PORT ANGELES — Womanfest, the nonprofit sponsor of the early March International Women’s Day celebrations in Port Angeles, has opened registration for its Sept. 20-22 retreat at Camp David Jr., the Clallam County park on the north shore of Lake Crescent.
The retreat, traditionally held on the autumnal equinox, is the 30th annual hosted by the Womanfest board.
This year, as in previous years, the board’s women from Port Angeles, Sequim and Port Townsend want to offer women of all ages time to relax and enjoy one another’s company.
The cost of the retreat is $110 including all meals, activities and two nights’ lodging at Camp David Jr. Sign-ups are limited to 50.
Activities include hiking, swimming, canoeing, music sharing, crafts and a dance performance. Exchanges of books, clothing and coffee mugs also are planned. Women with a craft or skill to share are encouraged to offer it during the retreat.
During the first Womanfest retreat three decades ago, about 50 women gathered for a busy weekend of workshops and other activities.
But as times have changed, the retreat has changed, too, said board member Karen Hanan. The weekend has become less structured and more open to personalization, she said.
There are some constants, however.
“The food is always amazing,” said Barb Wise, a Womanfest board member who has been attending the retreat since 1987, “and the company is always great.
“Women value the opportunity to recharge, relax, create, and play.”
Along with the fall retreat, Womanfest supports women-centered projects and awards college scholarships to local women each year.
To register for Womanfest, and further details, go to www.womanfest.org (click on “Fall Retreat.”)
For more information, phone Sheila Martin at 360-452-6814, email sheilam@olypen.com or contact Karen Hanan at karenhanan1@gmail.com or 360-460-6363.
