Helpful Hints for Attending the Retreat

Helpful Hints for Attending the Retreat

Time and Place

Star Lake Conference Center Lodge

268 Macopin Road

Bloomingdale, NJ 07403

Friday, March 1, 2024 at 6 pm through March 3, 2024 at 2 pm

 

Registration

Friday, March 1, 2024 from 4 pm to 6 pm.  Please: NO EARLY ARRIVALS! 

Star Lake Emergency  Telephone Number  (973) 838 -7000

 

From the North (or South): Take I-287 South (or I-287 North if coming from South) to Exit 53 Bloomingdale / Pompton Lakes. Turn left at the light onto Hamburg Turnpike. Hamburg Turnpike becomes Main Street as you go through the town of Bloomingdale and then Hamburg Turnpike again at the Rite Aid Pharmacy.  Bear right when you see the Rite Aid Pharmacy on your right (approx. 1.4 miles from the start of Hamburg Turnpike).  Continue about 1 mile passing Stumble Inn on your left. Turn right at Macopin Road (Blueberry Hill Farms is at this corner on your right). Go about 0.3 miles and as you see the sign for Nutraceuticals International Group and the Vitamin Store on your left, make a right into the Star Lake Lodge gate. Make a quick left at the Star Lake Lodge Directory.  Follow the road as it bends to the right.  Make a left and go up the hill behind the building.  The distance from the gate to the building entrance is about 0.2 miles. 

 

From the East/NYC: Cross the G.W. Bridge and onto I-80 West. Take Exit 53 to merge onto RT-23 North toward Butler. Go 7.3 miles to 287 North and then follow the directions above **.  

 

Public Transit:  From NYC Port Authority:  Take Bus #194T to Newfoundland, NJ.  Bus stop is Kiel Avenue at Route 23 North (Meadtown Shopping Center. This should be the stop 12 on the bus line. We will pick you up across the street at Marshalls. Call Jessica C. at (973) 830-0799 for pickup. We will also have someone drop you off at the bus stop at the end of the retreat. 

 

Friday Dinner

Friday dinner please brown bag it.

 

Highlights

  • Opening Ceremony
  • Getting to Know You
  • Secret Pal (Optional)
  • Recovery Mass (Optional)
  • Open Mike (Optional)
  • Creativity (Optional)
  • Closing Ceremony

Secret Pal

“Secret Pal” is an activity that is TOTALLY VOLUNTARY.  However, it is highly suggested you participate. If you choose to participate, you will need four or five small gifts to be given anonymously to your “secret pal”, whose name will be drawn randomly. Gifts will be available to purchase and wrap at the retreat.  Also, you can bring your own. Each gift should cost approximately $1 or $2 and should be suitable for use by either a man or woman. Suggestions include toys, games, bookmarks, and small keepsakes. IMPORTANT:  PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME IN, OR DRAW A NAME IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO GIVE GIFTS.  It is very painful for those who give gifts but receive nothing in return.

 

What to Pack

You should bring an alarm, pen and notebook.  Clean sheets are not available nightly.   If you want clean sheets nightly bring a set.    Extra towels will not be provided.  You may also want to bring a stuffed animal or doll to hold or cuddle during the program.

 

Buddies 

For the newcomer, a buddy system is available. A buddy is a prior retreat attendee to whom you can go regarding any retreat questions.

 

Activities:

 Arts & Crafts, Exercise/Meditation, Games, Nature Hikes, Karaoke, and More!

 

We also remind you that mood altering substances are not allowed.  No drugs or alcohol are permitted.  Radios must be used with headphones in the rooms.  There will be no smoking in the building or anywhere on the property.