Fall Mountain Retreat

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Q1. How long has the Fall Mountain Retreat (FMR) at Camp de Benneville Pines - San Bernardino Mountains - been around?
A1. The Fall Mountain Retreat (FMR) has been around for 30 Years! Fall Mountain Retreat's 2018 retreat marks the 30th Year!

Q2. Who started the Fall Mountain Retreat (FMR)?
A2. A group of like minded individuals who felt that a retreat could help others in ACA Recovery.

Q3. What is the difference between Camp Recovery and Fall Mountain Retreat?
A3. Fall Mountain Retreat (FMR) is sponsored by the Orange County Adult Children of Alcoholics Intergroup. Also, the committee planners for each event are a different group of ACA'ers.

Q4. What kinds of people will I meet?
A4. You will meet people from all walks of life at our camp. We have people who come from Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, and sometimes from neighboring states!

Q5. Will people be welcoming?
A5. Yes!

Q6. Is there a list of things I need to pack for the retreat?
A6. Here is <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FMR_Packing_List.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a link to a complete list of things to pack</a> and bring to camp.

Q7. What if I forget to bring something that I need?
A7. What better way to make a new friend! Ask someone if they have a spare, whatever. If you can't find what you want or need, then go to one of the camp organizers for help! Here is a <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FMR_Packing_List.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">list of things</a> you should bring to camp to have a good time.

Q8. What do the buildings / cabins / rooms / bathrooms look like?
A8. Here is a <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/camp-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">link</a> to pictures of the buildings / cabins / rooms / bathroom.

Each cabin has separate bunk rooms for women and men. The individual bunks do not come with sheets, blankets or pillows! You must bring your own or a sleeping bag. All cabin bathrooms are modern; with toilet, sink, private shower, and electrical outlets.

Q9. What does the food look like?
A9. Here is a <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/camp-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">link</a> to a picture of what the food looks like. Scroll to the bottom of the page. Its good, simple, camp food. Its stick to your ribs fare.

Q10. I have special dietary needs, can they be accommodated?
A10. As of right now, Camp de Benneville Pines offers vegetarian meals & limited gluten free options.

Q11. If I get sick/injured, what do I do?
A11. Sorry to hear that! The good news is that we have a Registered Nurse on site! Find a camp organizer and they will take you to the nurse.

Q12. Can I get copies of the handouts for a particular workshop?
A12. Workshop leaders provide their own handouts. If you could not attend a particular workshop, reach out to the workshop leader.

Q13. Why do I have to have my car pointed out in the parking lot?
A13. Up in the mountains there is always the potential for fires! Pointing your car out will speed the process of an orderly evacuation from the camp. If there are fires going on in the area you will be notified by camp organizers as to the severity and any evacuation plans.

Q14. Can I bring my own food and leave it in my car?
A14. Yes and no. Its a good idea to bring snacks and water in your car. The drive from Los Angeles to Camp de Benneville Pines is about 100 Miles! But, you cannot leave your water and food/snacks in your car while at camp. There are animals called Bears who also like water, food, and snacks and will try to enter your car or truck to get to them.
There is a refrigerator in the main lodge that you can put your water and snacks in. Also, you cannot have food in your cabin for the same reason, unless the cabin you are in has its own refrigerator.

Q15. I don't have health insurance, can I still come to the retreat?
A15. YES! you will not be turned away for not having insurance. You will still have to fill out a release form though. <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Medical_Release_Form_And_Medications_Taken.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here is a link to the release form</a>. Print it out, fill it out, and bring it camp when you check in. This will speed up your check in process!

Q16. Are there any release forms that I need to fill out when I come to the retreat?
A16. Yes, you will need to fill out a medical release form. <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Medical_Release_Form_And_Medications_Taken.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here is the link to it.</a> To speed up the process, print it out, and fill it out before coming to camp. It will vastly speed up your in-processing time!

Q17. How do I check road conditions on the way to camp?
A17. Here is link to a CalTrans Page that gives a list of Live Traffic Cameras that give road condition images from 30 miles out from the <a href="http://www.the-webcam-network.com/California-USA/Angelus-Oaks/2964071.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">camp to about 5 miles: Link.</a> Scroll down the page to see the farthest live web camera.

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Here is a link to a live web cam that is outside of The Oaks Restaurant: <a href="https://mtncare.com/web-cams/angelus-oaks-web-cam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Oaks Restaurant: Link</a>.

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The Oaks Restaurant Live Web Camera is about 3 miles from the camp itself. Please check the road conditions before you leave for camp! Some years ago, there was enough snow on the mountains to require snow chains!!! If you did not have snow chains you would have been told to turn back!

Q18. What is the Camp's Official Address / Directions to the camp / GPS Coordinates / California Topo Map of the area?
A18. Camp de Benneville Pines Official Address:
41750 Jenks Lake Road West
Angelus Oaks, CA 92305

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<a href="https://www.socalaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Directions_To_Camp.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link to directions to the camp</a>

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GPS Coordinates to the front entrance of the camp are: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/34%C2%B009'44.3%22N+116%C2%B053'39.5%22W/@34.1615848,-116.8963335,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d34.162294!4d-116.894291" target="_blank" rel="noopener">34.162294, -116.894291</a>

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CalTopo: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/kd5uqtj" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://tinyurl.com/kd5uqtj</a> of the camp.

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The map feature itself looks like a lasso (coming off of Jenks Lake Road West) with a blue box in the middle of it. That's the camp's pool.

Q19. What do I do when I get lost coming to the camp? Are there numbers that I can call?
Q19. Yes, here is a number that you can call: <a href="tel:562-367-4325" target="_blank" rel="noopener">562-367-4325 </a>If this is your first time to camp, it is recommended that you leave early! There are no street lights in the mountains! When the sun goes down its pitch black!Q20. Can I fill out release forms early, and bring them so my in-processing can be faster?

A20. Yes! <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Medical_Release_Form_And_Medications_Taken.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Here is the link to it.</a>

Q21. I snore and/or need to use a C-PAP Machine, can I be put in a room so I don't disturb other campers when I sleep?
A21. Yes we will do everything possible to accommodate your special needs. But, please call us or email us before the retreat begins so we can accommodate you early instead of at the last minute. It may be a good idea to bring fresh ear plugs for your fellow campers if accommodations can't be met.

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We have people who ask for bottom bunks, this can be done, but EACH camper must request this to the camp nurse by email at <a href="mailto:fmrchair@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fmrchair@gmail.com</a> to ensure a bottom bunk will be reserved for them. This must be done prior to camp, at the door requests for a bottom bunk cannot be accommodated.

Q22. How high up in the mountains is the retreat?
A22. Camp de Benneville Pines - San Bernardino Mountains - sits at an elevation of 6,800 feet! So, it may take time for your body to adjust to the high altitude. If you walk 20 feet and experience shortness of breath, then just take your time! Be gentle with yourself and you will be fine.

Q23. I am not in ACA, but I want to come to FMR, will I be welcomed?
A23. Yes! This is an official ACA Retreat, however we have had people from other 12 Step Organizations come to our retreat for recovery. All are welcome!

Q24. Do you have a list of past activities that where held at the camp?
A24. Yes! Please click this link to go <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/fmr-archives/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to our archives section</a>.

Q25. I'm told that people have been coming to his camp for 15 plus years, is this true?
A25. Yes! It's true, we have people who have never missed a retreat once they discovered it! Ask around and you will get to meet them.

Q26. Are there any recommendations as to what to stop and see, or eat on the way to camp?
A26. You will pass through the city of Redlands, California on your way to camp. <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Day_Trip_Redlands.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out the Day Trip Redlands Article</a> for ideas! Also, the last town, before you get to camp is called Angelus Oaks. There are a couple of restaurants in town that you can check out.

Q27. I live in Los Angeles / Orange County, when is the best time to leave for camp and beat the traffic?
A27. If you leave late you will hit traffic and arrive to camp late and or when its dark! There are no street lights up in the mountains! There are two best "window" drive times to leave for camp. The first window is between 9:30AM to 12:30PM. The assumption is that you are leaving on Friday.

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Note: You cannot check-in to camp until 4:00PM on Friday! If you are making good time on the way to camp it would be wise to hang out in Redding and/or Mentone awhile!

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The second window will be at 7:30PM. It will be at night, but the traffic will have died down by this time. When you turn from Route 38 to Jenks Road West, set your odometer to zero. At about 1.2 Miles you should see the <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/camp-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Camp de Benneville Sign</a>. Turn RIGHT, before the sign, to get on the dirt road to camp. If your odometer reads 1.5 or more then you missed the camp entrance. Turn around and re-trace your steps.

Q28. Are there any other activities at the camp that cost money outside of what I paid for?
A28. Usually, we have a masseuse on site that charges 60 dollars an hour and she is worth it! On Sunday we have raffle baskets! So, bring some extra one and fives to buy some tickets for the raffle! Every year we have amazing program themed baskets that you could win! (Note: have pictures of what the baskets look like).

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Also there is a small gift type shop in Homet Lodge with "tchotchkes", as we like to call them, type stuff opened limited hours throughout the weekend.

Q29. Can I go hiking around the camp?
A29. YES! Hiking is only allowed with a guide as appointed by camp organizers. This is a department of forestry regulation and we must show our hiking permit to the camp director when we arrive. So no hiking anytime other than what is designated on the schedule and with the leader.

Q30. I am not a really social person, how do I meet new people at camp?
A30. Ah yes, the eternal ACA Question. I'm afraid of people, but people are one of the cures to recovery. This is what one camper does to meet new people! During the meal times they go to a table with people they have not met before and they strike up conversations with those people at the table! We are all at the retreat for recovery, so there will be plenty to talk about. Talk about the food, the location, where the other campers came from, what workshops they liked, etc... Ask a question and sit back and listen to their answers and enjoy your meal.
Another way to make new friends is to fill out a warm fuzzy. We have them every year set up on a table in Homet Lodge.

Q31. Will I be asked to pitch in and help setup tables/chairs/ other things at camp?
A31. What we do is ask people who get a reduced rate (what FMR calls camperships) to help with various tasks during the weekend. They will be contacted by a specific committee member to be assigned to these tasks.

Q32. I want to check the web and emails, is there a Wifi Hotspot at camp?
A32. In Short, no. Yes, there is wireless at the camp, but it is only for camp employees.

If you need WiFi access, we recommend that you go down the mountain to Mentone to use the Wifi at Mc'D's or Starbucks, they are the closest to the camp or use their own personal hotspot.

Q33. I need to charge my phone/tablet are there outlets in my room?
A33. Yes, check where table lamp is plugged in and use the other outlet. Also, along the wall behind the lower bunk mattress you may find an outlet! You may have to pull the bunk away from the wall to find it. It maybe a good idea to bring an extension cord or power-strip to accommodate all of your electronic devices.

Q34. Can you tell me what are some of the activities that have been at the camp in the past?
A34. Where do we begin? There are workshops, Tai chi chih, Yoga, Meditation, journaling, hot-tubing, swimming, hiking, or you can just take a nap in your room. We also have a dance and various 12 step meetings. Its all up to you and your recovery. We do have a DJ, and they do take requests!

Q35. Is there an archive section that I can look at that has previous year's fliers, activity calendar's etc?
A35. Yes! We have documentation going back many years. <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/fmr-archives/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Please click this link</a> to take you to our archives section.

Q36. What is Camp de Benneville Pines and how long has the camp been around?
A36. Here is a link to the camp's website: <a href="http://www.uucamp.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.uucamp.org/</a> The camp has been around for 50 years. It is located in the San Bernardino Mountains, near Big Bear Lake. Its about 3 Miles past the town of Angelus Oaks. It is used as a camp for children, adults and corporate retreats. It is run by the Unitarian Church.

Q37. Who do I contact if I have additional questions or concerns?
A37. Yes! Here is a phone number <a href="tel:562-367-4325" target="_blank" rel="noopener">562-367-4325</a> and email: <a href="mailto:acafallmountainretreat@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acafallmountainretreat@gmail.com</a> to contact concerning your questions.

Q38. This is my very first Fall Mountain Retreat (FMR), what is recommended that I do?
A38. Well, bully for you! Welcome to Camp de Benneville Pines! First things first! Park your car facing out in the parking lot. Go to the<a href="https://www.socalaca.org/camp-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Main Lodge Homet</a>, to check in. Once you check in, drive slowly to your cabin, find your room, unpack, and then drive back to the parking lot and park your car facing out. Go back to the main lodge Homet to work on your name badge. Lastly, look at the activities calendar, in your welcome packet, and decide what you want to do! You can do everything or nothing its all up to you and your recovery.

Q39. How long is the drive? How should I prepare my car?
A39. From Los Angeles, if you leave before the traffic, it will take about 2 hours drive time to get to camp. The drive from Los Angeles to Camp de Benneville Pines is about 100 Miles! The best times to leave for camp, if you live in Los Angeles, is between 9:30AM and 12:00PM. If you leave during this time window you will beat the traffic in LA and in San Bernardino. If you leave earlier or later than this window you will hit traffic and it will significantly add to your drive time!

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Make sure your car has a full tank of gas, check your tire pressure and fluids before your drive. It would be a good idea to have AAA Card too. You will see some beautiful scenery and you will be driving up some steep mountain hills! Take your time driving and enjoy the journey. You may want to stop in Redding, to take a break, before driving up the mountain. If you don't want to drive alone, please check out the drive share link.

Q40. I forgot my prescription medication! What do I do?
A40. The closest pharmacy is in Redding. You will need to drive down the mountain to find it.

Q41. Tell me about the talent / no-talent show?
A41. Its a camp show where people sing, dance, read poetry, tell jokes, etc... Anything that you can do that is entertaining or inspiring to other campers. See a camp coordinator on Friday.

Q42. How many people show up at camp?
A42. Anywhere from 80 to 100 people will show up. Most come on Friday afternoon, but others will show up as late as Saturday morning.

Q43. I'm new at camp and I am trying to make friends or connections, but people seem to be aloof!
A43. Remember when you went to your first ACA Meeting? It took awhile to make connections with people didn't it?
Mental health professionals say that it may take up to 3 years for people, who suffered traumatic abuse, to start to trust others. Everyone at camp has been emotionally abused or damaged in some way. Even though you have bared your heart to others, because of their past abuse, they still will have a hard time trusting. Don't take it personally. Make the best of your time at camp. Be yourself. Chances are excellent that the next year when you show up, people will remember you and welcome you with open arms. Yes, this has happened.

Q44. When is breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
A44. That's a great question! Every year dining times will change slightly due to the various camp activities. Check your welcome packet for dining times. All meals will be served at Homet Lodge.

Q45. I'm a smoker. Where can I smoke?
Q45. Smoking is permitted on the Homet Lodge Porch, the cabin porches, and the cemented areas.

Q45. What are the top things that people forget to pack?
A45. <ul>
<li>A sleeping bag</li>
<li>A pillow</li>
<li>Their prescription and non-prescription medication</li>
<li>A towel</li>
<li>A hair dryer</li>
</ul>
Don't forget to bring these things! <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FMR_Packing_List.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out this link for our packing list</a> for camp!

Q47. What is a campership?
A47. A campership is intended to help people who otherwise cannot afford to attend the Fall Mountain Retreat (FMR). The price of a campership is half of the at the door price. First, a prospective camper must ask the chairperson for a campership. The number of camperships available are based on the proceeds from the previous year's raffle intake and the donations of campers to the campership fund. Because there are a limited number of camperships available they are granted on a first asked, first paid basis. Once the retreat's supply of camperships is depleted we ask prospective campers to ask their home meeting for financial assistance.

Q48. Why is Fall Mountain Retreat's information on the SoCal ACA Website? Is the retreat now being run by the Los Angeles ACA Intergroup?
A48. No! Fall Mountain Retreat has been sponsored by Orange County Intergroup for the past 30 years and will continue to operate autonomously. In early 2017 it was proposed by a member of the SoCal ACA Intergroup to "partner up" with the FMR in regards to hosting their retreat content on the SoCal ACA Website. An agreement was made and now FMR has a section on the SoCal ACA Website to call their own. It is FMR's hope that internet savvy new comers will find this information and use it to come to their retreat!

Q49. Does FMR have a ride share program to go to the retreat?
A49. YES! Please email: <a href="mailto:acafallmountainretreat@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acafallmountainretreat@gmail.com</a> to get information about ride sharing.

Q50. “Camp”, eh? How “Campy” are we talking here? Will we be sleeping in tents? Do we need to bring sleeping pads and things like that?
A50. This camp is not very “campy”. Guests will be sleeping in cabins. They are nice, too! The <a href="https://www.socalaca.org/camp-pictures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cabins</a> have a selection of bunk beds and king-sized bunk beds (Craigs Cabin). While you will not need to bring a tent, it is a good idea to bring bedding (pillows, sheets, and blankets) as they will not be provided. Some people like to bring sleeping bags instead of bedding.

Q51. Is there is a day rate available for the retreat? I just want to come one day.
A51. Sorry, no. The camp director doesn't offer a day rate, it's a package deal for the whole weekend.

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