Post by: arebelspy on October 29, 2017, 08:31:42 PM
Where do you think the best place(s) would be to hold an event?
Please post suggestions in this thread! (General geographic areas, at least a city or slightly broader, or even specific locations--campgrounds or whatever. An entire state is too broad of a suggestion.)
Cheers! :)
Post by: arebelspy on October 29, 2017, 08:40:27 PM
Cabo (Mexico)
Vancouver Island (Canada)
Other suggestions that have occurred in discussions around expanding Camp Mustache:
D.C.
Chicago
Colorado (somewhere?)
And current ones that already exist:
Seattle
Toronto
Post by: Bracken_Joy on October 29, 2017, 08:47:16 PM
Post by: jordanread on October 30, 2017, 09:18:13 AM
Post by: arebelspy on October 30, 2017, 09:32:05 AM
I'm toying with the idea of Baja...but will probably work on Colorado first.Work is not needed at this point, just suggestions! :)
Where in CO?
Or do you mean the one 1500 proposed?
Post by: jordanread on October 30, 2017, 09:50:25 AM
I'm toying with the idea of Baja...but will probably work on Colorado first.Work is not needed at this point, just suggestions! :)
Where in CO?
Or do you mean the one 1500 proposed?
Oh, the work is for my own benefit. I'll probably be reaching out to you a bit later for suggestions. It's more general guidelines that may wind up being of use to someone besides me.
And for the Colorado one, I'm debating on making my own and playing support to 1500. I'm really good at stepping on toes, so I'm trying to avoid it.
Post by: SimpleCycle on October 30, 2017, 10:31:52 AM
Airfare to Chicago is relatively affordable, and it's pretty centrally located. Hotels are $$$, AirBnBing entire houses is a possible option, or maybe renting out the entire Pilsen Art House. Good camping can be had within an hour drive of O'Hare.
Post by: boarder42 on October 30, 2017, 10:32:17 AM
Post by: arebelspy on October 30, 2017, 10:38:53 AM
Edited first post to clarify a state is way too broad of a suggestion (CO or AR are great, I'm sure, but not much of a starting point for research, otherwise I could just start with a list of the 50 states
)
Post by: LostGirl on October 30, 2017, 11:04:01 AM
Post by: ToTheMoon on October 30, 2017, 01:34:46 PM
Would have to track down the most cost effective location between Golden - Lake Louise - Banff - Kananaskis areas.
Flights would be to Calgary, AB - there are lots of buses or car rentals available from there.
Post by: boarder42 on October 30, 2017, 02:10:52 PM
Post by: LostGirl on October 30, 2017, 02:18:48 PM
Post by: arebelspy on October 30, 2017, 03:52:37 PM
Post by: pbkmaine on October 31, 2017, 07:09:09 AM
Post by: arebelspy on October 31, 2017, 07:27:08 AM
There is also Camp Mustache SE in Gainesville.
That was run as a Camp Mustache originally, but it is no longer. It is a Camp FI.
Post by: ToTheMoon on October 31, 2017, 09:47:10 AM
There is also Camp Mustache SE in Gainesville.
That was run as a Camp Mustache originally, but it is no longer. It is a Camp FI.
Camp Mustache = break-even/non-profit
Camp FI = Potential for profit/profit intended
Is this correct?
Post by: arebelspy on October 31, 2017, 10:35:01 AM
There is also Camp Mustache SE in Gainesville.
That was run as a Camp Mustache originally, but it is no longer. It is a Camp FI.
Camp Mustache = break-even/non-profit
Camp FI = Potential for profit/profit intended
Is this correct?
This is my understanding of the key difference, yes.
Post by: ontheheel on October 31, 2017, 11:04:55 AM
Camp Mustache Big Bear Lake California ;-). Probably too difficult to get to for most people though.
I'd be down for this, and would be an easy sell for my wife. Idyllwild is quiet and nice, too.
Also, anything between San Diego and LA has my vote.
Post by: Cassie on October 31, 2017, 11:58:10 AM
Post by: LadyDividend on October 31, 2017, 12:08:48 PM
And current ones that already exist:
Seattle
Toronto
Toronto please! I don't see an active event listed.
Post by: yolfer on October 31, 2017, 12:25:56 PM
There is also Camp Mustache SE in Gainesville.
That was run as a Camp Mustache originally, but it is no longer. It is a Camp FI.
Camp Mustache = break-even/non-profit
Camp FI = Potential for profit/profit intended
Is this correct?
This is my understanding of the key difference, yes.
Yep! We keep a list of "official" CM's on our website: https://campmustache.weebly.com/camp_mustache_guiding_principles.html
Post by: arebelspy on October 31, 2017, 12:28:03 PM
And current ones that already exist:
Seattle
Toronto
Toronto please! I don't see an active event listed.
It happened two weeks ago. The next one is scheduled for the end of next September (2018--one of the last two weekends, exact dates TBD). See this thread for details:
https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/index.php?topic=80643.0 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/index.php?topic=80643.0)
Post by: justchecking on October 31, 2017, 08:31:04 PM
Post by: katsiki on November 01, 2017, 01:01:04 PM
New Orleans
Austin
Gulf Shores (AL)
Pensacola (FL)
Post by: Happy in Paradise on November 02, 2017, 12:36:06 AM
I live in Manhattan Beach (Coastal LA), and would be open to anywhere from San Diego to Los Angeles proper. Weekend dates preferred please!
I would also be open to travel to the following cities:
Austin, TX
Coastal parts of the south
Most any place with a large body of water nearby :)
Post by: Alternatepriorities on November 02, 2017, 01:15:55 AM
Post by: Moonwaves on November 02, 2017, 06:03:00 AM
Post by: Systems101 on November 02, 2017, 09:36:10 PM
Where do you think the best place(s) would be to hold an event?
I forget what thread it was in but for an East coast location, Asheville, NC was tossed out as an idea a while ago. Maybe something just outside of that like Brevard (or really Pisgah Forest)... Looking Glass Rock, Moore Cove Falls all a quick jaunt in a vehicle (yes, walking would be nicer, but...); not sure if anything outside of Asheville itself has scale needed to host an event though since I don't have experience with the area.
Then thinking about things that can host an event while having direct access to the outdoors, which is part of what I like from the logs I see of the original CM, I can think of two:
One option with direct outdoors is around Boone, NC. App State U in town gives the place some scale (but it's still small town), and something down near Blowing Rock would have walking access to the Glen Burnie Trail (since it starts practically in town). There are a few places in the area that can handle conference type scale. Getting in and out by air/car is a bit of a jaunt (e.g. just over 2 hours to Charlotte, NC), but doable.
If you are looking for something further north, doing something around Letchworth State Park in NY is possible - look up the Glen Iris Inn... and that's just over an hour out of Rochester, NY, so at least there is decent access by air (or Buffalo, where flying is often cheaper than Rochester).
Note in both of these latter locations are places (single company) that are mixes of hotels and cabin/suite/condo/house where the latter have kitchens, et al... so there are opportunities where part of the group can act as a form of host for smaller groups for various dinners/other meals and not having to go crazy on restaurants if there was desire to do that as part of the event.
Post by: Cookie78 on November 02, 2017, 09:47:35 PM
CMC West: Rockies Edition - 2019 or 2020?
Would have to track down the most cost effective location between Golden - Lake Louise - Banff - Kananaskis areas.
Flights would be to Calgary, AB - there are lots of buses or car rentals available from there.
Seconded!
I'm not sure what kind of space would be required, but there are many many options for different camp sites/group lodges etc. in the area.
Post by: Deanna_Phoenix_Life_Unscripted on November 03, 2017, 09:06:32 AM
Post by: KBecks on November 03, 2017, 09:16:30 AM
Come in Summer or early Fall.
Post by: FrogStash on November 03, 2017, 11:03:42 AM
I would love to see something in Southeast or nearby. Suggestions:
New Orleans
Austin
Gulf Shores (AL)
Pensacola (FL)
Austin would be a great spot. People can get there easily from Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston and San Antonio.
Post by: Thegoblinchief on November 04, 2017, 06:04:11 AM
I'll toss in Milwaukee, we're cheaper than Chicago and The Goblin Chief lives here.
Come in Summer or early Fall.
September is by far the best month here most years. Something in between Milwaukee and Chicago would probably be ideal (cheaper than the big city but close enough that distance travelers have the cheaper flights) but I've got way too much on my plate to even think about organizing.
Would gladly attend and/or speak at one around here if the dates worked.
Post by: NinjaSue on November 04, 2017, 11:31:52 AM
Post by: tj on November 05, 2017, 12:46:41 PM
There is also Camp Mustache SE in Gainesville.
That was run as a Camp Mustache originally, but it is no longer. It is a Camp FI.
Camp Mustache = break-even/non-profit
Camp FI = Potential for profit/profit intended
Is this correct?
This is my understanding of the key difference, yes.
Having gone to the FL one from CA, it was very exhausting to do 2 cross country flights over a short weekend. I probably wouldn't do that again. I would go in the future if it's nearby where I live. Currently that's Phoenix, but many parts of CA, NV or NM would also be close enough.
Prescott Pines could be an interesting place. would be a 2 hour drive from either Phoenix or Flagstaff.
https://prescottpines.org/request-a-quote/
Post by: deborah on November 05, 2017, 12:59:08 PM
We're looking at planning more Camp Mustache events, across the U.S. (Edit: And outside, at reasonable distances. That's a likely "sorry" to Australia, for now. But maybe in the future.)When you say "we" do you mean that there are some wonderful people who are just waiting for miustashians to suggest places so that they can organise an event there??? THIS IS AWESOME!!! I can understand that those people would not want to organise something in Australia or even Europe, because they wouldn't be very aware of local conditions.
Where do you think the best place(s) would be to hold an event?
Please post suggestions in this thread! (General geographic areas, at least a city or slightly broader, or even specific locations--campgrounds or whatever. An entire state is too broad of a suggestion.)
Cheers! :)
However, if these people have worked out a checklist of what needs to be done and other stuff that can be helpful to local committees, even if they are in Australia (or Europe), that could be awesome too, especially if it allowed local organisers to devote less time to the organisation of the event itself..
Personally, having been to a few live-in mustashian events, I really think they are wonderful things to attend, and everyone should want to go to one. However, one of my joys in these things is that each has been organised slightly differently, because they have each been organised by a local group, or people with a different flavour. I understand that there has been an "all women" one, and I cannot see why there couldn't be a "people bringing their children" one. We are a diverse community, each with different ideas about what we want, and different CMs will hopefully allow a broader section of the MMM community to attend joyfully.
Post by: Physicsteacher on November 05, 2017, 03:25:46 PM
CMC Buffalo National River Arkansas
I would be interested in this! Devil's Den State Park could also be nice.
Post by: arebelspy on November 05, 2017, 03:44:21 PM
When you say "we" do you mean that there are some wonderful people who are just waiting for miustashians to suggest places so that they can organise an event there??? THIS IS AWESOME!!!
Yes, basically.
Local run, grass roots ones are ideal as well (CM Toronto is an excellent example of this), but given that CM Seattle has been run for years (3.5 years, for 4 total events) and the first spinoffs only happened this year (Camp Mustache SE, which now--going forward--is not a Camp Mustache, and Camp Mustache Toronto), it doesn't appear that this homegrown idea is happening too often.
Given that, we're hoping to launch a few more CMs around the country, ones that may eventually be passed off to local organizers (once they see how feasible it is). :)
Post by: Lski'stash on November 05, 2017, 07:37:25 PM
Post by: Thegoblinchief on November 06, 2017, 06:02:00 AM
I'd like to toss out St. Joseph/South Haven, Michigan. The area is super drivable from O'Hare, has some great camping spots, and there's wine and blueberries all over the place in the summer. Plus, there's a really big lake.
That is a really pretty area. I have family on a farm near Paw Paw and spent many, many weekends there growing up.
Post by: dreams_and_discoveries on November 09, 2017, 11:02:33 AM
Post by: turketron on November 09, 2017, 11:25:13 AM
Post by: arebelspy on November 09, 2017, 11:49:17 AM
Would love a UK one....somewhere scenic for the weekend and accessible to lots of people. Going to add on the UK board and see what sort or response I'd get...
The first UK Chautauqua was held this year, so doing a Camp Mustache seems feasible as well. :)
Post by: Thegoblinchief on November 10, 2017, 06:45:21 AM
I'm definitely interested in attending if there's one reasonably close by. Milwaukee would work well for me, but Chicago would certainly be doable as well. I haven't paid a ton of attention to the others that have been held- what's the ballpark price per attendee, and what does the ticket price cover? Participation cost would definitely affect how far I'd be feasibly willing/able to travel.
I don't know what the Seattle one has cost, but the Canadian one was a bit over $200 in USD.
Post by: haypug16 on November 10, 2017, 07:26:57 AM
Post by: arebelspy on November 10, 2017, 07:47:16 AM
*Seattle provides bedding, for example. Baja may be all inclusive including alcohol, and set on a beach. So it'll depend.
Post by: dreams_and_discoveries on November 11, 2017, 07:48:39 AM
Would love a UK one....somewhere scenic for the weekend and accessible to lots of people. Going to add on the UK board and see what sort or response I'd get...
The first UK Chautauqua was held this year, so doing a Camp Mustache seems feasible as well. :)
Happy times - I saw the Chautauqua, but was shall we say, very on the pricy side!
Post by: terran on November 16, 2017, 08:13:20 AM
CMC Buffalo National River Arkansas
I would be interested in this! Devil's Den State Park could also be nice.
Another Arkansan here. Just moved here, so I'm not super familiar with the area yet, but I have been to Devil's Den. Cool place.
Fayetteville (college town - University of Arkansas) seems to have a pretty good bike culture, though this is just as viewed from the periphery. Lots of good mountain biking trails so I'm told. Also an excellent public library.
A couple of other cool hikes we've been on: Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point) (http://arkokhiker.org/northwest-arkansas/hawksbill-crag-whitaker-point-trail-ozark-forest/) is apparently kind of the poster child of the Ozarks, and Eden Falls (http://btoellner.typepad.com/exploring_nw_arkansas/eden-falls/) has a cave (actually a couple of them, but one of them you climb/crawl back into).
What kind of venue do you tend to be looking for when you run one of these?
Post by: arebelspy on November 16, 2017, 08:57:33 AM
What kind of venue do you tend to be looking for when you run one of these?
Two main requirements:
1. Can house 50ish people
2. Food included (including vegetarian options)
Other useful things:
3. Reasonably close (An hour? Two?) to a major airport.
4. Nature-y.
Post by: boarder42 on November 16, 2017, 09:33:31 AM
CMC Buffalo National River Arkansas
I would be interested in this! Devil's Den State Park could also be nice.
Another Arkansan here. Just moved here, so I'm not super familiar with the area yet, but I have been to Devil's Den. Cool place.
Fayetteville (college town - University of Arkansas) seems to have a pretty good bike culture, though this is just as viewed from the periphery. Lots of good mountain biking trails so I'm told. Also an excellent public library.
A couple of other cool hikes we've been on: Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point) (http://arkokhiker.org/northwest-arkansas/hawksbill-crag-whitaker-point-trail-ozark-forest/) is apparently kind of the poster child of the Ozarks, and Eden Falls (http://btoellner.typepad.com/exploring_nw_arkansas/eden-falls/) has a cave (actually a couple of them, but one of them you climb/crawl back into).
What kind of venue do you tend to be looking for when you run one of these?
I'm from KC but we dont have as much cool nature as y'all do so thats why i brought it up... if some locals down there would be willing to organize we would definitely make that trip. Those are 2 hikes my boss discusses constantly - he has a cabin near harrison that back to national forest.
Post by: AccidentialMustache on November 16, 2017, 09:46:46 AM
I don't know if Allerton would price itself out of consideration, but if it didn't, that might be an amazing venue. http://allerton.illinois.edu/meetings/accommodations/ -- there's been public, free camping events there too, so you might even get them to let you 'nudge' that number it'll accommodate by a little bit. Plenty of nature there, and you get the whole "King for a day" effect without having to have the means to build and upkeep a multi-million dollar mansion.
Post by: Spartans on November 18, 2017, 09:00:03 AM
Post by: arebelspy on November 18, 2017, 09:06:06 AM
What exactly is this camp? Just people getting together?
A weekend retreat of Mustachians to discuss FIRE and other topics, and hang out/collaborate with like-minded people.
Post by: Spartans on November 20, 2017, 08:22:03 AM
What exactly is this camp? Just people getting together?
A weekend retreat of Mustachians to discuss FIRE and other topics, and hang out/collaborate with like-minded people.
Sounds awesome!
Post by: G-dog on November 20, 2017, 02:52:19 PM
What kind of venue do you tend to be looking for when you run one of these?
Two main requirements:
1. Can house 50ish people
2. Food included (including vegetarian options)
Other useful things:
3. Reasonably close (An hour? Two?) to a major airport.
4. Nature-y.
Would you add presentation space (keynotes/breakout(s)/learning sessions) to the requirement list?
Post by: arebelspy on November 20, 2017, 04:14:44 PM
Post by: carloco on November 20, 2017, 05:01:55 PM
http://www.gsccc.org/en/camp/our-camps/camp-darden.html
Post by: Financial.Velociraptor on November 22, 2017, 11:48:29 AM
Post by: michaelrecycles on December 06, 2017, 01:19:13 AM
Would make the trip for Bay Area. The Lake Tahoe suggestion seems good; a bit out of the way, but worthy of a trip. I'd guess there are some retreat spaces on the Central Coast (Santa Cruz mountains or Big Sur) - or somewhere in the North Bay.
Would also make the trip for SoCal. Big Bear suggestion seems good.
Post by: Le Poisson on December 11, 2017, 01:50:23 PM
1. Sleeping quarters for about 50 - 80 ppl, depending on group size. Separate quarters for couples, women, and men.
2. Catering for same - preferably with flexibility to meet 4 menu streams (CM*TO basically narrows this to 2 streams, low carb omnivore, and Vegan/Allergic):
- Omnivore
- Vegetarian
- Gluten Free/Low Gluten
- Allergy-based issues
3. A large gathering space.
4. 2 or more "breakout" spaces - these can be very small - could be in the sleeping cabins.
5. Some kind of large group activity. We had bell-tower Karaoke (incl), a sports event (incl), and canoeing ($50).
6. Transportation to/from venue. Setting up a carpool is a major headache with a million changing/moving parts.
If you are thinking of setting up a camp and want input, I'm willing to help. Other CM organizers are also a great resource. Reach out to them.
Post by: couponvan on December 11, 2017, 02:17:43 PM
Camp Cazadero- cabins for up to 180. I haven't been there in 25 years, but it was fun for Spanish Camp. You have to be a nonprofit.
http://www.uccr.org/camp/camp-cazadero (http://www.uccr.org/camp/camp-cazadero)
Post by: amazinglyandrew on January 02, 2018, 12:36:41 PM
Post by: SlowMustachian on January 08, 2018, 07:00:46 PM
Post by: MasterStache on January 13, 2018, 06:03:50 PM
Post by: Le Poisson on January 13, 2018, 08:25:48 PM
Sadly not much in the midwest. There is a small group of Mustachians that occasionally meet up in Cincinnati. Wish there were more locals. This area could use them.
You are a 7 hour drive to CM*TO though... folks are driving a lot further! Jump on the waitlist! Spots will come open, I guarantee it!
Post by: MasterStache on January 14, 2018, 04:49:40 PM
Sadly not much in the midwest. There is a small group of Mustachians that occasionally meet up in Cincinnati. Wish there were more locals. This area could use them.
You are a 7 hour drive to CM*TO though... folks are driving a lot further! Jump on the waitlist! Spots will come open, I guarantee it!
I appreciate the invite. Unfortunately we have a busy summer with gymnastics Nationals competition in June in FL followed by 2 weeks in NM for Boy Scouts. Canada 2 months later would be out of the question.
Post by: GingerMustache on February 09, 2018, 10:21:00 PM
Northern CA outside of San Francisco near the wine country.
Camp Cazadero- cabins for up to 180. I haven't been there in 25 years, but it was fun for Spanish Camp. You have to be a nonprofit.
http://www.uccr.org/camp/camp-cazadero (http://www.uccr.org/camp/camp-cazadero)
Nice! I went to Caz for band camp as a high schooler! Such fond memories.
Post by: couponvan on February 11, 2018, 11:05:24 AM
It's a great camp!Northern CA outside of San Francisco near the wine country.
Camp Cazadero- cabins for up to 180. I haven't been there in 25 years, but it was fun for Spanish Camp. You have to be a nonprofit.
http://www.uccr.org/camp/camp-cazadero (http://www.uccr.org/camp/camp-cazadero)
Nice! I went to Caz for band camp as a high schooler! Such fond memories.
Post by: dr_sassy on February 19, 2018, 08:58:33 AM
Thanks for asking.
Post by: Russtache on February 20, 2018, 07:01:28 AM
Post by: drteter on March 11, 2018, 03:51:24 PM
Post by: grantmeaname on March 24, 2018, 11:59:54 PM
I think the tri-state area would be able to pull a pretty large number of people, and selfishly as someone in NYC I'd love to help put one on near me!I assume of the 13 commonly referred to tri-state areas (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-state_area) you must mean the one you currently live in?
Post by: Basenji on April 09, 2018, 06:27:51 PM
Post by: deborah on April 11, 2018, 05:35:58 PM
Post by: katsiki on April 11, 2018, 05:38:39 PM
It does have an international airport. :)
Post by: FreeBy40LA on August 08, 2018, 05:13:47 AM
Post by: APowers on August 08, 2018, 07:01:44 AM
Post by: Le Poisson on August 08, 2018, 10:49:54 AM
I would be excited for one that was in driving distance from Colorado Springs (so, Denver area?). BUT. They always seem to be super-expensive, so even if it was nearby, I don't think I could go. :( Is there any way to organize something that won't cost me hundreds of dollars just for admission? Or is it just de facto an expensive/rich person thing, regardless of how you slice it?
I can't speak for every camp, but I can speak to CM*TO here. Our admission is based on the cost of the venue, food, and a few other small things. Even so, the cost of camp works out to $265 CAD/pp. I recognize that the cost of the event plus travel, plus incidentals is a barrier to many, and I wish there was a way to better address this.
Its actually a very tight budget we work from, and because of that we cannot pay for personalities to appear, which limits our pool of speakers somewhat, in turn this means that we can only offer as high quality a presentation slate as the members of the mustache world that step in to participate.
In order to get a lower cost bunk, we invite folks to help around camp. If someone steps up to lead a session, give a keynote, or even just lead a workout session (like a walk, yoga, a run, etc.) we offer a speaking discount. Sometimes folks recognize how tight the budget is and decline the discount. Sometimes not. Sometimes @elaine amj steps in to launder money and lead volley-hockey-ball purely for the joy of it.
Can you tell us what you think a fair cost for a weekend retreat with all meals, lodging, entertainment, and activities included should cost? I am honestly interested to know what you would expect a fair price to be, and to see how far off the mark we are.
Post by: G-dog on August 08, 2018, 11:21:19 AM
I would be excited for one that was in driving distance from Colorado Springs (so, Denver area?). BUT. They always seem to be super-expensive, so even if it was nearby, I don't think I could go. :( Is there any way to organize something that won't cost me hundreds of dollars just for admission? Or is it just de facto an expensive/rich person thing, regardless of how you slice it?
I can't speak for every camp, but I can speak to CM*TO here. Our admission is based on the cost of the venue, food, and a few other small things. Even so, the cost of camp works out to $265 CAD/pp. I recognize that the cost of the event plus travel, plus incidentals is a barrier to many, and I wish there was a way to better address this.
Its actually a very tight budget we work from, and because of that we cannot pay for personalities to appear, which limits our pool of speakers somewhat, in turn this means that we can only offer as high quality a presentation slate as the members of the mustache world that step in to participate.
In order to get a lower cost bunk, we invite folks to help around camp. If someone steps up to lead a session, give a keynote, or even just lead a workout session (like a walk, yoga, a run, etc.) we offer a speaking discount. Sometimes folks recognize how tight the budget is and decline the discount. Sometimes not. Sometimes @elaine amj steps in to launder money and lead volley-hockey-ball purely for the joy of it.
Can you tell us what you think a fair cost for a weekend retreat with all meals, lodging, entertainment, and activities included should cost? I am honestly interested to know what you would expect a fair price to be, and to see how far off the mark we are.
I was thinking the same thing as Prospector - what do you consider a reasonable price? What kind of accommodations do you expect?
Assume 3 nights at camp, 7 meals (2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinners), a shared “room”.
I went to CM*TO 2017, driving from the US Midwest. Not sure I parsed out the costs - but I have the data. A generous host in Canada saved me two nights in a hotel. I did do one night in a hotel on the way there (though I am sure I could have found couch surfing if I really wanted it).
Lots of folks travel hack, which saves them on travel cost.
Post by: okits on August 08, 2018, 04:04:20 PM
I would be excited for one that was in driving distance from Colorado Springs (so, Denver area?). BUT. They always seem to be super-expensive, so even if it was nearby, I don't think I could go. :( Is there any way to organize something that won't cost me hundreds of dollars just for admission? Or is it just de facto an expensive/rich person thing, regardless of how you slice it?
There are a few "true camping" meet ups (Bellingham and Moab are coming up) where I think you bring your own camper/tent and food and just pay the campsite fee. Is that more what you are looking for, @APowers ?
Post by: APowers on August 08, 2018, 10:43:22 PM
I would be excited for one that was in driving distance from Colorado Springs (so, Denver area?). BUT. They always seem to be super-expensive, so even if it was nearby, I don't think I could go. :( Is there any way to organize something that won't cost me hundreds of dollars just for admission? Or is it just de facto an expensive/rich person thing, regardless of how you slice it?
I can't speak for every camp, but I can speak to CM*TO here. Our admission is based on the cost of the venue, food, and a few other small things. Even so, the cost of camp works out to $265 CAD/pp. I recognize that the cost of the event plus travel, plus incidentals is a barrier to many, and I wish there was a way to better address this.
Its actually a very tight budget we work from, and because of that we cannot pay for personalities to appear, which limits our pool of speakers somewhat, in turn this means that we can only offer as high quality a presentation slate as the members of the mustache world that step in to participate.
In order to get a lower cost bunk, we invite folks to help around camp. If someone steps up to lead a session, give a keynote, or even just lead a workout session (like a walk, yoga, a run, etc.) we offer a speaking discount. Sometimes folks recognize how tight the budget is and decline the discount. Sometimes not. Sometimes @elaine amj steps in to launder money and lead volley-hockey-ball purely for the joy of it.
Can you tell us what you think a fair cost for a weekend retreat with all meals, lodging, entertainment, and activities included should cost? I am honestly interested to know what you would expect a fair price to be, and to see how far off the mark we are.
I was thinking the same thing as Prospector - what do you consider a reasonable price? What kind of accommodations do you expect?
Assume 3 nights at camp, 7 meals (2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinners), a shared “room”.
I went to CM*TO 2017, driving from the US Midwest. Not sure I parsed out the costs - but I have the data. A generous host in Canada saved me two nights in a hotel. I did do one night in a hotel on the way there (though I am sure I could have found couch surfing if I really wanted it).
Lots of folks travel hack, which saves them on travel cost.
I'm not trying to say that the admission prices are inflated over what can reasonably be expected. But they're still high. For reference, my "misc fun activities" budget is $20/month-- so a $265 "I want to go on a weekend retreat" is extravagance by an order of magnitude.
I'm not sure I can tell you what I think a fair cost should be, as I've never been to a weekend retreat before. For someone who is travelling from out of area, $265/pp (for 3 nights + meals + organization + entertainment) sounds like a reasonable price. But if my house is only an hour away, it doesn't make sense to me to spend for the lodging or the meal package, which seems like it should be about 1/2-2/3 of the cost (I'm assuming the organizers are compensated for their time/effort, and "entertainment"=volunteer speakers/low-or-no-cost group activities).
To be fair, I'd also be very reluctant even if I could get a day-ticket for $35/day/pp-- that's a material amount of money in my world, especially if I want to bring SO and the 2 kids, and more especially if we wanted to do more than one day.
*sigh* Maybe one day when I'm rich, I guess. I know the average income/expenses (and, ergo, disposable income) on the forums here tends to skew high, so I'm pretty sure -I- am the outlier here in terms of what is/isn't in my budget. It just feels...I don't know...alienating, I guess? When there are things I want to do but "can't" because my priorities are required to be elsewhere (like hitting FI, you know).
Post by: okits on August 09, 2018, 12:38:51 AM
I would be excited for one that was in driving distance from Colorado Springs (so, Denver area?). BUT. They always seem to be super-expensive, so even if it was nearby, I don't think I could go. :( Is there any way to organize something that won't cost me hundreds of dollars just for admission? Or is it just de facto an expensive/rich person thing, regardless of how you slice it?
I can't speak for every camp, but I can speak to CM*TO here. Our admission is based on the cost of the venue, food, and a few other small things. Even so, the cost of camp works out to $265 CAD/pp. I recognize that the cost of the event plus travel, plus incidentals is a barrier to many, and I wish there was a way to better address this.
Its actually a very tight budget we work from, and because of that we cannot pay for personalities to appear, which limits our pool of speakers somewhat, in turn this means that we can only offer as high quality a presentation slate as the members of the mustache world that step in to participate.
In order to get a lower cost bunk, we invite folks to help around camp. If someone steps up to lead a session, give a keynote, or even just lead a workout session (like a walk, yoga, a run, etc.) we offer a speaking discount. Sometimes folks recognize how tight the budget is and decline the discount. Sometimes not. Sometimes @elaine amj steps in to launder money and lead volley-hockey-ball purely for the joy of it.
Can you tell us what you think a fair cost for a weekend retreat with all meals, lodging, entertainment, and activities included should cost? I am honestly interested to know what you would expect a fair price to be, and to see how far off the mark we are.
I was thinking the same thing as Prospector - what do you consider a reasonable price? What kind of accommodations do you expect?
Assume 3 nights at camp, 7 meals (2 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinners), a shared “room”.
I went to CM*TO 2017, driving from the US Midwest. Not sure I parsed out the costs - but I have the data. A generous host in Canada saved me two nights in a hotel. I did do one night in a hotel on the way there (though I am sure I could have found couch surfing if I really wanted it).
Lots of folks travel hack, which saves them on travel cost.
I'm not trying to say that the admission prices are inflated over what can reasonably be expected. But they're still high. For reference, my "misc fun activities" budget is $20/month-- so a $265 "I want to go on a weekend retreat" is extravagance by an order of magnitude.
I'm not sure I can tell you what I think a fair cost should be, as I've never been to a weekend retreat before. For someone who is travelling from out of area, $265/pp (for 3 nights + meals + organization + entertainment) sounds like a reasonable price. But if my house is only an hour away, it doesn't make sense to me to spend for the lodging or the meal package, which seems like it should be about 1/2-2/3 of the cost (I'm assuming the organizers are compensated for their time/effort, and "entertainment"=volunteer speakers/low-or-no-cost group activities).
To be fair, I'd also be very reluctant even if I could get a day-ticket for $35/day/pp-- that's a material amount of money in my world, especially if I want to bring SO and the 2 kids, and more especially if we wanted to do more than one day.
*sigh* Maybe one day when I'm rich, I guess. I know the average income/expenses (and, ergo, disposable income) on the forums here tends to skew high, so I'm pretty sure -I- am the outlier here in terms of what is/isn't in my budget. It just feels...I don't know...alienating, I guess? When there are things I want to do but "can't" because my priorities are required to be elsewhere (like hitting FI, you know).
Camp Mustache events are not-for-profit and entirely organized by volunteers. :)
Camp Mustache Guiding Principles (https://campmustache.weebly.com/camp_mustache_guiding_principles.html)
Post by: G-dog on August 09, 2018, 05:29:52 AM
My only comparison are training workshops I attended while working (which typically only included lunches) - even 20 years ago those were $1500. Wow!
So far, I don’t think the camps have included a day-pass scenario. It really is a much better experience if you are fully immersed. However, there are sometimes an informal gathering (meet up) in advance as travelers arrive before camp opens.
Try to go to some local meet ups - those are always free. Or, take on organizing a meet up or camping weekend. The point is really just to spend time with people who understand having a $20 entertainment budget! We are out there!
Post by: Le Poisson on August 09, 2018, 05:40:20 AM
But if you want to get the sense of tribe and build a network, the meetups are a great way to start. If there are none in your area, organize one yourself. Very quickly you will find a core group and start to get ideas and find ways to stretch your lifestyle and dollars.
The advantage of an event like CM*TO is that you get pull ideas from a wider web and build a stronger network. We make an effort to include breakouts for people at every stage of growth, but maybe you are right - the reality is that the further abroad our attendees are, the more growth they have already seen. There is also a massive social/"Holiday" component to the camp as well - and there is value in that.
Post by: deborah on August 10, 2018, 03:56:47 AM
I started one in my area. Added a meet up thread for my location, and people wanted to come. We hold them in a meeting room in the library (free to small groups with a learning outcome), or in local parks with free bbqs and rest rooms, near public transport. Other groups hold them wherever they feel like, but we aim to make ours completely free. It really doesn’t matter how many turn up, you’ll all learn from each other. We meet for a few hours every few months. Some groups meet monthly.
Post by: Le Poisson on August 10, 2018, 05:14:14 AM
As has been said above, meet ups seem to offer what you’re looking for. This is a subpage of the meet ups page. Look for one in your area, and if there isn’t one, offer to start one.
I started one in my area. Added a meet up thread for my location, and people wanted to come. We hold them in a meeting room in the library (free to small groups with a learning outcome), or in local parks with free bbqs and rest rooms, near public transport. Other groups hold them wherever they feel like, but we aim to make ours completely free. It really doesn’t matter how many turn up, you’ll all learn from each other. We meet for a few hours every few months. Some groups meet monthly.
And it is noteworthy that CM*TO grew out of a conversation at a meetup... of course so did my son's charity ride, and I'm sure a number of other initiatives that other Toronto Mustachians have taken. There is a great value in a small local tribe that meets often.
Post by: grantmeaname on August 10, 2018, 10:37:24 AM
Post by: Cassie on August 10, 2018, 11:30:16 PM
Post by: deborah on August 11, 2018, 04:41:44 PM
Because we have 4 rescue dogs we have wanted to come with our RV but been told that is not possible. It is discouraging.The MOAB meetup is going to be held in a campground - RVs and tent campers. No speakers, but plenty of mustashians. That came from one person proposing what they wanted to do, and when, and others joining in. I'm sure you could work out a RV site meeting. With dogs. Or even go to the MOAB one.
Post by: FIRE of London on August 23, 2018, 09:57:17 AM
Would love a UK one....somewhere scenic for the weekend and accessible to lots of people. Going to add on the UK board and see what sort or response I'd get...
I would love a UK one (and if you could point me to the UK board too that would be great 0 I'm a newbie)
Post by: grantmeaname on August 23, 2018, 10:47:23 AM
Post by: daveed on October 04, 2018, 12:03:39 PM
I also think an event on the Southwest part of Michigan (Near Warren Dunes, Indiana State Dunes, for example) could be really good as well. Depending on where it is it'd be close enough to have attendees from Chicago, which I imagine has a good number of Mustachians.
Post by: Cassie on October 04, 2018, 06:23:44 PM
Post by: daveed on October 08, 2018, 10:06:17 AM
This thread is a year old and not even a location has been decided so I doubt it will happen.
Not surprising. It takes a good amount of time and effort to put together. Would love to do it but just don't have the bandwidth while working full time and growing the stache. PostFIRE life though... sign me up.
Post by: FamVestor on February 12, 2019, 06:41:40 AM
Post by: grantmeaname on May 07, 2022, 10:31:29 AM
Post by: catbend on March 13, 2023, 08:25:32 AM
Easy access, fairly walkable downtown, Airport is very close to urban core, lots of hotels, decent food.
Cheaper and easier to navigate than Seattle, and a very short hopper flight or six hour drive from there.
I can't lead the effort but would be willing to help support planning and logistics for an event.
Post by: Alternatepriorities on March 13, 2023, 10:42:09 AM
I imagine the camp taking place at a group camp site and one of the states many public camp grounds. There is plenty of hiking and biking to be done and no reason to sleep much when the sun never sets!