Camp YES 2023 Welcome Packet!
Congratulations on saying YES to yourself. YES to your life. YES to your big, crazy dreams. YES to giving yourself Permission to PLAY. YES to taking a “time-out” and giving yourself the space to BE. So many of us are running around saying YES to everyone else and this weekend it is time to say YES to you.
We have created an experience that will allow you to tap into your childlike self - to play - to expand and to reconnect with those parts of yourself you may have lost or forgotten. They are still there and we are excited to help you tap back into that place and bring your best Camp Self out into the world.
Get ready to play, laugh, dance and sing around the campfire. Prepare to meet other inspiring women entrepreneurs, leaders and change-makers who are on a path to live a more purposeful and intentional life.
To help you get ready, we have put together this handy dandy packet for you so that you can know everything you need to have the TIME OF YOUR LIFE!
Your Camp Fire Stoker,
Marli
Get directions to Camp Cedar Ridge where Camp YES 2023 will be:
18062 Keasey Rd, Vernonia, OR 97064
Let’s get to know each other before Camp Yes!
Overview:
How to Say Yes and How to Show Up
Arrival and Departure
No tech
No drugs or alcohol
Bathrooms and showers
Camp Yes Schedule
Plan Your Travel
Packing List
The top 3 things you need to know:
Please arrive no later than 3pm on Thursday August 31st (and ideally arrive by 2pm if you are setting up your own tent).
Be sure to download directions to Camp Cedar Ridge. Most phones get service the whole way, but we just want to make sure that you don’t get lost.
Emergency phone #: Here is the emergency phone number to give to friends/family since there are no cell phones allowed at Camp YES: (503) 429-2801.
Notes & Reminders
How to Say YES and How to Show Up
#1 Rule All Weekend - SAY YES TO YOURSELF!
Show up and play full out - whatever that looks like for you
Come with an open mind and heart
Show kindness and respect for yourself and each other
Encourage and support each other with empathy and honesty
Ask for what you need and take space when you need it
Trust yourself and each other
Be authentic and true to yourself
Freely express yourself: your voice matters
Arrival and Departure
Arrive between 1-3pm on Thursday August 31st, and we’ll get started with activities that afternoon right at 4pm. We have amazing activities planned for you during camp, and we will wrap up Sunday Sept. 3rd by 1pm.
We STRONGLY encourage you to arrive on time and be present for the entire weekend, there is no coming and going. If you absolutely have to arrive a little late or leave a little earlier, please let us know in advance.
Here is a link to the Google Doc to schedule and make plans for your ride share to and from camp!
There will be no ins and outs for the duration of Camp YES, except in case of emergency.
No Tech
Really - I can’t have my cell phone? Even to take pictures!? Nope! What about bringing my laptop to get work done while I’m at camp!? Nope! The reason is simple - we are in front of screens most of our days and most of our lives. This allows you to practice being completely present in the moment and helps you to disconnect from the outside world to reconnect with yourself. We will provide you with the cutest little cell phone sleeping bag to give you and your phone a break. We have also provided you with an emergency phone number in case anyone needs to get ahold of you. Let our official photographer and videographer capture the moment for you! NOTE: You are also welcome to bring your own disposable camera or other type of camera that isn’t a phone to capture your experience
No Drugs or Alcohol
One of our commitments at Camp YES is to create a space where you can be completely present and in the moment. Part of the container that we create at camp us one of being fully present and enjoying this experience which includes not having drugs or alcohol at camp. This is about creating a healthy and safe space for everyone to enjoy their time off-the-grid.
Bathrooms and Showers
There are 4 housing options this year at Camp YES.
For those of you staying in the Lodge:
There are bathrooms and showers indoors. Since there are lots of campers and a smaller number of bathrooms and showers we ask you to be considerate with your time in there. Towels are provided for those of you staying in the lodge.
For those of you staying in the Bunkhouse:
There is a bathroom and shower house just a few steps away. Bring your own towel.
For those of you staying in a Platform tent, camping in a tent or in your own camper:
You will be using the bathrooms and showers in a nearby bathroom and shower house. Bring your own towel.
All campers need to bring their own toiletries, shampoo, soap, etc.
Absolutely NO Discrimination, Hate Speech or Racist Behavior
Camp YES is a safe, brave and inclusive space for all to thrive, learn, grow, be heard, seen, supported and celebrated. There is zero tolerance for any racist, homophobic, ageist, or ableist behavior or language that shames or harms others. This is a place where all are welcome to show up and can be exactly who they are without fear of judgement, stereotypes, etc.
Smokers: Camp is a Smoke-Free Environment
Schedule
Thursday August 31st
1-3pm - Check-in
4pm - All Camp Welcome!
Camp Crew Circles
Dinner
All Camp Playnote
Burn Your BS Campfire Singalong & S'mores
Friday September 1st
Morning Movement Practice
Breakfast
Camp Crew Circles
Playshop 1
Lunch
Free Time - Choose Your Own Adventure!
Hike, Read, Hammock, Play, Craft
Playshop 2
Dinner
Evening Activities
Saturday September 2nd
Morning Movement Practice
Breakfast
Camp Crew Circles
All Camp Playshop
Lunch
Camp Yes Games 2023!
350ft. Slip & Slide!
Free Time
Dinner
Untalent Show + Lip Sync Battle + Dance Party Celebration!
Sunday September 3rd
Morning Movement Practice
Brunch
Camp Crew Circles
12pm - Closing Circle - Happy Goodbyes
Pack-up and Wrap-up by 1pm
Plan Your Travel
Driving
From Portland International Airport: 90 minute drive
From Portland: 75 minute drive
We encourage carpooling and making new friends on your drive out to Camp Yes!
Here’s a link to the Camp Yes 2023 Ride Sharing Google Doc.
Flying
We recommend flying into PDX! It's about a 90 minute drive from the airport to Cedar Ridge Retreat & Conference Center (where we'll be staying). Rent a car or carpool with other campers.
Camp registration is between 1-3 P.M. on Thursday Sept. 1st, so we recommend flying in on Wednesday August 30th or on by Thursday Aug. 31st before 12pm if you're coming from out of town.
If you need a place to stay the night before (or after) camp, or want to find folks to carpool with. Camp will end by 1pm on Sunday Sept 3rd. We recommend booking flights that leave after 4pm on Sunday or on Monday anytime.
Packing List
General
Water Bottle
Towel(s) – for showering & swimming
Flashlight/Headlamp
Extra Batteries
Bug Repellent
Waterproof Sunblock
Sunglasses
Medicine
Clothing
Light Clothing for yoga, dance, relaxation, meditation (pants/shorts/shirts)
Workout clothes
Socks
Shorts
Pants
Shirts
Tank Top
Underwear / Bras
Bathing Suits / Bathing Suit Cover up (Sarong)
Sneakers or Walking Shoes
Sun Hat
Sweatshirt & Sweater
Pajamas
Bandana / Scarf
Jacket and Warm Clothes for Night
Rain Jacket or Poncho (Be prepared in case it starts to rain! )
Toiletries
Toothbrush / Toothpaste
Shampoo & Conditioner
Feminine Products
Deodorant
SPF Chapstick
Glasses, Contacts, Contact Solution
Fun & Costumes
Outfit & Props for Lip Sync Battle/Un-Talent Show
Cozy Pajamas & Onesies
Favorite Costumes & Funny Hat(s)
Fancy Outfit for the Final Fancy Dinner
Extras (Optional)
Camp Chair
Earplugs
Book(s) to trade/share/swap for the Camp YES Book Swap
Journal
Instrument (guitar, uke, harmonica, saxophone, violin, flute, etc…)
Personal Yoga Mat (if you have one to bring - we will have some for you to use)
Hammock to add to the Hammock Zone (if you have one - please put your name on it)
Extra Art Supplies
Disposable Camera or other type of camera that isn’t your phone
Picnic Blanket (if you want)
Cabin/Tent Flare: Posters / photos of your family / etc. to decorate your bunk
Board Games / Cards / Frisbee / Hula-hoop / Slack-line / etc.
Softball glove, footballs, sports equip.
Gifts/telegrams for new & old friends
Banners, Signs, Props, and anything else that might make camp more fun
Addresses of people who you might want to send a postcard to
Extra Pillow (if you want)
Digital Watch (if you want to know the time)
Bunkhouse (everything above and…)
Sleeping Bag
Pillow
Towel(s)
Tent Village (everything above and…)
Tent
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Bag
Pillow
Towel(s)