Alexandra Retreat and Events Centre is a unique facility located just half a block from the ocean in the popular and picturesque village of Crescent Beach. Heritage and modern buildings are ranged around the perimeter of a 2½ acre, fenced site with overnight accommodation for up to 84 people, as well as meeting and multi-purpose rooms for group gatherings.

See buildings layout here.

The cabins, longhouse, and stagehouse have the beds. Many of the beds are bunks; they will accommodate about 52 people without using the top bunks. Alexandra Hall is where we will dance.

See map to Camp Alexandra here.

The programme will have workshops for new dancers, plenty of dancing for more experienced dancers and lots of opportunities for fun and socializing. The programme is dependant on the skills and talents of registrants. Don’t worry, every registrant is not required to contribute to the programme.

Friday evening – Canada’s 150th birthday celebration! There will be an emphasis on Canadian dances. Optional: dress Canadian! Can’t figure out what that means? Dress red and white instead. Do you know a Canadian dance to teach? Let us know!

Saturday evening – Celebrate Surrey Folk Dancers 40 years of dancing together! Old favourites will be among the dances done on Saturday night – do you remember a particular favourite from years ago? Let us know! Optional: Dress ethnic and/or festive!

Facts:

• The early-bird base cost per person will be $140 per person for 2 nights accommodation in a lower bunk, 6 meals from supper Friday to lunch Sunday, snacks, and a full schedule of dancing and other workshops.
• Accommodations are in the cabins, longhouse, and stagehouse. All the cabins accommodate either 2 or 3 people, and require a walk outside to the bathroom in the Admin building. The longhouse and stagehouse have rooms that accommodate 2 people and have shared bathrooms down the hall. There are a limited number of beds available in the longhouse and stagehouse. These beds are available for an extra $10 per bed for the weekend. The double room beds will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Your double room bed fee will be refunded if a bed is not available when your registration is received.
• Bring your own bedding, towels and toiletries. Contact us if you are flying in and want to borrow bedding and towels. We recommend a mattress topper if you want to make your bed more comfortable.
• No Pets: Health regulations prohibit pets unless special circumstances require an exception (i.e. guide dog) that is approved prior to arrival.
• Parking: Ample parking is available on both Sullivan and McBride, outside the fenced Camp area – no parking on the grounds.
• Meals will be provided by Camp Alexandra. They are very experienced at accommodating special diets which they will do for us for an extra charge. They are open to us bringing our own food, though, and refrigerator space is available.

Things still to do :

• Make the programme after we find out what registrants can contribute. See last year’s programme here.
• Playlist voting needs to be set-up. Vote here later.
• Make a packing list. See last year’s packing list.

The ways attendees can contribute:

• Teach dances. Either one or two, or take charge of an hour workshop. I know there are at least 3 of us even before registration opens!
• Lead an activity – hiking, campfire, singing, music, discussion, crafts etc. There are lounges available in the longhouse.
• Set-up, Clean-up, Registration, Decorating
• First Aid: We are required to bring our own first aid kits and medical supplies. We must appoint a person to attend to any emergency/accident that may occur. Are you qualified?
• Help with snacks
• Photography and/or videography
• Singing, I’m sure, will be one of the activities – please bring song sheets if you have them. Can you lead a singing activity?
• Jamming with musical instruments is possible – bring them along. Can you lead such a session?
• A talent night will be scheduled on Saturday night. Do you have an act to perform?

Timelines:

• Begin Surrey dancers early registration June 15
• Begin general registration July 1
• Early bird registration deadline August 1
• Camp Alexandra requires definite numbers by beginning of October.
• Final payment due September 28.
• No refunds after September 30.
• Final date of registration October 5.

After reading everything, do you still have questions? Check the Retreat FAQ and then contact us.