Long Lake 2008 Attendee Information Page
We’re glad you can join us for the 2nd Annual Long Lake Retreat!
See below for important details about the upcoming retreat. If you have any additional questions not addressed below please contact Jennifer Beahan: or call 616-706-2029.
Location Information
Long Lake Outdoor Center
10370 Gun Lake Road, Middleville, MI
Retreat Contact : Jennifer Beahan 616-706-2029
(Part of Yankee Springs Outdoor Centers)
View a Map and Get Google Directions
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 – as well as the Yankee Springs trails surrounding the campground. We suggest you print this map as a supplement to the Google or Written Directions.
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 might say: Briggs Rd, Gun Lake Rd or Chief Noonday Rd – these are all the same an you should turn Right/South. Also, where you turn there is a slight right and you will see signs for Yankee Springs/Gun Lake, if you miss this there is also a regular intersection about .1 of a mile farther east.
Written Directions:
From Grand Rapids:
1. Take 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.
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 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 trailhead with a parking lot – continue through the parking lot looking for the Long Lake Outdoor Center Sign.
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
What To Bring
You are welcome to bring your pets, but please consider the other campers and your comfort for the weekend in deciding whether or not to bring your furry friends.
If you have any of the following that you wouldn’t mind sharing, please bring them as well:
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.
Volunteer Volunteer Assignments:
You will receive an email with your volunteer assignments. 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! If there is a concern with your volunteer assignment please contact Jason Pittman as soon as possible:
Activity Schedule
Friday – JUNE 20TH
3:00-7:00PM Check-In
6:45-7:00PM Welcome Meeting (we ask that everyone please attend)
7:00-8:00PM Dinner: Pizza
8:30- ??? Bonfire by the Lake
10:00–10:45PM FLASHLIGHT TAG
11:00 PM – ??? LATE ‘NITE GAME NIGHT: (Lodge) Bring your cards/board games
Saturday – JUNE 21ST
8:30-9:30AM Breakfast
9:00–11:00AM ACTIVITY SESSION 1: MOUNTAIN BIKING – Separate Beginner and Advanced groups: Helmets are required to participate.
9:00–11:00AM ACTIVITY SESSION 1A: Craft/kids activity (TBD)
11:15–12:45PM ACTIVITY SESSION 2: Ultimate Frisbee, juggling lessons.
1:00-2:00PM Lunch: Cookout
2:30–4:00PM ACTIVITY SESSION 3: Capture the flag
2:30–4:00PM ACTIVITY SESSION 3A: Craft/kids activity (TBD)
4:30–6:30PM ACTIVITY SESSION 4: Swimming at Gun Lake and Volleyball
6:30-7:30PM Dinner
7:30-??? Activity of your choice – games/sports, canoing, hiking, craft, etc.
8:30- ??? Bonfire by the Lake
In Case of Rain:
9:00-11:00PM ACTIVITY SESSION 5: Movie for all ages
11:30–1:00AM ACTIVITY SESSION 6: Movie for mature campers.
Sunday – JUNE 22ND
8:30-9:30am Breakfast
9:30-11:00AM Cabin Cleaning & Check-out – please stop by the lodge and checkout with the volunteer
9:30–11:00am Crafts (TBD) to keep kids busy while parents pack up.
11:00-12:00pm Retreat Tear-down & Clean-up – if you are able to stay and help we would appreciate it – the more hands the lighter the load!
Hitchens vs Hitchens Debate - On God, War, Politics, and Culture
See below the fold for videos of the Hitchens vs Hitchens Debate
In April, Center for Inquiry | Michigan, in partnership with the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, hosted an historic debate between Christopher and Peter Hitchens. The brothers, long estranged and recently reconciled, had clashed before in print and on the radio. But this event marked the first time that they appeared together on stage, one-on-one, before a live audience, to debate religion and foreign policy.
And this was not just any stage. This stage was set in Grand Rapids, home to the world’s largest Bible publisher, a half dozen Christian colleges, world headquarters of both the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church of America, and Mars Hill — a church so large they actually bought a shopping mall to hold 10,000 churchgoers each Sunday. This stage was housed in ultra-liberal Fountain Street Church, a speaking venue over the years for the likes of Clarence Darrow, Susan B. Anthony, Hellen Keller, Margaret Sanger, Eleanor Roosevelt, Robert Frost, Alan Watts, Malcolm X, Michael Moore, and many others.
One wall of the sanctuary is lined with stained glass windows depicting traditional Biblical personalities. Windows on the opposite wall feature more enlightened figures such as Plato, Leonardo da Vinci, Roger Williams, George Washington, Desiderius Erasmus, Louis Pasteur, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and yes, even Charles Darwin.
It was on this stage that brothers Christopher and Peter Hitchens stepped out before an audience of almost 1400 people anxious to see sibling rivalry at its finest.
“Of all the places in all the world where I could have held what I think will be my last debate with my brother Christopher, Grand Rapids would have struck me as the least likely location,” Peter reflected later. “There is a very strong chance that this will be the last time we do this.”
Christopher Hitchens’ name is, of course, well known to many naturalists and super-naturalists alike. His positions on religion and the War in Iraq are often polarizing and have created admirers and detractors on both sides.
Younger brother, Peter, is a Londoner, and although less well known here in the States, is also an accomplished author, journalist, and media pundit in his own right.
James McIntyre, a fellow journalist and friend to both brothers, described them this way: “As individuals, they could hardly seem more different. One [is] a conservative, traditionalist, church-going Anglican; the other a liberal, louche, drinking-and-smoking atheist.”
Christopher, to be sure, knows how to rule the stage with a fierce and flamboyant erudition that could overshadow any younger sibling. But despite Peter Hitchens’ comparatively reserved demeanor and buttoned-up style, he displays a bit of Christopher’s acerbity and haughty charm when telling of the time that then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, told him to “sit down and stop being bad.”
The first blows of the evening were landed over the proposition “The Invasion of Iraq was wrong” with Peter winning the coin toss — and winning the audience’s allegiance for his position against the war. “I don’t want to make this too easy for myself,” Peter opined, “because it seems to me that it is actually a fantastically easy position to take.” And so it seemed to most of the crowd as Peter bemoaned “the rank stupidity of arguments in its favor” and recounted many examples to underline what he sees as the carelessness and callousness with which the war has been waged.
Christopher’s rejoinder in support of “the Mesopotamian War” was rousing, sincere, and laced with its own share of moral revulsion — at Saddam Hussein’s brutality and the world community’s complacency for so long. His boldness may have transformed into hyperbole when he proffered that “The liberation of Iraq… will stand…as one of the greatest decisions of American statecraft… as one of the things that [the American people] will be proudest of in the future than any decision we’ve ever made.” In the end, some audience members observed that it was the most brilliant defense of the war they had ever heard — all the while remaining unconvinced by Christopher’s arguments.
The final and most anticipated round of the brotherly brawl was over the proposition “God does not exist and he is not great”. “Okay, let me see,” Christopher began, “I don’t think it’s going to take 10 minutes to disprove the existence of God.”
After Christopher had “rehearsed” a number of arguments against God’s existence for the crowd, he went on to emphasize that, not only is believing in a “celestial dictator” absurd, but he’s “glad that it’s not true.”
Religion is, Christopher asserts, the desire for a tyrannical authority who can, indeed must, “subject you to total surveillance around the clock… and even worse, and where the fun really begins, after you’re dead — a celestial North Korea.” “Who but a slave desires such a ghastly fate?” he asks. “I’ve been to North Korea… It has a dead man as its president… Kim Jong-Il is only head of the party, not head of the government or the state. That office belongs to his deceased father.” What’s more, “It’s a necrocracy,” says Christopher. “The son is a reincarnation of the father. It is the most revolting, and utter, and absolute, and heartless tyranny the human species has ever evolved. But at least you can fucking die and leave North Korea.”
To hear Peter Hitchens’ response, watch the full debate below.
Hitchens vs Hitchens 1 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 2 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 3 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 4 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 5 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 6 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 7 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 8 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 9 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 10 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 11 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 12 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 13 of 14
Hitchens vs Hitchens 14 of 14
Center for Inquiry | Michigan On Campus GRCC (Grand Rapids Community College)
CFI | GRCC provides a community for student freethinkers to explore ideas from a rational, scientific, and non-theistic perspective.
CFI On Campus Events
Hook up with us on Facebook and MySpace
Now you can connect with other CFI On Campus members by joining the CFI | GRCC Facebook group and CFI | Michigan Facebook group.
Also check us out on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/freethoughtassociation
Center for Inquiry | On Campus (GRCC)
Grand Rapids Community College
Faculty Advisor: Greg Forbes, PhD , GRCC Biology
Student Leader: Anthony Villanueva
2008 Long Lake Retreat Registration Form
Please complete the form below to reserve your spot at the Second Annual Long Lake Retreat.
Early Registration Prices: $45 for individuals, $85 for Couples and $145 for families, which includes lodging and meals for the entire weekend! If you are only planning on coming for the day on Saturday the price is $25 for individuals, or $50 for couples and families.
A 50% deposit is due at the time of registration to confirm your reservation.
Check-In begins at 3pm on Friday June 20th and clean-up and check out is at 1pm on Sunday June 22nd.
You will need to bring: bedding/sleeping bag, flashlights, clothes, towels & toiletries, swimsuit, recreational equipment, musical instruments, lawn chairs and an appetizer, salad or dessert to share on Saturday at the party.
For Full details about the event please visit the Long Lake 2008 Information Page.
If you have any additional questions please contact or call 616-698-2342.
{exp:freeform:form form_name=”long_lake” required=”email” notify=”jbeahan@centerforinquiry.net” template=”default_template” return=”rsvp/thankyou”}
Group Size
Duration of Stay
Names of those attending
Adult
Adult
Child Age
Child Age
Child Age
Child Age
Child Age
Email address
Phone #
Dietary Restrictions
Housing Preference:
Cabin assignments will be made on a first come first serve basis – make your reservation ASAP to ensure the housing arrangement you would prefer. For the Hill and Lake Cabins priority will be given to families with children first and then made available to couples or groups. See below for cabin accommodations. There is also ample space available for those wishing to bring their tents and camp outside for the weekend.
Layout: bunk bed (stacked & fixed) Twin size mattresses are provided: you must bring your own bedding or sleeping bags. Generally: Smaller cabins have a desk & chair, larger cabins have a central lounge area with beds on either side.
Cabin List:
- Mansion House: 20 (large center area) – Group
- Road House: 12 – Group
- Horseshoe Cabins: 10 (est.) (2Units) – Group
- Infirmary: 10. (attached bathroom) – Group
- Stage House: 8 – Group/Large Family
- Hill Cabins: sleeps 4-5/Private (9 units available ) – Family
- Lake Cabins: sleeps 4-5/Private (8 units available) – Family
Smaller cabins will be given to Families first and then to couples/groups if there are still more available.
1st Preference
2nd Preference
3rd Preference
If you are applying for a group cabin you may list up to three names of who you would prefer to share a cabin. We will do our best to accommodate your preferences, but remember availability is based on a first come first serve basis.
Volunteer Preference
In order to make this Retreat enjoyable for all who are attending, we ask that each person volunteer during the Retreat. Please check your volunteer preference(s), you may check as many as you would like.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Event Planning Committee
Publicity
Lodging/Registration Coordinator
Menu Planning/ Purchasing
Food Preparation
Food Clean-up
Retreat Setup/Tear Down
Event/ Activity Coordinator
Recreation/ Activity Leader/Planner
Activity Leader – Children
Activity Leader – Adult
End of Retreat Cleaning
Check-in/Check-out
I’ll help wherever needed
Method of Payment:
A 50% deposit due at time of RSVP, the remainder is due June 1, 2008. Reservations may also be paid in full at time of registration. A $5 late registration fee will be added for reservations made after June 1, 2008
If you selected cash, place $ in donation envelope and note that it is for your Long Lake Registration.
{!—
Paypal Link (w/instructions for note field: RSVP for Long Lake Retreat, Name & number attending)
—}Checks should be sent to:
Center for Inquiry | Michigan, C/O Long Lake Reservation
3777 44th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
{/exp:freeform:form}
Locations
Center for Inquiry | Michigan Office
3777 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 698-2342
View Map »
CFI Michigan Office Hours: By Appointment - due to limited staff hours.
Please contact Jennifer Beahan: , (616) 706-2029 to schedule an appointment.
Location for Center for Inquiry | Michigan Featured Events
Women’s City Club, 254 E. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Lower Level Meeting Room, Handicap Accessible
Learn about Location, Parking, Accessibility, Child Care and more.
Parking is available on the west side of the building and in the large parking lot on the other side of Lafayette Street, slightly to the south.
View Map »
Center for Inquiry | Southeast Michigan
Various Locations - please see Southeast event listings for details.
Center for Inquiry | Grand Valley State University
Meetings are held at Padnos 261, GVSU Allendale Campus, Allendale, MI
View Map »
Center for Inquiry | Aquinas College
Building location for meetings varies.
Aquinas College, 1607 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
View Map »
Center for Inquiry | Michigan State University
Meetings are held in Room #119 (1st Floor), Psychology Building, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
View Map »
Resources
- CFI Michigan | On Campus
- CFI Office of Public Policy Blog
- Camp Inquiry
- CFI Michigan Bookstore and Recommended Reading
- Michigan Humanists and Freethinkers E-mail Discussion List on Yahoo Groups
- Point of Inquiry Podcast hosted by DJ Grothe
- Reasonable Doubts Podcast hosted by Jeremy Beahan, Dave Fletcher and Luke Galen
MySpace and Facebook
- CFI | Michigan on Facebook.com — Join the group "CFI Michigan" from your Facebook.com account.
- CFI Michigan on MySpace.com — Network with other members on this leading social networking site.
- Point of Inquiry Podcast on MySpace.com — Network with other members on this leading social networking site.
- Dispatches from the Culture Wars — Commentary on the endless dispute between evolution and creationism.
- The Secular Web — The leading secular web site
- Quackwatch — Your Guide to Quackery, Health Fraud, and Intelligent Decisions
- Albert Einstein on becoming a young freethinker and scientist
- The Edge— Essays from leading intellectuals
- One Good Move — Liberal atheist blog
- The Secular Outpost — Secular blog
- Evolution Blog — Commentary on the endless dispute between evolution and creationism.
- The Official Richard Dawkins Web Site
- Pharyngula Science Blog — Evolution, development, and random biological ejaculations from a godless liberal.
- Talk.Origins – The Evolution/Creation Controversy
- Landover Baptist Church
Featured Sites
- The Onion
Publications
- Prometheus Books
- Free Inquiry Magazine
- Skeptical Inquirer Magazine
Family
- Children’s book recommendations from Lisa Nybaek
- Children’s book recommendations from Deanna Klein
- Agnostic Mom Blog
- Extensive information for secular families is available from the Internet Infidels.
- Atheist Parents Web Site
- Atheist Moms E-mail Discussion Group on YahooGroups
- An article about Atheism and Family from About.com
Secular Celebrants (Weddings, Funerals, etc.)
- John Scalise, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, 877-839-2102,
- Hannah Provence Donigan, Commerce, Michigan, 248-363-3469,
- Miriam S. Jerris, 248-909-0079
- Jacquelyn Freeman, Suttons Bay, Michigan, 877-316-3166,
- Janis Levin Gorelick, Waterford, Michigan, 248-419-4467,
Other Michigan Organizations
- Cafe Scientifique (Muskegon, MI)
- Cafe Scientifique (Lansing, MI)
- Michigan Atheists (Detroit, MI)
- Great Lakes Humanist Society (Mt. Pleasant, MI)
- Mid-Michigan Atheists and Humanists (Lansing, MI)
- Flint Atheists and Humanists (Flint, MI)
- Society for Humanistic Judaism (Farmington Hills, MI)
- Camp Quest of Michigan
- Lifequest Recovery Circle — A Freethinking Alternative to AA (Grand Rapids, MI)
- Michigan Citizens for Science
- ACLU of Michigan
- Americans United for Separation of Church and State — Michigan Chapter (Livonia, MI)
- Fountain Street Church (Liberal/UU, Grand Rapids, MI)
- Interfaith Dialogue Association (Grand Rapids, MI)
- All Souls Community Church (Unitarian Universalist, Grand Rapids, MI)
- Progressive Directory of West Michigan (Grand Rapids, MI)
- Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Muskegon, MI)
- Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy (Grand Rapids, MI)
- Institute for Global Education (Grand Rapids, MI)
- Progressive Women’s Alliance (Grand Rapids, MI)
Contact CFI Michigan
Center for Inquiry — Michigan Office
3777 44th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 698-2342
Fax (616) 656-1680
Location for Featured Events
Women’s City Club
254 E. Fulton Street
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Staff
, Executive Director
, Assistant Director
Board of Directors
, Chair
, Vice Chair
, Treasurer
, Secretary
Advisory Board
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Center for Inquiry | Michigan State University
CFI MSU Freethinker Alliance provides a community for student freethinkers to explore ideas from a rational, scientific, and non-theistic perspective.
Events
View CFI MSU Calendar
Board Members
Julia Smith on Facebook
Aaron Adair on Facebook
Location
Our meetings are in Room #119, Psychology Building, Wednesdays at 7:00 PM
Meetings are located at C-16 on this map
Hook up with us on Facebook and MySpace
CFI MSU on Facebook.com
CFI Michigan on http://www.myspace.com/freethoughtassociation
Blog
http://msufa.blogspot.com/
Forums
http://msufreethinkers.proboards84.com/
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Long Lake Weekend Retreat 2008
Join us for the 2nd Annual Long Lake Weekend Retreat
Friday, June 20, 2007 through Sunday, June 22, 2008
Check out the fun from last year’s summer retreat.
Don’t Forget to Register for the 2008 Retreat!
We invite you to join us at the Second Annual Weekend Retreat at the Long Lake Outdoor Center, near Hastings, MI (only 40 minutes south of Grand Rapids). We have rented the entire campground just for CFI Michigan members and friends, and we hope you will come and enjoy the company of your fellow freethinkers, and the beauty of the Michigan summer.
This beautiful campground on Long Lake offers a variety of family and group sized cabins (with beds) and a large dining hall/lounge with a giant fireplace, with access to Long Lake and the Yankee Springs Recreation Area trails.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Long Lake Outdoor Center!
View a Map
Available activities include: hiking/biking, group activities & games, canoeing and kayaking (Canoes provided). Swimming and motorized boating are available at neighboring Gun Lake.
If you have any additional questions please contact Jennifer Beahan: or call 616-698-2342.
Long Lake Retreat Details and Registration
Click Here to Register Today!
Friends of the Center receive a 10% discount on Registration. Not a Friend of the Center yet? You can sign up today when you register and you will receive the Friend of the Center (FOC) discount!
Registration is also available at all Featured Events – visit the Information table for a Registration Form.
Long Lake 2008 Registration Prices
Price includes lodging, facility rental and meals for the entire weekend!
Family: $160 (FOC $145)Couple: $95 (FOC $85)
Individual: $55 (FOC $50)
Student: $35 (FOC $30)
Housing Options
There are various Housing options available at the campground. There are large group style cabins that sleep 8-20 people, and more private cabins that sleep 4-6 people. There is also space available for those wishing to bring their tents and camp outside for the weekend.
When you register you will have the opportunity to select your housing preferences. Cabin assignments will be given on a first come, first serve basis, so don’t delay, Register Now!
Priority for the Hill and Lake Cabins will be given to families with children first and then made available to couples or groups. Please note that the Lake cabins are the farthest away from the dining hall and bathhouse. See below for cabin options.
Bed Layout: twin bunk beds, most are stacked & fixed. Twin size mattresses are provided: Everyone is responsible for bringing their own bedding or sleeping bags.
Cabin List:
What To Bring
You are welcome to bring your pets, but please consider the other campers and your comfort for the weekend in deciding whether or not to bring your furry friends.
You will want to bring: bedding/sleeping bag, flashlights, clothes, swimsuit, towels & toiletries, recreational and sports equipment, bicycles, musical instruments, lawn chairs and BYOB. Please also bring 1-2 of your/family’s favorite non-electronic board games to share for a game night on Friday night. Don’t forget your sunblock and bug spray!
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
In order to make this Retreat a success we ask that each person volunteer before or during the retreat to distribute the workload so everyone can enjoy the retreat. Below is a list of volunteer opportunities for you to consider. There is a section on the Reservation form for you to note your volunteer preferences for the retreat. Thank you in advance for your help!
Volunteer Opportunities:
Don’t Forget to Register:
Click Here to Register Now!
Documents
CFI Michigan Newsletters
Center for Inquiry | Michigan On Campus - GVSU (Grand Valley State University)
CFI | GVSU On Campus provides a community for student freethinkers to explore ideas from a rational, scientific, and non-theistic perspective.
CFI On Campus Events
Hook up with us on Facebook and MySpace
Now you can connect with other CFI On Campus members by joining the CFI | GVSU Facebook group and CFI | Michigan Facebook group.
Also check us out on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/freethoughtassociation
Center for Inquiry | Michigan On Campus - Aquinas College
CFI On Campus provides a community for student freethinkers to explore ideas from a rational, scientific, and non-theistic perspective.
CFI On Campus Events at Aquinas College
Hook up with us on Facebook and MySpace
Now you can connect with other CFI On Campus members on Facebook.com by joinging the group “Student Freethought Association of Western Michigan” and “Freethought Association”.
Also check us out on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/freethoughtassociation
Center for Inquiry | On Campus (Aquinas)
Aquinas College
Faculty Advisors:Dr. Dan Brooks and Dr. Rebecca Coogan
Student Leader: Dave Feddes
E-mail:
CFI Freethought TV
CFI Michigan meetings air every Wednesday night at 10:30pm on GRTV Comcast Cable Channel 25 in Grand Rapids. View a map of the coverage area.
Get Involved
Become a Friend of the Center
Become a Friend of the Center and learn about other ways to support CFI.
Volunteer Opportunities
Learn about the many volunteer opportunities available.
Sign up for the Michigan Humanists and Freethinkers (MHF) Discussion E-mail List
The Michigan Humanists and Freethinkers e-mail list is an unmoderated discussion list co-sponsored by Center for Inquiry | Michigan and the Great Lakes Humanist Society (Mt. Pleasant, MI). This list is a good place to discuss ideas with fellow freethinkers from throughout Michigan and the United States.
Women’s Group Events
Featured Events
Youth Group Events
Board Meetings
3 Beer Discussion Events
Family Events
CFI On Campus Events
Freethought Movie Nights
Long Lake Anniversary Retreat
Join us for Freethought’s 10th Anniversary Weekend Celebration
Friday, June 22, 2007 through Sunday, June 24, 2007
In celebration of our 10-year anniversary we invite you to join us at a Weekend Retreat at the Long Lake Outdoor Center, near Hastings, MI and only 40 minutes south of Grand Rapids. We have rented the entire campground just for the Freethought Association and we hope you will come and enjoy the company of your fellow freethinkers, and the beauty of the Michigan summer.
Our 10th Anniversary Celebration will be Saturday with a cookout, activities and party in the afternoon and a bonfire in the evening at the lakeside amphitheater.
This beautiful campground on Long Lake offers a variety of family and group sized cabins (with beds) and a large dining hall/lounge with a giant fireplace, along with access to the lake and the Yankee Springs Recreation Area trails.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Long Lake Outdoor Center!
View a Map
Available activities include: lake access and canoeing (Canoes provided), hiking/biking, sports fields, Swimming and motorized boating is available at neighboring Gun Lake.
We welcome you to join us for the entire weekend. If you can’t come for the entire weekend, please join us on Saturday for our 10th Anniversary Celebration!
If you have any additional questions please contact Jennifer Beahan: or call 616-698-2342.
Long Lake Retreat Details and Registration
Registration
For your convenience Registration for the Long Lake Anniversary Retreat is available online.
Click Here to Register Today!
We ask that you make a 50% deposit when you register to confirm your reservation, the balance is due June 1, 2007. Reservations may also be paid in full at time of registration, or any time before June 1, 2007. A $5 late registration fee will be added for reservations made after June 1, 2007.
Prices
Price includes lodging, facility rental and meals for the entire weekend!
Families: $144Couples: $86
Individuals/Single: $48
If you can’t come for the entire weekend: Join us on Saturday for the Anniversary Celebration. Cost for the day is only $25 for individuals, $50 for couples and families and includes meals for the day & facility rental.
Housing Options
There are various Housing options available at the campground. There are large group style cabins that sleep 8-20 people, and more private cabins that sleep 4-6 people. There is also space available for those wishing to bring their tents and camp outside for the weekend.
When you register you will have the opportunity to select your housing preferences. Cabin assignments will be given on a first come, first serve basis, so don’t delay, Register Now!
Priority for the Hill and Lake Cabins will be given to families with children first and then made available to couples or groups. Please note that the Lake cabins are the farthest away from the dining hall and bathhouse. See below for cabin options.
Bed Layout: twin bunk beds, most are stacked & fixed. Twin size mattresses are provided: Everyone is responsible for bringing their own bedding or sleeping bags.
Cabin List:
What To Bring
You are welcome to bring your pets, but please consider the other campers and your comfort for the weekend in deciding whether or not to bring your furry friends.
You will want to bring: bedding/sleeping bag, flashlights, clothes, swimsuit, towels & toiletries, recreational and sports equipment, bicycles, musical instruments, lawn chairs and BYOB. Please also bring 1-2 of your/family’s favorite non-electronic board games to share for a game night on Friday night. Don’t forget your sunblock and bug spray!
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.
We also ask that each family/couple/individual bring an appetizer, salad or dessert to share on Saturday at the Anniversary Celebration and cookout. There is a large walk-in refrigerator to store pre-made dishes, and a large kitchen to prepare food if needed.
Volunteer
In order to make this Celebration and Retreat a success we ask that each person volunteer before or during the retreat to distribute the workload so everyone can enjoy the retreat. Below is a list of volunteer opportunities for you to consider. There is a section on the Reservation form for you to note your volunteer preferences for the retreat. Thank you in advance for your help!
Volunteer Opportunities:
Don’t Forget to Register: Click Here to Register Now!
Retreat
10th Anniversary Freethought Weekend Celebration
Friday, June 22, 2007 through Sunday, June 24, 2007
LINK…Long Lake Entrance.jpg
In celebration of our 10 year anniversary we invite you to join us at a Weekend Retreat at the Long Lake Outdoor Center, near Hastings, MI and only 40 minutes south of Grand Rapids. We have rented the entire campground just for the Freethought Association and we hope you will come and enjoy the company of your fellow freethinkers, and the beauty of the Michigan summer.
Our 10th Anniversary Celebration will be Saturday with a cookout, activities and party in the afternoon and a bonfire in the evening at the lakeside amphitheater.
This beautiful campground on Long Lake offers a variety of family and group sized cabins (with beds) and a large dining hall/lounge with a giant fireplace, along with access to the lake and the Yankee Springs Recreation Area trails.
LINK Take a Virtual Tour of the Long Lake Outdoor Center!
LINK View a Map
Available activities include: lake access and canoeing (Canoes provided), hiking/biking, sports fields, Swimming and motorized boating is available at neighboring Gun Lake.
We welcome you to join us for the entire weekend. If you can’t come for the entire weekend, please join us Saturday for our 10th Anniversary Celebration!
Long Lake Retreat Details and Registration.
Registration
For your convenience Registration for the Long Lake Anniversary Retreat is available online.
LINK Long Lake.jpg
h2. Register Today!
We ask that you make a 50% deposit when you register to confirm your reservation, the balance is due June 1, 2007.
Reservations may also be paid in full at time of registration, or any time before June 1, 2007.
A $5 late registration fee will be added for reservations made after June 1, 2007.
Prices
Prices includes lodging, facility rental and meals for the entire weekend!
Families: $144
Couples: $86 Individuals/Single: $48If you can’t come for the entire weekend: Join us on Saturday for the Anniversary Celebration. Cost for the day is only $25 for individuals, $50 for couples and families and includes meals for the day & facility rental.
Housing Options
There are various Housing options available at the campground. There are large group style cabins that sleep 8-20 people, and more private cabins that sleep 4-6 people. There is also space available for those wishing to bring their tents and camp outside for the weekend.
LINK LL Bunks.jpb
When you register you will have the opportunity to select your housing preferences. Cabin assignments will be given on a first come, first serve basis, so don’t delay, Register Now!
Priority for the Hill and Lake Cabins will be given to families with children first and then made available to couples or groups. Please note that the Lake cabins are the farthest away from the dining hall and bathhouse. See below for cabin options.
Bed Layout: bunk beds, most are stacked & fixed. Twin size mattresses are provided: Everyone is responsible for bringing their own bedding or sleeping bags.
Cabin List:
* Mansion House: sleeps 20, two bedrooms and a central lounge – Group/Family * Road House: sleeps 12, two bedrooms and a central lounge – Group/Family * Infirmary: sleeps 10, three bedrooms and attached bathroom – Group/Family * Stage House: sleeps 8 – Large Family/Group * Hill Cabins: sleeps 4-6/Private (9 units available ) – Family * Lake Cabins: sleeps 4-6/Private (8 units available) – Family * Tent Camping: bring your tent and find the perfect spot to set up camph3. What To Bring
You will want to bring: bedding/sleeping bag, flashlights, clothes, swimsuit, towels & toiletries, recreational and sports equipment, bicycles, musical instruments, and lawn chairs. Don’t forget your sunblock and bug spray!
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.
We also ask that each family/couple/individual bring an appetizer, salad or dessert to share on Saturday at the Anniversary Celebration and cookout. There is a large walk-in refrigerator to store pre-made dishes, and a large kitchen to prepare food if needed.
H3.Volunteer Options
In order to make this Celebration and Retreat a success we ask that each person volunteer before or during the retreat to distribute the workload so everyone can enjoy the retreat. Below are a list of volunteer opportunities for you to consider. There is a section on the Reservation form for you to note your volunteer preferences for the retreat.
H3. Volunteer Opportunities:
* Event Planning Committee * Publicity * Lodging/Registration Coordinator * Menu Planning/ Purchasing * Food Preparation * Food Clean-up * Retreat Setup/Tear Down * Event/ Activity Coordinator * Recreation/ Activity Leader/Planner * Activity Leader – Children * Activity Leader – Adult * End of Retreat Cleaning * Check-in/Check-out * I’ll help wherever neededThank you in advance for your help!
Don’t Forget to Register!
Center for Inquiry | On Campus - Michigan
CFI On Campus provides a community for student freethinkers to explore ideas from a rational, scientific, and non-theistic perspective.
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Center for Inquiry | Aquinas
Aquinas College
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Student Leader: Adrian Morales
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Grand Valley State University
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Michigan State University
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Child care is now available. Please note that supervised child care is now available at our main meetings held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at the Women’s City Club. For further information, or to volunteer, please contact Jennifer Beahan at .