Howdy!  

We are so excited to give you the 3rd annual SMT El Capitan Family Retreat Schedule and packet.  In the ATTACHED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, you will find the weekend plan, helpful hints on your sign, food options, etc as well as a handy dandy list of what to bring.   We promise that this will be a year to remember.  We have a record 91 families coming, and you are in for a real treat!  The kids are buzzing with excitement and counting down the days until the 12:20 friday dismissal.  The weather forecast looks dry and sunny!

Upon check in, please drop off your assigned water or Gatorade at Mesa Tent (A-M case of water; N-Z case of Gatorade).

We are all meeting at 5:30pm Friday night around the Mesa fire pit for the SMT Family Pot luck (bring enough for 6-8 people in a disposable serving dish, along with your beverage of choice).  Hot dogs and drinks will be provided for kids.  There will be a large BBQ for those who want to grill your pot luck item, or you can pre-grill it at your OWN cabin grill.

 We will announce the family tribes for the weekend, give out the 2010 "goody" backpacks, and share the weekend plans.  Afterwards, we will set up s'mores around the fire and kick off the karaoke/dj in the mesa tent.

Set up  your cabin family sign by 5pm on street side.

Please review the "what to bring" list, and especially don't forget your bright flashlights, water guns, firewood, cameras, bikes, sign, and jackets (it gets cold at night). 

We have a lot of new things planned for you this year, so please check the schedule attached.

Upon check in, you will receive a cabin list, which lists all family cabin numbers. 

 
PLANNING YOUR TRIP:  There are many great features at El Capitan Canyon.  The resort is full of wonderful amenities for you and your family.  For example, you can enjoy a Canyon massage in the privacy of your own cabin or tent.  You can eat delicious meals at the Canyon Kitchen.  You can shop for local Santa Barbara wines in the beautiful Country Store.  Your special needs can be prearranged by calling El Capitan Canyon directly at 805-685-3887. Tell them you are with the SMT group.  Also, be sure to see their web sites at www.ElCapitanCanyon.com for additional information.  

****** This year we are planning a ropes course activity.  It is for ages 8 and up (adults too).  If you are interested you need to email Joyce Keith asap (jtkeith1@verizon.net), and backpack mail a check to her for $22 per person made out to SMT Family Ropes course.
 

DIRECTIONS:  To get to El Capitan Canyon, take the 405 north to the 101 west and continue on the 101, past Santa Barbara.  El Capitan is about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara.  Exit the freeway at El Capitan State Beach (not El Capitan  Ranch Road).  Turn right into El Capitan Canyon and check in with the attendant at the front kiosk .  Driving time is a little more than 2 hours without traffic.  There is no hurry to get to the camp ground because your cabin or tent has already been reserved for you and it will be waiting for you when you arrive!

Check in time is 3:00 p.m.  You are welcome to call the campground early Friday morning to see if your cabin, rv, or tent site is available for early check in.  Some families carpool and stop halfway up and have lunch together.  You may also drive up the coast and enjoy the view.  
 
Any questions, please contact Linda Ramsbottom or Sandi Nutt.  See you in the woods!