2010 Secular Summer Retreat Attendee Information Page

We’re glad you will be joining us for the Fourth Annual Secular Summer Retreat!

Return to 2010 Retreat Information Page

Retreat Contact: Jennifer Beahan, Assistant Director CFI Michigan. Cell: 616-706-2029 (There is limited cell reception in the Yankee Springs Area)

Location Information

Long Lake Outdoor Center
10370 Gun Lake Road, Middleville, MI

The Long Lake Outdoor Center entrance is accessed through the parking lot of the Graves Hill Trail Head and is located inside of the Yankee Springs Recreation Area.

View Map and Get Google Directions
(For custom directions: click on the link above then click on the blue pointer on the map, a pop-up box will appear and you can select “directions” to enter your address to get directions from your location)

Yankee Springs Recreation Area Map

This is a detailed area map that shows clear road directions from M-179 to the Long Lake Outdoor Center Entrance and the Yankee Springs trails surrounding the campground. Please print this map as a supplement to the Google or Written Directions.

Please Note: The Road you turn on to reach the Long Lake outdoor Center from M-179 changes name right where you turn. The road sign will say Briggs Rd or Gun Lake Rd or Chief Noonday Rd (all the same road) and you should turn Right/South if you are coming from US-131. This turn is a slight right and you will see signs for Yankee Springs/Gun Lake, if you miss it there is also a regular intersection about .1 of a mile farther east where you can also turn.

Written Directions:

From Grand Rapids:

1. Take US-131 South to Exit 61: M-179/129th Ave – towards Bradley/Hopkins
2. Turn left at the end of the ramp – heading East for 7.7 miles on M-179/129th Ave.
3. Slight Right at S. Briggs Road/Gun Lake Rd/Chief Noonday Rd. (This is the road that changes names. There is a Shell Gas Station/Hungry Howies on the Corner right before you turn)
4. Follow S. Briggs/Gun Lake Rd as it turns driving past the Yankee Springs Rec. Area entrance and continuing for 2.2 miles (just before the next turn you will see the lakes on both sides)
5. Turn Left on Graves Hill Trail – It will look like the entrance to the trail head with a parking lot – continue through the parking lot looking for the Long Lake Outdoor Center Sign on Left.
6. Turn Left on Outdoor Center Trail at the Long Lake Outdoor Center Sign and continue until you reach the parking lot.

Housing & General Information

  • Check-In is from 3:00-7:00pm on Friday: please go to the Lodge when you first arrive to get your cabin assignment and sign-up for activities

  • There will be a welcome meeting right before dinner at 6:45pm – we strongly encourage you to arrive before the welcome meeting

  • Food & Lodging are provided but this is a BYOB event, so don’t forget your Beer, Liquor, Wine, etc.

  • Each Cabin is equipped with bunk beds and twin size mattresses – mattresses will be cleaned by the setup crew prior to your arrival (if you see them say thanks!).

  • The Cabins do have electricity but no running water.

  • Showers/Bathrooms: There is a central Modern Shower House with 4 private stalls for men and 4 private stalls for women.

  • There are also outhouses near the lake cabins, so you don’t have to walk all the way to the bath house in the middle of the night.

    • What To Bring

    You are welcome to bring your dogs, but please consider the other campers and your comfort for the weekend in deciding whether or not to bring your furry friends. NOTE: Dogs are not allowed in any of the camp buildings or cabins. Dogs must sleep on cabin porches, in your car or in a crate for the night. Dogs should be on lead at all times.

  • Bedding/sleeping bag

  • Clothes: remember we are in Michigan so bring your shorts, jacket and umbrella!

  • Swimwuit

  • Towels

  • Toiletries

  • Flashlights: one for each person if possible

  • Sunblock

  • Bug Spray

  • Camp/Lawn chairs (please label your chairs)

  • Water bottles and/or a cooler for drinks.

  • Waterguns

  • Recreational and sports equipment (please label your equipment)

  • Bicycles & Helmets

  • Musical instruments

  • Board & Card Games

  • Michigan State Parks Pass (not required) for access to the beach at the Yankee Springs Recreation Area)

  • Camera/film/batteries

  • First aid kit

  • Binoculars

  • Pen/notepad

  • Backpacks

    • If you have any of the following that you wouldn’t mind sharing, please bring them as well:

  • Fishing stuff

  • Bikes/helmets

  • Life jackets

  • Canoes/kayaks/paddles – must be licensed

  • Volleyball net/balls

  • Soccerballs

  • Baseballs, bats, mitts

  • Nets

  • Juggling toys

  • Knitting needles and Yarn

    • Note: Motorized boating and Swimming is available at the Yankee Springs Recreation Area. A Michigan State Parks pass is required to enter, day passes can be purchased at the main entrance. You are welcome to bring your own boat. If you have any extra life jackets or oars we ask that you please bring them to share.

    Volunteer Assignments:

    You will receive volunteer assignments at check-in. Thank you in advance for your help – this retreat would not be possible if we did not have so many generous people working during the retreat!

    2010 TENTATIVE Schedule

    A Complete schedule with activity listings will be provided at check-in.

    Friday – JULY 30th

         4:00–7:00PM   Check-In
        6:45–7:00PM   Welcome Meeting (we ask that everyone please attend)
        7:00–8:00PM   Dinner
        8:30PM–9:00     Group Games
        9:00PM–???nbsp;    Bonfire by the Lake
       11:00PM–???    Late ‘Nite Game Night: Lodge. Bring Card/Board Games

    Saturday – JULY 31st

        8:30–9:30AM   Breakfast
      9:00–11:00AM   ACTIVITY SESSION 1
    11:15–12:45PM   ACTIVITY SESSION 2
         1:00-2:00PM   Lunch
        2:30–4:00PM   ACTIVITY SESSION 3
        4:30–6:30PM   ACTIVITY SESSION 4
        6:30–7:30PM   Dinner
        7:30PM–???     Free Time: games/sports, canoeing, hiking, crafts, etc.
        8:30PM– ???    Bonfire by the Lake

    In Case of Rain:
    Games & Activities in the Lodge – Bring your ideas, games and favorite activities to share.

    Sunday – JUNE 21st

        8:30–9:30AM   Breakfast
      9:30–11:00AM   Activity Time
    11:00–1:00PM   Cabin Cleaning & Check-out at the Lodge
      12:00–2:00PM   Retreat Tear-down & Clean-up:

    We know you’ll be exhausted by the end of the retreat, but ask that you please stay and help clean-up as we are responsible for cleaning of entire campground. We appreciate your help – the more hands the lighter the load!