“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver
No, seriously: Answer that question right now.
Here you are, reading these words, contemplating how you might live with a little–or maybe a lot–more gusto. What comes to mind?
That job that pays the bills? The annoying comment on Facebook? Vegging out in front of the TV last night? That jerk who cut you off in traffic yesterday?
Or is something calling to you–a deeper purpose, a creative dream gathering dust somewhere amid your everyday obligations and distractions?
We all have to deal with reality: Kids, spouses, partners, friends, and parents who need us. Bosses who expect deadlines met and meetings attended. Creditors and landlords and mortgage companies who seem overly fond of receiving payments when due. Workouts and baby showers and home repairs and volunteer meetings and . . . you know what I’m talking about here. We’re all busy.
But what if you could hit pause on everything swirling around you except for the answer to this question:
If you could make even one of your most precious creative dreams come true, what would it be?
Camp Makearoo offers the space, the time, the encouragement, and the practical knowledge and expertise to answer that question and move you from dreaming to doing.
Burning Question Number 1: What’s in it for me?
Courage to both ask for and accept support for your creative dreams.
Time and clarity to map out that project you’ve been longing to work on.
Ability to completely step into your creative personality and feel totally supported by like-minded people.
Breakthroughs about what’s been holding you back in your creative work.
Ideas from people in a variety of creative fields that are perfect for your work right now.
Trust that your art and your time are valuable.
Certainty that you have absolutely everything you need right now to thrive creatively.
All the laughter, fun, and camaraderie you can stand.
Burning Question Number 2: What can I expect at Camp Makearoo?
Does ‘Life-changing insights and progress’ sound like too tall of an order? I don’t think so. During this three-day event, you’ll listen to engaging and entertaining speakers who will light you up with possibility for your creative work and way of being. There will be smaller breakout sessions on topics including “Marketing for Chickenshits” and “Mapping Your Next Project.” Breakouts will be tailored to the audience so we’re providing the group work that you need most.
The second day of camp will be used for breakouts and digging deep to work on your cool stuff. Bring that screenplay languishing on your hard drive, your knitting or crafting supplies, your camera gear, or your sewing machine. This is time just for YOU to work on YOUR favorite projects, or to map out a plan something new. Yes, really. There will be support on hand throughout these work sessions.
On day 3, we’ll cover re-entry and have a kickass closing celebration to send you home with joy in your heart and a plan to carry the retreat in your pocket to provide momentum for when you return home.
Throughout the weekend, we’ll have fun stuff to do and some creative challenges to shake you out of your comfort zone (because juuuust outside that safe hiding place is where the best creative magic happens!).
Burning Question Number 3: Am I creative enough to attend Camp Makearoo?
Yes. Listen to that longing to be among other creatives, even if you’re just starting out or a hobbyist or feeling insecure about what you have to offer, you’ll be among kindred spirits and friends.
I will confess to a huge soft spot for entrepreneur-wannabes, but I have mad respect for newbies and hobbyists who are ready to steep themselves in their creative passions. Here’s a non-exhaustive sampling of the creative peeps who can and should attend Camp Makearoo:
| Artists | Writers | Bloggers | Painters | Photographers | Cartoonists | Illustrators | Graphic Artists | Crafters | Jewelry Designers | Knitters | Cinematographers|
| Cross Stitchers | Quilters | Fashion Designers | Comedians | Musicians | Singers | Actors | Videographers | Awesome Creative Thing Not Listed Here That Fits Anyway |
You get the idea: If you do creative work–whether paid or unpaid–or know what sort of creative work you’d like to do, then you need to Makearoo. I swear I did not mean for that to rhyme, but I do like that I just made my site into a verb. And I promise not to call you Makearoonies. Probably.
Burning Question Number 4: How much will it cost?
Registration for Camp Makearoo–a three-day, life-changing event–is just $600.
Food, lodging, and travel are not included, so plan on doubling that amount.
I know this is an investment that might feel like an indulgence that’s hard to justify. It requires a leap of faith that something great will come from focusing a laser beam of attention and love on your favorite creative projects. But every story I’ve ever read, heard, or lived about following creative passions required risk-taking and investment. This commitment to yourself is the very stuff that creative dreams are made of.
Ask yourself: Am I a worthwhile investment? Am I worth the risk? How much longer do I want to wait on the cool stuff I’ve been meaning to make? If you can get to even the smallest, most shy, hiding-in-the-back-of-your-heart ‘yes,’ then you need to be here. That spark of desire will ignite upon arrival, and you’ll carry that torch home with you. Magic is gonna happen here. It’s time to claim some of that for yourself.
Here’s the scoop on Camp Makearoo:
May 18-20, 2012
The Abbey Resort, Fontana, Wisconsin (on lovely Lake Geneva)
Click this link to register for Camp Makearoo!
The $109 Camp Makearoo group lodging rate at the Abbey Resort expires on April 17.
We’re not the only event happening that weekend, so grab your room now!
Click here to read more Camp Makearoo travel, lodging, and dining details
One last thing: There are some sharing buttons below. If you know any creative people who might benefit from a weekend devoted to their creative work, please spread the word. Thanks!
Connectaroo