Retreat: Cape Cod Sea Camps
One of the UUCIA’s favorite traditions is the all ages annual retreat.
Who, what, when and where?
Members and friends of the UUCIA share a fun, relaxed weekend Friday, June 4 through Sunday, June 6 at Cape Cod Sea Camps, on the shore of Cape Cod Bay in Brewster, Massachusetts. Activities include beachcombing, tennis and biking to evening conversation and a talent show. For many, the highlight is an outdoor worship service on Sunday morning.
What are the accommodations and how much does it cost?
This year, there are is just one type of lodging available: Semi-private rooms in a heated cabin provide dormitory-style sleeping accommodations with bunk beds, shared bathrooms and showers. Lodging costs, though modest ($30 per person per night) should not be an obstacle to anyone’s attendance. Financial assistance is available.
The weekend schedule:

Heated semi-private cabin: "The Infirmary"
- Friday
People arrive at different times. (Room are available at 2pm.) Most of us go out to dinner at area restaurants. Two popular places are The Lobster Claw Restaurant on Route 6A in Orleans and JT’s Seafood, 2689 Main St,Brewster. Unload your gear and find people to go with to dinner. There may already be people at the restaurant.
8:30 to 9:30: We will socialize on the lower level of the Infirmary. We will discuss and adapt the schedule at this time.
Saturday
8:00 – 8:30Breakfast is served in the dining hall. They stop serving by 8:30am, so get there early! There’s a hot entree such as scrambled eggs and bacon, or pancakes and sausages, plus various cereals, fruits, toast/bagels/English muffins, juices, coffee, tea and milk.
9:30 – 2:00: Bike trip to Coast Guard Beach with lunch at Arnold’s Clam Shack or Hang out at CCSC at the beach, play tennis, walking, swimming, reading, conversation
5:30 – 6:30 Fellowship in the area near the Infirmary. Bring beverages and appetizers to share.
6:30 Dinner: In the dining hall. The fare is typical camp food, but most families sign up for dinner plus the two breakfasts because these are good times for socializing and planning activities.
8:30 – 9:30 Talent show in the dining hall. Following the talent show, there will be games and conversation.
Sunday
8:00 – 8:30 Breakfast is served in the dining hall. See Saturday above.
9:00 Preliminary cleanup of cabins
9:30 Worship Service
10:30 We must be out of the cabins, but we can stay on the grounds for the rest of the day.
How do I sign up?

Bunk and twin beds, bathrooms and showers in cabin.
Please print out, complete and mail the reservation form [PDF] with your deposit.
There is one type of sleeping accommodations:
- Heated Cabin w/showers, $30 per person/night: Semi-private rooms in a heated cabin provide dormitory-style sleeping accommodations with bunk beds, shared bathrooms and showers.
Include a deposit of 50% of your estimated bill. If you prefer, you may send a check for the amount in full. I will return, by e-mail, a confirmation of your reservation and a final bill. Please make your checks payable to: Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Andover.
- April 12: Reservation must be received with 50% deposit or, if you prefer, full payment
- May 1: Final bill will be emailed
- May 16: Remainder of payment is due
- June 4: Cape Cod Weekend Retreat
How do I get there?
Sagamore Bridge to Route 6 (Mid-Cape Highway), take exit 10 (Rte. 124), turn left on Rte. 124 to Rte 6A, go approximately 2 miles and you will see Cape Cod Sea Camps (CCSC) entrance on the left. Go straight on the dirt road as the driveway turns right. The Infirmary is the first large building on the left side of the road, just after the parking lot. A copy of this schedule (see other side), a map of the grounds, and a sheet with room assignments will be posted by 5pm Friday on the Infirmary porch.
What do I bring?
CCSC provides pillows, pillow cases, and bottom sheets. Bring other bedding, sleeping bags, towels, toiletries, and a FLASHLIGHT. Bring athletic equipment (including tennis racquets and baseball gloves), games, bicycles, sun screen, and something use for sitting on the beach, if you would like.
Posted by UUCiA on February 10th, 2010
The Rev. Lara Hoke is a graduate of Cornell University and the
Harvard Divinity School. She is a US Navy veteran and has worked with youth
groups in the central Massachusetts area. She has worked as a hospital chaplain and
as a minister of a UU congregation in the Worcester area. She writes a blog called