Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
What are the definitions of Full, Mid, and Self-service retreats?
Answer:
Full-service weekend retreats are all-inclusive with meals, snacks, and beverages. Scrapbooking demonstrations and classes may also be offered. Reservations are typically taken on a per person basis which makes these retreats perfect for individuals, small groups of scrapbookers, or larger groups who want some pampering.
Self-service retreats do not include meals, but retreat kitchen facilities are well stocked for crafters to prepare their own meals. Reservations are usually taken on a per group basis by the group coordinator planning the retreat. The retreat owner is typically not on site during the retreat so this is a great option for groups looking for a private scrapbooking weekend. Small group options may also be available.
Mid-service retreat weekends include prepackaged meals for the scrapbooking group to prepare. Although this type of retreat is less common, many Self-service retreats do offer this service as an add-on option.
Question:
What are Hosted and Event Weekends?
Answer:
Hosted Weekends are coordinated by the owners of Self-service retreats. For these special weekends, reservations are taken on a per person basis. Mos often, meals are included. Demonstrations, classes, and contests may also take place and many times these weekends are centered around a theme.
Event Weekends are planned by scrapbook retreat coordinators and take place at various hotels, resorts, dormitories, and large retreat facilities. Scrapbooking is done in a large conference style room, and usually scrapbooking vendors are on site demonstrating products and offering merchandise for sale. These events may be centered around a theme, and contests, raffles, silent auctions, etc. may also take place during the weekend. Some meals may be included and pricing varies by package.
Question:
What other amenities do scrapbook retreats offer?
Answer:
Many of the retreats offer:
- On-site spa services
- Use of crafting tools and equipment
- Vendor booths and scrapbooking demonstrations and classes.
- On-site store
- Idea libraries
- Computers/printers/photo printers
- Internet service including wireless
- Calbe or satellite TV
- Catering or prepackaged meal options
- Early check-ins and later check-out times
- Welcome gifts
- Hot tubs and/or pools
Question:
Do Scrapbook Retreat Facilities offer other rental options besides weekend retreats?
Answer:
Yes, other rental options may include:
- Additional night add ons for longer stays
- Midweek Retreats
- Day or Evening rentals or crops
- Weekend Stays
- Weekly Rentals
Question:
Could I coordinate another type of retreat other than scrapbooking?
Answer:
Yes, many scrapbook retreat facilities are also great for:
- Girls Getaways
- Baby Showers/Bridal Showers
- Family Reunions
- Business Meetings
- Seminars
- Spiritual Retreats
Question:
I'm a Scrapbook Consultant. What are the best ways to plan a retreat?
Answer:
Planning a scrapbook retreat is no small task, but here are some steps to help you plan one:
- Use ScrapbookRetreatDirectory.com to choose a retreat. Organized by state and location, it makes coordinating easy from the beginning.
- After checking on availability and deciding on a date, reserve the weekend with the retreat owner. Reserving requires a deposit only, and most retreats have a cancellation option within a specified time. Retreat weekends fill up fast and most are booked out a year in advance so securing your date first will allow more time for planning.
- Make a list of invitees - ideally more than the number needed to fill the retreat occupancy, because the date may not work for all.
- Using email or Evite.com is a great way to invite customers, friends, family, and fellow scrapbookers. Use a first come, first serve approach if you are inviting more than the retreat occupancy, and start a waiting list to fill any cancellations. If you still have available space, the retreat owners may be able to help fill spots by emailing guests to let them know of a retreat to join. They may even have message boards for you to post your retreat weekend event. Other scrapbook message boards like twopeasinabucket.com are great ways to spread the word of your retreat event to the scrapbooking community.
- For meal planning at self-service retreats, pot lucks work best. Use a list for guests to sign-up for dishes, snacks, or beverages to bring. Catering, pre-packaged meals, and restaurant delivery services may also be options offered by the retreat facility.
- The possibilities are endless when planning retreat weekends. None the less, a good time will be had by all, and once a scrapbooking retreat group forms, it is common for the group to plan the same weekend at the same retreat facility each year. And, when the word spreads about the fun and productive weekend, others will want to join the group and another weekend is planned. Some scrappers retreat 4-6 times per year, or more!
Question:
Are Scrapbook Retreats open to other types of crafting?
Answer:
Yes. Stamping, card making, and other paper crafts are always welcome at scrapbooking retreats. Most also welcome other craft hobbies such as quilting, knitting, beading, embroidery, etc.
Question:
What if I never scrapbooked before? Can I be a retreat guest?
Answer:
Yes. There is always something to do for the nonscrapper at any retreat. From relaxing, reading a book, exploring the area, or using the on-site amenities and services, the possibilities are endless! And, it is easy to get hooked on the crafting action. Join the fun by bringing pictures to be organized (Who doesn't have a tote full?), or bringing other types of craft projects like stamping, beading, or knitting. You'll be so proud of your accomplishments as well as feeling revitalized from the weekend, you'll be sure to become a frequent retreater, and possibly a scrapbooking fanatic.
Question:
What makes your site better than other finder sites?
Answer:
The most important thing to us is the simple ability to locate your retreat. We don't distract your potential customers with a lot of verbiage and unnecessary content. We want your customers to find you quickly and easily!
Question:
How do I get my retreat listed?
Answer:
Just follow the link on the left that says "Add Your Retreat." We'll guide you through a short order form and an easy checkout process.
Question:
What are your listing prices and how do they compare to print ads?
Answer:
Our advertising rates are less expensive than a one-time print ad...and much more effective! Our plan prices are listed
here.