Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
2008 Retreat
August 22-24th
Camp Miniwanca
Shelby, Michigan
Welcome!
We are really excited that you will be joining us for the 19th Annual Retreat! Attached you will
find directions to Camp Miniwanca. Check-in will be between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on
Friday. If this will be your first retreat, you will want to arrive before dark, but we will have signs
posted to help guide you to the camp and registration at the Camp “Health Center” building.
Once you’ve settled in, please join us in the Tipi Lodge for refreshments, fun, or even a movie.
There will only be snacks provided Friday night, so you will want to eat before you arrive. If you
will be arriving after 10:00 p.m. or on Saturday, we will post your lodging assignment on the door
of the Health Center.
Auction
Our Saturday night auction with auctioneer extraordinaire, Mike Keeler, has become one of the
Retreat’s most anticipated events!
Please donate a gently used or new (but not purchased for this event) item that fits one of the
following categories: Camping, Nature, Gardening, Baked Goods, Organic Veggies, Crafts/ Art
Supplies, Michigan Products, Hand Made and Vintage Jewelry, Enviro-safe Cleaning Products,
Beverages for those with discriminating taste, Birding, Photography, Cooking, Books, Music,
Movies, Pet supplies
If you know of a business or organization that might donate a valuable item or if you have
something special, please let us know so that we can highlight it and give credit! Don’t forget
your checkbook for those items that you can’t live without!
What to bring
If you're a past attendee, please bring your previous name button. You can show off your legacy
status and save making a new button at the same time! Can't find it? No worries, we can make
them onsite. Consider bringing an organic mini-potluck dish to share (coordinate with Sue
Norman, pbsue@designis.us, 616-891-0769). If you will be staying in a dorm; sheets, blanket,
and a pillow will be provided, so just bring your personal belongings (towels and toiletries). If
you are staying in the cabins or tenting, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, towels and
personal effects. A flashlight is a must and it’s a good idea to be prepared with bug repellent.
Plan for all types of weather (wet, cold, sun and wind). You may also want to remember
binoculars, bird ID book, hiking boots, mat or towel for yoga and fly fishing rod. If you play a
musical instrument or have another special talent, please share with us around the campfire.
What not to bring
Please consider leaving snacks containing nuts at home, as a courtesy to children with nut
allergies. Likewise, please avoid ingredients with nuts if you are preparing a mini-potluck dish.
Miniwanca Camp Policies: No pets – see page 3 for kennels (personal assistance animals ok), no
smoking, no alcohol, no illegal drugs, no firearms, no sheath knives or other weapons.
Volunteering
We ask that you volunteer a little of your time during the retreat weekend. We try to keep costs
low by getting volunteer help during set-up, clean-up, registration and other activities. Thanks
for your help!
If you have any questions, consult our website at www.SierraRetreat.com or contact:
Phil Rairigh (mobile 313-671-7936 or freebattman@yahoo.com)
Ride sharing
Fuel prices are hitting us all really hard lately, but with a little cooperation we can save some
money and lower our carbon footprint at the same time. If you have room in your vehicle, or
willing to ride and share expenses, consider ride-sharing with a fellow attendee. Understandably,
ride-sharing may not be for everyone, so consider: smokers, luggage space, number of people,
gender, departure/return times desired, etc.
We're using a new web-tool this year to help you find a match, by eRideShare.com
A private group has been created just for the retreat: http://sierraretreatmi.erideshare.com
Group password = "minigreen"
Check the listings and the map to see if someone is on your route.
You'll need a free eRideShare ID to either contact a desired listing OR post one yourself.
If you don't have an eRideShare ID yet, click the first link to create a free one...
"1. eRideShare.com Membership Signup Page (required)"
It's important to use a real email address here, because the website forwards messages from
interested users via email (privately). You can always delete the ID later if desired.
After the "authorized" screen appears, you can click the 2nd link ...
"2. Post a Ride Offer/Request: Michigan Sierra Club Retreat"
When filling out the Travel Listing Form, select "Ride offer" to be a driver or "Ride request" to be a
rider. Most fields are obvious. For "Other Information", enter comments such as: smoking
preferences, desired departure time, cargo capacity, etc. The "Leave after" Date is when you'd
like to depart for Miniwanca. Don't forget to enter the Group password at the bottom. If you
selected "Round trip?", then after you submit this form, it will present you with another form for
the Return Leg. It's a safe assumption most people will return with the people they came with.
Don't worry if your listing doesn't come out right the first time. You can easily edit/delete your
listings instantly, just click on "Membership & Tools" to take care of it.
Keep in mind, this is not an automatic service… users must initiate contact. When you click on
the Contact ID for a particular listing, you're taken to a webform for anonymous email. Nobody
has access to anyone's real email address, the website forwards the messages privately. You
communicate back-and-forth anonymously until you decide if and when you want to hook up.
Consider eRideShare.com for your future travels as well, your Membership ID will still be valid.
No computer or simply don't want to use eRideShare?
No problem, coordinate with Sue Norman (Sue Norman, pbsue@designis.us, 616-891-0769) and
let her know where you're coming from and any considerations for acceptance. If a match is
available, she'll let you know.
Local Pet Kennels
Can't find a pet sitter? Don't let that keep you away!
Here's a short list of local kennels for you to consider.
Don't wait… call early to check for availability, fees, and amenities. Some may require proof that
your pet's shots are up-to-date, which may mean a trip to the vet before dropping them off.
Cedar Coast Boarding Kennels (5.3 miles)
231-894-6617
6475 S 50th Ave, Montague, MI
Modaka Kennels & Supply (13.4 miles)
231-893-0268
11285 Sikkenga Rd, Montague, MI
Dog Star Ranch (24.2 miles)
231-766-0444
4200 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI
Kaley Park Kennels (37 miles)
231-799-8003
4725 Harvey St, Muskegon, MI
Also try on the web…
http://www.yellowpages.com/Shelby-MI/Pet-Boarding-Kennels
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