Old lesbians, their partners, and caregivers are all warmly invited to Bay Area OLOC’s spring retreat. We will be enjoying Enchanted Hills Camp again, owned by the Lighthouse for the Blind. The wooded setting is ideal for a restful getaway. Women who come for the first time consistently report feeling welcomed. Many meet old friends and everyone finds new connections. There are a variety of sleeping accommodations, a central building for group discussions, and a dining hall accessed by shuttles. We meet, play games, schmooze, take walks, and swim in a large heated pool. All facilities are wheelchair accessible. Typically about 40 Lesbians 60 and over attend. OLOC takes over the whole camp, it’s just us! (Plus the helpful staff.)

The sliding scale registration means that all who wish to attend are welcome. It covers lodging including linens for Friday and Saturday nights, and five meals. Arrival begins Friday at 2:00 pm. The pool will be open from 3:00 – 5:00. For Friday dinner we’ll bring our own brown bag meals, with something to share if you like, and eat inside or outdoors, weather permitting. We’ll have access to a refrigerator and microwave Friday and throughout the weekend. Friday evening is informal with crafts (bring supplies of any kind!), music, and a variety of games.

Structured activities kick off Saturday morning at 10:00 after breakfast with our traditional check-in circle. “How are you? What is going on in your life now?”

Our afternoon topic will be ”Wellness: Taking Care of Ourselves and What We’ve Learned.” Three panelists will share their personal experiences, then we’ll break into small discussion groups to talk about our own wellness explorations, challenges, and insights. There will be time to reconvene for comments and reflections before we head off to rest or swim before dinner.

Saturday evening is our Salon, an opportunity to share music, spoken word, art, skits, WHATEVER! Bring your writing, paintings, and musical instruments! After the Salon we can play games, have a sing-along, put on dance music and/or hang out with snacks.

After Sunday breakfast, we’re planning a facilitated workshop on “How to Get Up After a Fall.” We’ll also spend some time planning future Bay Area OLOC events and activities. There will be a bit of entertainment and a closing circle. After lunch, the pool will be open and we can enjoy the premises until 3:00 pm.

Throughout the weekend participants are welcome to initiate small group discussions during free time. Groups can self-organize to hike, or discuss topics such as caregiving, creativity, bereavement, or politics.

COST: We ask everyone to pay what is comfortable for you on a sliding scale for the full weekend. BA OLOC’s cost is approximately $315 per person. BA OLOC covers EVERYONE’S registration on a sliding fee scale thanks to generous donations and past bequests.

LOCATION: Enchanted Hills Camp is outside Napa. Driving time is about 90 minutes from San Francisco and 75 minutes from Berkeley. If you can provide a ride, or if you need a ride, please note that on your registration form.

FOOD: All meals will be provided starting with Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch. There will be vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options at all meals. Women with other food concerns are welcome to bring items they need to supplement what is offered. Remember to bring a brown bag supper on Friday and anything you like to share.

LODGING: The sleeping accommodations are shared rooms (2-3 beds to a room) with shared baths. There are wheelchair accessible rooms and bathrooms available. You are welcome to request a particular roommate. Women who wish to camp will have space to put up a tent or to park and sleep in a vehicle. The registration form asks if you snore or use a CPAP machine. Earplugs will be available at camp on request. Please contact Laura (see registration form for contact details) if you have any sleeping accommodation needs not addressed above.

POOL: The pool will be open Friday 3:00 – 5:00, Saturday 3:45 – 5:30 and Sunday 1:00 -3:00 pm.
We will not have a lifeguard on duty but a member with CPR training will be on site. The pool is located down a short hill – we will have transport available to and from the pool. There is a built-in pool lift. Everyone who wishes to will able to enjoy the pool! Enchanted Hills policy requires swimsuits in the pool – nudity is not allowed on the grounds. Thank you for respecting this relatively new stipulation.

If you plan to come, see “More information for Retreat Participants” and “Retreat Registration” at the end of the April newsletter. Registrations must be received via US mail by Friday, May 2nd. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT ENCHANTED HILLS!