Seven Star Annual Training Retreat
June 2-4, 2023
Camp BUrton, Vashon Island
Registration Information
Register for our annual Seven Star Training Retreat! The retreat is a great opportunity to reflect upon your training, deepen your knowledge of the art, and get to know your fellow students. The weekend will be a mix of classes and relaxation/community time. All actively training students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Registration closes Friday, May 19th.
Schedule
The retreat is two nights. Plan to arrive on Friday, June 2nd before our opening ceremony at 7pm. Dinner on your own Friday night. First class starts at 7:30pm. Classes end Sunday, June 4th at noon. The draft Retreat Schedule is posted. Stay tuned for class descriptions and more details.
If you have not attended one of our training retreats and are wondering what it's like, ask around before or after class to get insights from students who have attended one of the previous retreats. Check out the photos at the bottom of this page. We’ve had an annual training retreat since 2012. It’s a lovely location and a fantastic opportunity to train and get to know your fellow students better. There will be a mix of scheduled class time, social events, and unprogrammed relaxation time.
Cost
The retreat cost is sliding scale $230-$250. The registration cost covers two nights of accommodations, four meals, instruction, and incidental facility costs. A reduced rate is also available on a sliding scale of $125-$175 or pay what you can. There are a limited number of full scholarships available by request. The true cost of the retreat is $230/per person, but we want to make this event financially accessible to all students. Please email Sifu Gina at gina@sevenstarwomenskungfu.com to get a code for a full scholarship if it is needed. We are also offering a “solidarity rate” this year of $300 for those of you who have the financial means to offset the reduced rate cost. Childcare is not provided for this event.
NOTE: There is a cost associated with transportation to the retreat. The Vashon Ferry costs approximately $22 for a car and 1 driver, with an additional $6.25/passenger. Please plan to split costs with the driver if you are carpooling.
Getting There
To get to Camp Burton: Take the Fauntleroy/Vashon Ferry. Need a ride? Want to offer a ride? Fill out our carpool form. NOTE: If possible, take the 4:35pm or 5:15pm ferry. You will likely be late to the opening ceremony if you take the 6:15pm ferry. Camp Burton’s address is 9326 SW Bayview Drive, Vashon Island, Washington 98070 (approx. 20 min drive from Vashon Island Ferry dock). Park in the parking lot adjacent to Grisham Hall. The check-in registration table will be located in Grisham Hall’s patio. Look for our signs!
Covid Considerations
This is a masks optional event, but please make sure to bring masks (surgical masks or better) with you. All of our students are fully vaccinated. We are encouraging all students to take a Covid test prior to arrival. Please be mindful of your activities the week leading up to the retreat. We will follow our revised Covid-requirements for masking (as of May 15, 2023). We will be assigning cabins. If you have fellow students you want to pod up with, you can list preferences at registration. Given the need to balance cabin sizes and distribution of students we cannot guarantee you will get your preferred cabinmates. If you have concerns about sleeping in a cabin with 4-6 people, tent camping is available.
Recommended Packing List
Bedding/personal items: Sleeping bag or twin-sized bedding, pillow, towel(s), toiletries, ear plugs, flashlight, hat or visor, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Gear: training clothes, your belt, sparring gear, mouth guard, masks, and shoes for training outside. If you do not own sparring gear, borrow some from the school. We will not be providing sparring equipment. We highly recommend you bring supportive shoes for training--whether that is inside at Grisham Hall or outside in the outdoor training areas.
Food & Water: water bottle, snacks, food (especially if you have special dietary needs). Seven Star will provide snacks in Grisham Hall throughout the retreat.
Weapons: arnis canes (note: we will bring Seven Star’s weapons if you do not own any).
Training journal and pen
Fun stuff: Swimsuit, water shoes, beach towel, board games, puzzles, coloring books, acoustic instruments for playing by the fire, etc.
Your own tent supplies if you opt to tent camp.
Camp chair (optional)
Meals/Food
Camp Burton is great about accommodating our group’s dietary restrictions, but if you have concerns about adequate nutrition for yourself during our retreat, the camp has provided use of their fridge and microwave to help us accommodate allergies, dietary restrictions, and food preferences. There is a large refrigerator in the dining area and a mini fridge in Grisham Hall available for our use. If you have dietary restrictions/restrictive diet or concerns about meals, please make sure you have adequate snacks/food/protein to sustain yourself throughout the day. We will have a variety of snacks available in Grisham Hall throughout the weekend. Coffee/tea service will be provided in Grisham Hall all weekend. NOTE: We cannot control the timing of meals at Camp Burton. They dictate our schedule with their designated meal times. We will be sharing the camp with another group. Plan accordingly.
Photos From Previous Retreats
Questions?
Contact: Josie Lundquist at josie@sevenstarwomenskungfu.com or Sifu Gina gina@sevenstarwomenskungfu.com.