress, we left behind. AND STRESS WE LEFT BEHIND!
Then as we settled into camp,
The little girls emerged.
With giggles, jammies, crafts and s’mores,
My “grumpies,” they were purged.
Now as true Campers we all know
The bunks and bathrooms suck.
But what we love when we get to camp,
Is the “spirit” we get back. THE SPIRIT WE GET BACK!
So gimme lots of R and R,
Rejuvenating fun.
I’ll get a good night’s sleep back home
When my slice of heaven’s done.
Camp GetAway will help me cope
With stresses in my day.
This life’s too short, and I deserved
MY GIRLFRIEND GET-A-WAY!!
We Luv Our Sponsor, Mad Housewife Wines
Camp GetAway never looks a gift horse in the mouth (strange saying, but we know what it means), so we're always grateful when we can host another Meet & Greet wine tasting at Camp by Mad Housewife Wines. Besides being downright excellent wines (Patti will vouch for that), there's something quite trendy ('specially to Republicans) about that fun label. Click the photo for a closer look. Registered campers will enjoy their generosity Friday evening. THANK YOU, MAD HOUSEWIFE WINES (and visit their website to find their products in your neighborhood).
TVLand Theme at Saturday's Dinner
Patti grew up on television (that is her to the far left), so it's no wonder she decided a FUN theme for September's Camp is TVLand -- dress as a favorite television character. Games and contests will earn campers some highly valued raffle tickets for Sunday's prize drawings. Google old TV show names and pack your costumes.
Tie-Dye Dilemna
OK, you've arrived at Camp, having packed your 3 items to tie-dye, you look at the itinerary and FREAK because there are so much to do, how to get it all in?? Here's a little help:
- Friday nite is the TIE clinic. Relaxing time to twist, knot, rubber band.
- Tieing takes much longer than dying.
- Saturday, we dye practically all day, DON'T WORRY, you have plenty of time.
- Look at your Saturday schedule and decide which other things to do. Then, find an hour in there to drizzle your dyes.
- Don't fret if you cannot get to the craft sink to rinse. Just leave your knotted, colored thing right there and go play!! Come back later to rinse and hang dry. Just PLEASE NO RINSING IN CABINS. Patti has taken full-dye things home and rinsed there.
- Weather permitting, we'll leave clotheslines up over night for more drying. If yours is still damp, remove the rubber bands, stick in a plastic bag and finish at home.
Make CUTE Tie-Dye Headbands At Camp
Here's the "recipe" -- it's a sleeve from a worn-out man's white t-shirt. (We got the idea from Rosie O'Donnell on the Martha Stewart Show.) One shirt = two comfy headbands. Our massage therapist, Janelle, models for you here.
April Camp Photos Now Posted
AAAAAAHHH-SOME APRIL CAMP!
Yes, dear campers, our weekend is already over! And there were more than just a few of you who really weren't ready to go home. Happens every camp. Our fingernails are blue from tie-dye, some of us have a few archery bruises. Our feet hurt from dancing, we're exhausted from singing and laughing... and we cannot wait for September! Registration is now open, join us.
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