:

Registrations are accepted beginning a year in advance, but everyone has the same priority up to October 13th. If too many people have registered, a drawing is held at that time to see who "gets in."

What about the beds and bathrooms? Seabeck has "real" beds with fitted sheets and as many blankets as you need. Typically, the shared bathrooms are down the hall, but private baths are available for an extra fee. The rooms with private baths are in Spruce, at the far end of camp. Those rooms have proven very popular, especially in the summer. They are near the tennis courts, so bring a racket if you stay there.

Wheelchairs are welcome. We welcome campers with special needs as long as they are able to care for themselves or bring along someone to assist them with eating, bathing or other areas of need. There are sleeping rooms and bathrooms available with special accommodations for those with disabilities. If you need a special room or need to be in a particular area of camp, please contact the Eliot Director concerning the availability of the type of room you need. While Seabeck grounds have a number of gentle slopes, the meeting rooms used for all general sessions are accessible by ramps and most paths are paved.

Roommates are available. Many people come to Eliot by themselves. For those wishing to take advantage of lower prices for shared rooms (or simply wanting to meet others) the Director is often able to assign roommates. While this arrangement usually works fine, bringing earplugs can help if the roommate snores and being flexible is really appreciated when the plans of the roommate change and you are affected.

Bring your ideas and resources. Much of the Eliot program is created by the campers themselves. If you have a special interest or talent you would like to share, bring the equipment or materials and speak up when you get to camp. Or, contact one of the Deans for the camp ahead of time and share your idea. They can then let you know the best way to do the activity at camp. Eliot bulletin boards begin to bloom with announcements shortly after camp starts. Campers announce discussion groups, hiking groups, exercise sessions, jam sessions, parlor games, etc. The only limit is your imagination, energy and time.

Eliot is an international experience. Eliot participants literally come from all over the world. Recent guests have included visitors from France, Transylvania and Australia. The majority of the campers, however, come from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. We learn how much we have in common, but also share lively discussions over issues that are viewed differently across the border. The children especially enjoy making friends from another country.

Introduction

We come for a variety of reasons -- to make new friends or to see old ones, for intellectual stimulation, spiritual renewal, artistic expression, to share ideas, to relax and to have fun. You're about to become part of this unique intentional community.

Eliot Institute is a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Pacific Northwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Eliot Institute is managed by a volunteer board of directors made up of representatives from the established conferences held each year. Eliot Institute has been presenting camps and conferences since 1947. Eliot Institute currently sponsors three camps each year at Seabeck - during July, during August and over New Year's Day and one at the Naramata Conference Centre in eastern British Columbia straddling June/July. Eliot summer conferences are 7 nights; the Winter conference is 4 nights.

The Eliot community values safety, fun, and diversity. Many campers are old-timers, having come for years. Newcomers are always welcome and an important part of the community. Newcomers may ask to be paired up with returning campers who give support and answer questions while serving as a "Newcomer Buddy."

Host Facilities & Surrounding Area

Seabeck

Once a thriving milltown, Seabeck today consists of the Seabeck Conference Center and the surrounding community, including the General Store, an historic cemetery, pizza and espresso businesses, and the marina. Eliot and other Unitarian Universalist groups are the most frequent users of the Seabeck Conference Center.

The Conference Center includes over 90 acres with housing, meeting areas, dining hall, woods, a lagoon, beach access on Hood Canal, the Cathedral in the Woods, trails, a swimming platform, tennis courts, volleyball, a children's playground, and Ping Pong. A refrigerator in the dining hall is available for guest use. Guests leave valuables at home, as the doors to guest rooms have no locks.

Silverdale, the closest city, has supermarkets, pharmacies and a mall. It is a 15 minute drive from Seabeck. Scenic Beach State Park is two miles south and west of Seabeck. It has a beautiful woods, a picnic area and beach, and a spectacular view.

Naramata

Naramata Centre is located within a peaceful village on the shores of Lake Okanagan in eastern British Columbia. It's a place of orchards and vineyards, of lake and mountains, of country lanes and wilderness paths.

Each year more than 10,000 people of all ages and backgrounds come to Naramata Centre for retreats, conferences, continuing education courses, training programs, workshops and special events. Marion McConnell (Mugs) is the Centre's Conference Coordinator. The Centre features a private beach and swimming area, a peaceful chapel, the Mustard Seed Bookstore, pianos in several buildings, and ping pong or pool in the Games Room. Walk the labyrinth, set amidst orchards and clay cliffs. Or play volleyball, badminton, baseball, bocci, croquet or soccer on the conference play fields.

Naramata Village has a post office, a general store and several small shops. Penticton is 15 kms/10 miles to the south, with all the amenities of a mid-sized city. Several wineries are within hiking or a short driving distance of the conference grounds. Wilderness camping and fishing areas are also nearby.

Communications With the World

Some cellular phones work on conference grounds, and pay phones are available. Host facilities can receive and send mail and fax communications, and postage may be purchased at their offices. The Seabeck office can be reached at 360-830-5010 during office hours or in case of emergency, with a local number from Seattle, 206-842-0346. Naramata Centre is at (250) 496-5751, or after hours for emergencies at 250-490-7385. Please do not ask host facilities or the Eliot Administrator to receive or send email for you. Both Seabeck and Naramata have Internet access ports available, though you must provide your own laptop and Internet service. However, we strongly discourage personal computer use at Eliot, particularly by children and youth. Take advantage of your time at Eliot to "unplug" and enjoy the people, activities and the beauty of nature all around you.

With the community

There is a daily Eliot newsletter. It is distributed at dinner and extra copies are usually available in the main building lobby. The newsletter is created by the whole community -- you can submit an article, joke or drawing before the deadline each day. Other announcements and sign-up sheets will be conveniently posted in a main traffic area.

Food

Most people love meals at Eliot, which are served family-style at Seabeck and buffet-style at Naramata. No K.P. duty is required on the part of campers. When arranged before camp starts, vegetarian and other special diets can usually be accommodated. Make your requests through the Eliot Administrator when you register. At each meal, you will need to alert your server that you are on a special diet. It is important not to eat special meals prepared for others. The kitchen staff can be very accommodating. Seconds are usually available. If you need something, please ask. At Seabeck, a refrigerator in the dining room area at is available for those who bring food for special diets or for children's preferences. Most housing at Naramata, including campgrounds, includes shared refrigerators for the same purpose.

Emergency Resources

First Aid supplies are available in the main building, children's program areas, and on the swim dock. Fellow campers who have volunteered for First Aid assistance will be identified at the all-camp meeting on the first day. The lifeguard usually has an airhorn and 911 cellphone for emergency use. For additional assistance, ask an Eliot staff member. In case of emergency, call 911 and notify the host facility office.

Coming & Going

Essential to the experience at Eliot Institute is the sense of community we create during the week together.  To help foster this intention for a safe, inclusive environment, we encourage you to arrive opening day, to base your experience on the grounds of the conference centre, and to stay the full length of the conference.  It is especially important that newcomers to Eliot arrive in time to attend the all - camp orientation meeting, and that children and youth be present on the first meeting of their morning program.

We also ask that, if at all possible, you refrain from inviting any unregistered friends or family to visit you during your stay at camp.  If you expect visitors, plan to meet them at a location off conference grounds.  If you have a visitor on-site, Eliot requires the following:

1.      Ask Dean in advance for approval.

2.      Notify Registrar for day - use fee payment and visitor nametag.

3.      Visitors may not attend Eliot programs, nor stay overnight.

The Eliot Program

Theme Speaker: Each morning after ingathering, the theme speaker will present his/her program.

Morning Discussion Groups: You will be assigned to a small discussion group which meets daily for the duration of the camp session. After the theme program and a coffee break, you will meet with your group each morning. Your group facilitator will help direct the discussion. These groups are a great opportunity to open up and really get to know some of your community. It is also a chance to explore in more depth the themes of the morning.

Life with Children and Youth

After the morning session, children are the responsibility of parents, guardians or sponsors. In practical terms, this means that children under age 6 should always be with a responsible caretaker. You can hire a baby sitter (check with youth), or swap childcare. But, since this is a family camp, we urge you to take advantage of all the things you can do with your children.

Older children and youth may become very independent of their parents or guardians. Eliot can provide a chance to give them some freedom. Please consider, however, what is age-appropriate and supervise them accordingly. Safety is the number one concern.

Some parents become concerned that they are not seeing enough of their older kids. Different families handle this in different ways. Some eat at least one meal together or have a daily check-in time. Feel free to set rules for your family that meet your needs.

Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking

Illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia are not allowed.  Drug use or underage (21 in Washington ) drinking will result in immediate expulsion from camp. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs must be kept in original containers.

Persons who are of legal age for smoking and drinking are reminded that young campers view them as role models. They are encouraged to restrict their smoking and drinking behavior during camp.

Alcohol is permitted only in a camper's room or at designated social events. Alcohol may not be left unattended in public areas. Users, please remove all containers from the conference grounds.

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to smoke in Washington . No smoking in buildings or in the woods by anyone.

Swimming:

Swimming is only allowed in the designated swim area and when the lifeguard is present. No swimming after dark.

No child under age 6 or who has not passed the swim test should be left at the lagoon unattended by a directly supervising adult. The lifeguard is NOT a direct supervisor!

All campers under age 18 must have a "Swim-Buddy," and always be aware of this buddy's whereabouts while in the swimming area. Swim buddies check-in and check-out of the swim area by leaving their nametags together at the Nametag Park .

When the emergency air horn is heard, all swimmers must get out of the water, and health professionals at Eliot should report to the waterfront.

Boating At Seabeck:

Boats may be used by children and youth (under 18) only when the boat dock is "open" and under the supervision of the Boat Dock Volunteer. All boaters under age 18 must wear life jackets.  Adults are also strongly urged to wear life jackets.

Children under 18 years old who haven not passed the boating test must be accompanied in the boat by an adult or someone who has passed the boating test.

Boats must stay out of the swimming area. No swimming from boats.

Candles and Fire Safety

No candles or other burning matter should be used in any building or the woods.  The only exception is that we are allowed to light chalices, in appropriate containers, during our all-camp worship services and during the morning Youth Program. A supply of water and/or a fire extinguisher must be kept nearby. The Worship Coordinator must be informed of all candles planned for worship services. Fireworks are not allowed.   

Children and Youth

Children must obtain permission from a parent or sponsor whenever leaving the Conference Center grounds, including trips to the General Store.

Parents and sponsors are responsible for their children following the morning program and throughout the balance of the day, especially around the playground equipment and the waterfront. Cooperative childcare is encouraged, or parents may hire a youth.

Curfew is 11 p.m. With permission of parents or sponsor, youth may stay up 1 a.m. provided they are in a designated youth area with an adult 25 or over present. After curfew, children and youth should be in their sleeping quarters or with a parent or sponsor.

All riding toys including bicycles, skateboards, and scooters, toy weapons, squirt guns and similar toys are not allowed in camp.

General Guidelines

NAMETAGS must be worn at all times. Admission to dining hall may be denied without a nametag.  Wearing nametags allows others to learn your name and thus contributes to community.

VISITORS are welcome on arrival and departure days only and may not spend the night. Arrangements should be made in advance with the Registrar.  A fee may be charged.  

If you expect a visitor at any other time, plan to meet them off campus.  The Dean and Board Liaison should be made aware of any visitors to camp.

QUIET time is set at 10 p.m. at Seabeck, and 11 p.m. at Naramata, according to local noise ordinances.  Specific areas will be designated for late evening social activities.  Be especially courteous around housing areas, including the Inn porch at Seabeck.  Loud personal stereos are discouraged at all times.

FACILITY PROPERTY:  Do not remove any items of bedding, chairs, other furniture, or conference equipment from any room without the specific permission of the host facility.

SALE ITEMS:  Individuals may not sell products or services at any Eliot camp.

PETS are NOT allowed.

MOTOR VEHICLES are to be driven only on roads.  PARK only in designated areas. At Naramata, be aware that public roadways intersect conference grounds. Be alert and courteous!

ABSENCE FROM THE GROUNDS:  If you expect to leave the grounds for an extended time, please inform the Registrar and/or the Dean.

Eliot Traditions

This is a list of many of the Eliot traditions. Not all of them happen at every camp.

Art Show: Eliot artists display their creations.

Boat-burning: This New Year's Eve ceremony allows us to write down things we want to leave behind and to watch them burn on a boat in the lagoon.

Choir: Each camp has a choir with daily practices and several chances to perform.

Concert: Eliot musicians perform for an appreciative audience.

Costume Parade and Contest: At some camps the children (and a few adults) dress up in costume and enjoy the admiration and applause of other campers.

Dance: Eliot volunteers organize a variety of dancing events for all ages, often with instruction.

Encore: This popular Eliot game requires teams to pick a card and sing a song which contains the word or subject of the card.

Firelight: Music, songs, stories and jokes for all ages are often shared at the firepit near the swimming dock. At Winter Eliot, Firelight may be held by the fireplace in the Inn Lobby.

Grandpa Ray's Ice Cream Social

Greased Watermelon Polo: Strong swimmers compete in this vigorous slippery floating fruit game.

New Year's Eve Feast: At Winter Eliot, the New Year's Eve celebration is capped off by the first meal of the year, a hearty feast served just after the midnight countdown.

Polar Bear Club: Early morning lagoon swims and screams.

Salmon Bake: For one dinner during summer camps at Seabeck, we'll have a special salmon bake dinner on the beach.

Social Hour: Adults gather before dinner for an hour of beverages and appetizers. At Seabeck, bring your own beverage and snacks to share. At Naramata, beverages are provided (no-host), so bring snacks to share.

Talent Show and Coffeehouses: Everyone is welcome to perform. Watch for the sign-up list.

Theater Sports: Volunteers of all ages perform improvisational theater.

Tie Dye: Learn to tie dye cotton clothing with brilliant colors.

To Tell the Truth: A panel of three volunteers tell stories of their lives. The audience votes to guess which panelist's story is true.

Triathlon: This swimming, boating, and running competition is for individuals and teams of all ages. (Modified at Naramata, where boats are not available.)

Worship: There is usually a worship service each evening and a brief worship ingathering before the morning program. The worship coordinator will bring interested people together and help with materials and support. Watch for meeting times or sign-up lists. In August, one worship service will include a remembrance of Hiroshima with lighted boats on the lagoon.

Sample Daily Schedule (Summer and Winter Camps)

Thank you to Eliot Board member Jordan Michels for creating the Survival Guide and to Joan Lawson and Carolyn Hayek for assisting with revisions.