Accommodations at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center Lodging are in motel-type rooms with two beds and a bath, TV and phone, in 1 and 2 story buildings. You can request first floor. Handicapped rooms and rooms with king-sized beds are available.
Campsites are available for RV's. Campers and commuters can purchase cafeteria meals (see registration form). Cooking is allowed in RV's but not in any rooms and pets are not allowed. Wireless internet is available in the meeting rooms and Fellowship hall.
Facilities Fee - all attendees to Lake Yale are charged a $10 per day, included in your lodging fee. If you are in an RV, stay off campus, commute from home, or come to visit the exhibits you will be charged this fee separately.
Meals are served cafeteria style: Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 am, Lunch 12 noon - 1:00 pm, Dinner 5:30 - 6:30 pm. If you have special dietary needs, please contact the host committee. A snack bar with snacks and coffee is open throughout the day and includes a comfortable fellowship area for relaxing with friends.
Lake Yale is an ALCOHOL FREE AND SMOKE FREE CAMPUS.
For more information contact, conference@ftwg.org or inquiry@ftwg.org
CONFERENCE 2011 was one of the best ever. Although it was small with 81 people registered for the conference, it included all the activities we have come to expect and enjoy. Everyone agreed that the mix of workshops presented something for everyone.
One of the highlight s of conference is the Saturday night workshop open house. Visiting the classrooms was full of oohs and aahs and "so that's how you do it" as everyone shared what they were learning.
That's what the conference is about, an annual chance to learn from the instructors and from each other. It's so refreshing to spend four days with old and new friends who share common interests. All in a familiar setting with no cooking and cleaning required. A true vacation
Highlights of the conference included the fun pre-conference mini workshops on Thursday afternoon. Lots of fun in a short format, followed by wonderful three day workshops with instructors from Florida and beyond. So many new ideas to try out…..we could have happily spent the whole time in class.
But there were so many other activities and exhibits to tempt us. The judged fiber exhibit showcased the best of member's talents……..plus the wonderful items on each of the six guild tables. Florida guilds are doing a fantastic job keeping the fiber arts alive in Florida thru their programs and study groups. The young weaver's exhibit showed that guilds are also reaching out to children and creating another generation of artists
The name tags we all wore, with the funny phrases sewed on them, gave us a way to introduce ourselves and open conversations throughout the weekend. We all enjoyed the Thursday evening opening address by Laurie Wilkins and her slides introduced us to the ethnic weavers she supports.
On Friday night we marveled at the garments our members had created for the fashion show. Saturday was the award ceremony, the workshop open house and more shopping. Did I mention the shopping? We did that all weekend as we explored the bead, fibers, yarns, books and equipment from the vendors, the ethnic creations our outreach committee had found, and at the members market which gives members a chance to sell their own finished products. And if that wasn't enough "stuff" to take home there were also the goodie bags and door prizes.
Luckily, our hotel room was right there under the beautiful oaks so we could work late in the classrooms, or visit with friends, and still get a good night sleep. Then rise early to see sunrise over the lake as we headed to the cafeteria for breakfast. And who can forget the spectacular full moon rising over the lake. A beautiful place to spend four days immersed in fibers and friends.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this conference such a wonderful experience……one that we all want to repeat in 2012.