Do you belong to a group of writers who meet regularly to encourage each other? Does the thought of retreating into nature with your writing group get your creativity flowing? Hosting a writer’s retreat in a beautiful natural setting may be easier than you think. These steps will help you plan and execute a back-to-nature RV camping retreat for you and your fellow writers.
Choose a stimulating environment:
To put your plan into action, you’ll need to decide whether to set up your RV campsite near the retreat or make the trip a part of the retreat. For example, if your writing group is based in Chicago and you’d like to start an annual “Lake Michigan Writers’ Retreat,” you could look for quaint campgrounds in lakeside towns a short drive away. If your group can retire for more than one weekend, why not pick two or three quiet lakeside RV campgrounds and incorporate travel into your retirement plans?
No matter which state your group calls home, you can plan your retreat around seasonal events like fall foliage or spring wildflowers. Choose a location where the beauty of nature is sure to inspire creative writing.
Create your withdrawal:
To create the perfect retreat, incorporate these ingredients:
o Agree on some ground rules to protect the “retreat” nature of the trip.
o Schedule time for the writers to be alone in nature to write and reflect.
o Plan easy meals that can be created in your comfortable RV kitchen.
o Agree when you will meet as a group each day to discuss what you have written.
o Plan to take some writing hints to help get over writer’s block!
o Allow time for individuals or groups to explore the area each day.
o Decide how much the “real world” (ie cell phones, wifi, etc.) will be allowed to invade!
Plan and then enjoy!
If you’re in charge of the planning, work with a local RV rental company to arrange the perfect RV for your group. They can also help you project your fuel and rent costs. Today’s luxurious RVs offer comfortable seating, convenient appliances, and many extras your group will appreciate.
Choose an RV that is spacious enough for your group to sleep easily. Something to keep in mind: If you have both male and female members in the group, renting two smaller RVs instead of one large RV is a smart choice.
For maximum convenience, choose a campground with full hookups and decide if you’ll also need a location that offers amenities like a camp store and showers. Do some research on campground rules, such as “mandatory quiet times,” so your group has the best experience possible.
When calling potential camps, get firm camp rental rates so you can add them to the retreat total. Add the costs of food and supplies, and divide by the number of retreat participants to find your cost per person. Once you’ve reached that number and decided who will drive the RV, you’re ready to retire into the woods!
You’ll be amazed at what your group’s stay outdoors brings to your writing. Sharing the cost makes it possible for everyone to enjoy the inspiration of nature without being extravagant. By choosing a venue that is sure to inspire and treating your group to the comfort of an RV, your RV camping writers retreat could easily become a treasured annual event.