What Should I Bring to the Retreat? (2010)
January 29th, 2010

Scrapping “gear”
(i.e. paper, photos, tools, embellishments, anything you think you’ll use while working on your album or pages) Bring what you need, but PLEASE be conscious of the fact that your crop space is YOUR crop space and your neighbor's space is HER space.  So, don't bring everything you own ; ).  But, you can always keep some of your stuff in your room or vehicle until you need it. You never know what you might become inspired to do once you see the pages others have done!  Each cropper will have a roomy area in which to work. *If you bring a lamp or electrical tool, you MUST bring an extension cord.

Ipods & MP3 players
We will be playing music of all types during the weekend.  It will be upbeat stuff from "oldies" to "today's" tunes.  If something is not to your liking, feel free to put ear buds in or headphones on and rock out to your own favorite songs.  If you watch a movie on your laptop or portable DVD player, PLEASE put ear buds in or headphones on!

Seat cushion for your chair, or a comfortable chair to sit in
This weekend is going to involve LOTS of sitting, be kind to your bottom!  Hours and hours of sitting will make a rear really sore.  So, plan ahead and bring what you need to be comfortable.  Almost all of the chairs at Skyline are ladder back chairs which are not really comfortable for long periods of time.  There is certainly room for your computer chairs.  Phronsa, Paulette, and Karen will be bringing theirs FOR SURE!!!

Extension cords &/or power strips
If you plan to bring ANYTHING requiring an electrical outlet, we ask that you bring your own extension cords and power strips.  You may be seated close to an outlet; in which case, you can store any unused cords in your room or vehicle.  However, if you are not close to an outlet, you will definitely need to "feel the POWER".  We will not be able to provide everyone with power strips and cords.

Sweater or jacket to wear in the cropping area 
The temperature in the crop room will be cooler (approximately 72 degrees) to accommodate our scrappin’ hot mamma’s, so please keep in mind your own normal “comfort zone” and pack your bags accordingly.  If you’re really cold natured, bring a lap throw or even a small space heater to put at your feet.  We will keep the thermostat around 70° to 72°.  It’s much easier for a cold natured person to put on a sweater than it is for a menopausal woman to cool down from a hot flash.  If you have one, maybe you'd like to bring an electric lap throw like Phronsa does.  She is perpetually "freezing".

Your Page about YOU (for us)
If you haven’t completed this yet, bring a photo of yourself.  We have offered at all of our previous retreats to take a photo of you & print it out for you there.  We can no longer do this.  Sorry, but it’s a big responsibility to take care of all other activities during the w/end. 

$$$Money$$$
In case you wish to shop with at our NS store, take a trip to Three Ladies, or buy something from any of the consultants present, be sure to have some cash, checkbook, plastic, etc.  If you want a massage from Marvelous Marvis, you may pay with a check, but we would prefer that you pay cash.

Scrapbooks for others to look at (IF you wish)
This is a chance to “show off” a little.  Plus, it’s an opportunity to share your ingenious ideas with everybody else. 

Scrapping items you no longer want or need 
We will have a “swap” table set up.  It will be kind of like the “Need a penny, take a penny” system.  If you get something from the table, leave something in its place.  Keep checking, because there’s always a “turnover”.

Toiletries & Linens
Your rooms will be “camp” style with twin size bunk beds (see them at www.campskyline.com).  You’ll need a pillow & twin sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag AND towels & wash cloths.  Every room will have a private bathroom with shower.  The beds are very firm.  So if you need a softer surface to sleep on, you may want to bring a foam "egg carton" style mattress pad to cushion yours.  Unless there are more ladies than beds in your room, everyone will be sleeping on a bottom bunk.  However, you may need to sleep on a top bed.  PLEASE let us know ahead of time if this is a problem.  If you have one, bring an electric blanket for your bed if you tend to shiver when others do not.  Yes, Riverside is heated, but if you're "always cold" PLEASE come prepared to be as comfortable as possible.  If you're a "HOT MAMA" do NOT touch that thermostat!  Close the door to your room and crack a window.

Electric heater for your private room
The thermostats at Riverside are NOT to be touched by anyone except Camp Skyline staff!!!  If your toes are always like Popsicles, come prepared.  Bring a space heater, electric blanket, wool socks, whatever you need to stay toasty (this CANNOT be stressed enough).

Flash Light
Because of the gravel and rock roads and walkways, we want you to be extra cautious when walking to your vehicles after dark.  A flashlight will come in handy to help you get to your car safely.  Plus, as a courtesy to your roommates who may go to bed earlier than you, please use the light when finding your way around your room at Riverside.  This will prevent you from having to turn on an overhead light which would disturb their much needed rest.

Clean drawers & clothes 
*Remember, bring some comfy lounge wear to put on because we’ll be “cropping without stopping” in our PJ’s after dinner time!  The crop room will be open NONSTOP!  Some of you may even choose to stay up the entire time.

SMILES & Laughter 
Let's take "getting away from it all" to heart and try to have positive attitudes all weekend.  If we all leave negativity at the entrance gate then everyone can have a wonderful time.  Let’s not be hypercritical if things don’t go as smoothly as you think it should.  However, CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is always WELCOME!  We’re still learning about what’s best to do at the events we coordinate.  If you have a question, concern, or problem with anything we do, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLLEEEEASE come to one of us (Paulette or Phronsa).