Hostessing Retreats

Has anyone ever hosted a multiple day retreat? I am thinking about trying to do just that and wondered exactly what would be expected? I was thinking along the lines of

Cost would be around $200 for Friday 8 a.m. through Monday 5 p.m.

Includes 6 meals (one Fri, two Sat, two Sun, one Mon) There is a refrigerator/microwave/toaster available for use when no meal service

Includes a goody bag upon arrival (containing all supplies needed for classes)

Includes some discount coupons to LSS shops

Two technique/make and take classes on Saturday

Three daily give aways (around $25 value each)

I know some have done grand prizes like die cut machines and all, but in order to do that, I would have to raise the price another $15 per person. I don't know that it would be worth it?

Time frame - probably summer? though could try for spring

Any ideas? There would be room for 10 people to sign up - I don't know that I would need to be there the whole time, but thinking about it as that way I could be sure they had die cut machines and all available.

Do you have a location that would charge that low? Remember you will have to pay also for the cropping area and for meals. If you want to do it as a fund raiser people might be willing to spend a bit more. Also that length of time might be challenging for some. I know I could do Fri morning thru Sunday afternoon but I'm not sure my creativity would last until Monday evening.

Here in Maryland we usually pay $45 - $55 per 12 hour day for a day crop with usually snacks, sandwich lunch and a dinner included. I do one each February that runs from 9 am on Friday to 3 pm on Sunday (without hotel) it is $195 and that includes dinner on Friday, light breakfast on Saturday (trail mix and fruit), buffet lunch (salads, sandwiches) on Saturday, chocolate fountain on Saturday night and a brunch on Sunday.

$200 for Friday - Monday is a great deal - for the attendee. I think if you want to go until Monday you might want to up your price a bit. Most weekend crops I've gone to were all day Friday, all day Saturday and departure at either 3 or 4 pm on Sunday. That works for most people so they could go to work on Monday, plus after staying up 2 nights in a row, I'm usually beat by Sunday pm anyway.

Melody and I went to this retreat(link below), but no meals were included. We each brought food and planned a meal. I think I would rather go to a retreat that had a cook, not that relaxing if you have to cook.....but that's just what I would prefer, some might not mind cooking.

Thanks!

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Thanks - yes, I found a lady with a house who would rent it low enough that 200 would cover the above. It would probably have to go up in price in the future, but she is willing to lower if I do a summer crop.

Good idea on the Sunday night part.

I wanted to keep the cost lower as it is located in a beautiful area, but there is almost no nearby shopping (one bar/pizza joint and a gas station).

It has been used for retreats, church groups and other craft get-aways. It does have wi-fi and she has the little red sizzix thing with a few sizzlets and about 12 punches. Otherwise it is all bring your own (not an issue I don't think).

I have been there - for me - it is perfect - I only do shopping on a planned day and it is very comfortable for staying. Tv's both up and down and a really beautiful deck/patio

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It looks very nice

That is an AWESOME deal. I go to one that we pay $235 Thursday12pm-sun3pm
with Dinner-friday, Bkfast,lunch,dinner,snacks-fri-sat, and breckfast on sunday.
No prizes, no coupons, no make and takes, no daily give-aways, and no grand prize.

We get our own bed and the house we rent the owner stays and cooks all the meals and cleans. It's realy nice. So if you get all that BEST DEAL I THINK. Wish I lived where you do.

I think it would be so nice to scrap with you ladies!!! Would any of you ladies be able to attend Lucinda's summer retreat? Yes, we're invited

Yes - everyone is invited (has beds/tables for 12). I would love to have anyone come I haven't picked date yet, but it is a summer month - thinking 2nd week of July, 2nd week of August or 2nd week of June 2011 (notice theme - need to avoid end of month accounting stuff )

The thought has crossed my mind.

Just let us know the dates, so we can start planning! I have a lot going on this summer, because Tyler will be graduating and heading off college.

One clarification - It may be possible this summer, however, I was thinking summer 2011. Right now I only have two open weekends between now and end of September (ok - rephrase to I am either gone or need to be home - not all me traveling ). One is 4th of July, other is in August and the place is booked already.

Oh, 2011 would give us more time to plan

Glad I am not the only one who needs a year to plan.

morning all,

I have been hosting retreats for the past 8 or 9 years. I do 2 a year, 1 in the spring and 1 in the fall. this year I am throwing in a summer retreat in Aug. I host mine retreats at area church camps ( not a hotel setting but the ladies love them) I have about 20 - 22 ladies attend each time. I do all the meals, so not much scrapping gets done on my part LOL. I usually make a gift for each lady along with a smalll goody bag. I have found that most of the ladies would rather keep the cost down then to get a chance at a pricey give away. I also have each lady bring a snack to share for the weekend and their own beverage (pop). I love my retreats but I will warn you they are a LOT of work and you may need a day to recoop.

Deb