weekend retreat - create, connect,collaborate

Everyone always has such fun going on day trips as well as longer trips to NAME events and regional shows, CMS decided to put together a mini weekend retreat just for club members.
CREATE A UNIQUE DESIGN Using a one-of-kind kit designed by Jenny Y just for this weekend to come up with something amazing.
CONNECT WITH MEMBERS Spend the weekend with people who share your hobby and passion for miniatures.
COLLABORATE WITH OTHERS Share your expertise while learning techniques and skills to help bring your vision to life.

June 9-11, 2023

This multi-day event included a two night/three day stay in the Hocking Hills region of Southern Ohio, lots of good food, lots of good times, and a unique event project to make during the weekend.
Beautifully appointed and modern with a country twist fitting the rural setting, the house not only slept all 22 attendees comfortably but had plenty of room for family style meals and worktables for the mini projects. Completely handicapped accessible, everything was perfect. When not working on the project people lounged in conversational groupings on the front lanai or took a soak in the hot tub out back. FRIDAY Arriving by seven, everyone brought something to share for a "snacking dinner" while getting started on the room box project. As it turns out, attendees were creative and highly skilled in the culinary arts as well as the fine art of miniatures. Late into the night adult beverages, hot tubbing, and conversations took place. Some people were having such a good time they didn't get to bed until after two in the morning! SATURDAY A day filled with good food and good fun! A hot breakfast of biscuits and gravy casserole started the day just right, along with other cold breakfast options. The morning was spent working on the project amidst great conversation and much laughter. Breaking for a cold lunch of chicken or egg salad along with plenty of sides and snacks, everyone put down their paint brushes and gathered for a group picture. The afternoon was spent working on the projects with people moving from table to table to see what others were creating. With three different scales available and 22 people working, the wide range of ideas was truly impressive.
The evening break included a hot dinner of gumbo and/or fried chicken along with green been casserole, corn pudding, pasta salad, and a host of other sides. Not to mention all the snacking options leftover from Friday night. People continued to work on their project after dinner -- at least until the bonfire was lit and the makings for gourmet s'mores were brought out. More adult beverages, hot tubbing, and relaxing on the front lanai went on until well past midnight.
SUNDAYAll good things must come to an end and Sunday morning at eleven in the morning was the official end of the mini-retreat weekend. As everyone made their way to their cars they vowed to do it all again next year!