VegMichigan's 6th Annual Retreat

This year's retreat was a tremendous success!  Click here for pictures!

Register      Description      Schedule      Directions      Lodging      Sundry Items

Due to limited facilities we must limit registration to the first 50 pre-paid participants.
Non
Member
Registration
0704-1.jpg (76386 bytes) 0704-2.jpg (80546 bytes) 0704-3.jpg (78900 bytes) 0704-4.JPG (74322 bytes) VegMichigan
Member
Registration
Adult - $45
0704-5.jpg (46415 bytes) 0704-6.jpg (80795 bytes) 0704-7.jpg (114249 bytes) 0704-8.jpg (64787 bytes) Adult - $35
Child - $15
0704-9.jpg (92745 bytes) 0704-10.jpg (55388 bytes) 0704-11.jpg (62582 bytes) 0704-12.jpg (96870 bytes) Child - $10
Checkout
&
0704-13.jpg (83231 bytes) 0704-14.jpg (85007 bytes) 0704-15.jpg (67227 bytes) 0704-16.jpg (93807 bytes) Checkout
&
Solution Graphics
SECURE ONLINE REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT WITH PAYPAL
  
Description
VegMichigan invites you to a weekend of fun and education! Join us for any part of August 22nd, 23rd, and the 24th, 2008 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) for a wonderful time in Columbiaville (10 miles NW of Lapeer) at the Tibbits Nature Sanctuary and Land Stewardship Center. There will be food (six meals), talks, demonstrations, hikes, canoeing, games, camping, swimming, a bonfire and more. Alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs are not allowed on the property.

On site camping is included in the cost of the retreat. If you prefer not to camp out, accommodations are available at nearby bed and breakfasts, motels or hotels at an additional cost.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to limited facilities we must close registration after the first 50 pre-paid participants. Register NOW and don't miss the best event of the year! Payment can be made on-line above to insure a reservation or by check made payable to VegMichigan, PO Box 2161, Royal Oak, MI 48068. Checks must be postmarked by August 8, 2008.

  
Schedule of Events * Retreat Schedule (22 KB)
  • Friday, August 22, 2008
    • 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Set up and personal time
    • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner
    • 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Set up and personal time
  • Saturday, August 23, 2008
    • 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
    • 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Set up and personal time
    • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Set up and personal time
      • Alternate Activity: Capture the flag
    • 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
    • 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. H. Pianko, Welcome to the Retreat and VegMichigan Information
    • 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. C. Tibbitts, Good Living in Hard Times
      • Alternate Activity: D. Trombley, Children's Activity
    • 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. R. Sikora, Brilliant Chickens and Einstein Squids - Who are these non-human family members we share our earth home with? True stories, interactive and good for all ages
      • Alternate Activity: D. Trombley, Children's Activity
    • 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. C. Lenard, Food Demonstration - black bean burgers
      • Alternate Activity: D. Trombley, Children's Activity
    • 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Capture the flag and other games
    • 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner
    • 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. J. Flowers, Living the Vegan Ideal
    • 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. J. Corcoran, Easy Things Anyone Can Do to Become an Activist
    • 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. S'mores and bon fire
  • Sunday, August 24, 2008
    • 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
    • 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. D. Fields, Raw food demonstration
    • 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. D. Fields, Our Sponsors
    • 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. H. Pianko, Closing Remarks
    • 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch for those who remain
      • Alternate Activity: Pack up and depart
    • 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Pack up and depart
* Games, cards, hiking, and other activities may be happening in parallel with these activities.

NOTE: In case of rain, there is a covered pavilion and main house so activities will continue.

  

Location and Directions

The Tibbits Nature Sanctuary and Land Stewardship Center

The Center was started in 1991 as "a place where the interests of all creation are given equal consideration and where humans can learn to live more in harmony with the rest of nature." It should be a good place for VegMichigan to gather for a campout and workshops.

Although camping in a nature sanctuary will be different than camping in a recreational park, it should still be fun as well as potentially enlightening. One difference is that there are no established campsites. You can choose to stake your tent in an open area near the lake or off in the woods.

There is an outdoor composting toilet you might want to try or a conventional flush one inside if you prefer. There are no public showers, and if you want to swim, you will have to share that experience with Canada geese, frogs, and pondweeds. Alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs are not allowed on the property. You might, however, get high from eating homegrown organic food or from sitting around a bonfire under a big moon. There are trails for easy nature walks, a pavilion for protection from sun and rain, and an island meditation garden for quiet time.

More information on the Land Stewardship Center and a few pictures can be found at http://glblc.lapeer.org/tibbits.htm

Directions from the Detroit area: Take I-75 North to North M24 through Lake Orion, Oxford and Lapeer. At the blinking light about 7 miles north of Lapeer, turn left (west) onto Columbiaville Road. Go 4-5 miles to the village limits of Columbiaville (the Columbiaville Baptist Church will be on your right). Turn left across from the church onto the asphalt driveway of a beige brick house (4107/4281 Columbiaville Road). Take the graveled lane to the right and go around a small lake (about a quarter mile) to a parking area on the hillside.

  
Lodging
The William Peter Mansion B&B
4707 Water Street
Columbiaville, MI 48421
Teresa's cell phone:
(810) 342-8218
Will accommodate breakfasts for vegans.
About 1.2 Miles from the Retreat

Rays of Joy - Retreat & Conference Center
6140 White Sands Drive
Otter Lake, MI 48464
Betty Rae's telephone number:
(810) 793-0471
Reasonable Rates: $45/single - $55/couple
About 4.6 Miles from the Retreat

Hart House B&B
244 West Park Street
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 667-9106
About 12.7 Miles from the Retreat

Fairfield Inn By Marriott
927 Demille Rd.
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 245-7700
Rates: Starting at $99
About 13.1 Miles from the Retreat

Best Western - Lapeer Inn
770 West Street
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 667-9444
Rates: $124
About 13.2 Miles from the Retreat

Red Oaks Motel
3074 Davison Rd.
Lapeer, MI 48446
(810) 664-3862
About 13.9 Miles from the Retreat

  

Things You Might Want to Bring

  • bug repellent (necessity)
  • drinking water (well water available)
  • tent and sleeping bag
  • lawn chair or blanket (seating is limited)
  • swimming suit
  • canoe, kayak or raft (one canoe available)
  • binoculars
  • bird field guide
  • wild plant field guide
  • tree field guide
  • telescope
  • musical instruments
  • games / Frisbee
  • kite