PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW!
Attention Group Leaders!
Please read the following information carefully. We realize it's a lot, but your weekend will go smoother if you follow the information below step by step.
NEW: The Instructions and Application are now available online! Simply click on the link at the bottom of this page to complete your application!
Feel free to email or call Kim at (920) 839-2216 with any questions or concerns.
Use the LU Calendar to find potential conflicts with your group. Select three viable dates and clearly explain your circumstances. Also, know that many groups want to come up at the beginning of each term to get off to a good start. Please also consider weekends later in the term to focus on continuing your group's efforts.
Björklunden currently experiences about a 14% drop-out rate from estimated numbers of participants to those actually arriving at Björklunden. That means about 90 spots go unfilled each term!
So, for example, if you have 50 members in your group but only 15 come to regular group meetings, a conservative estimate might be 20 total participants. If you want all 50 members of your group to come, you must take the necessary measures to guarantee 50 people will come! Also note that you may be asked to lower your estimate to accommodate your group as well as others.
Note: Groups that cancel or bring fewer participants than expected will be given a lower priority during scheduling in the future.
Student-led groups: Your application will be reviewed by the Campus Life Office. When you submit your online application, they will receive a copy and will email you regarding your submission. Your application will be considered by your submission date.
Applications should be submitted as follows:
Fall Term 2022
Registration Opens: Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Registration Closes: Saturday, April 30, 2022 - Deadline Extended to May 13!
NOTE: Applications for Winter and Spring Terms 2023 will be accepted throughout the month of October 2022. Watch for the announcement in the LU Insider! This web page will be updated with the new application, instructions and deadline information in October 2022.
Once the scheduling process is complete, you will be contacted by Björklunden with your dates and participant allowance. To confirm your group's reservation, respond quickly to this e-mail and confirm with us that both the dates and number of participants are accurate.
Two weeks prior to your arrival you will receive your registration packet via e-mail. It may seem like a lot of reading, but it is all very important! It contains information that will help you clarify your weekend and help us to meet all of your needs while you are here. This information is needed to plan for your transportation, food, and lodging. You will need to return the completed attachment to Kim via e-mail by the MONDAY BEFORE your visit. You should also know that all group leaders receive reminders and other info from Björklunden. Check your email frequently throughout the week prior to your visit for important information, updates, and changes. If you have any problems or questions, email Kim at kim.a.eckstein@lawrence.edu or call her at (920) 839-2216.
The Björklunden Experience would not exist but for the generosity of hundreds of donors who make your stay possible. An "Opportunity" is a way for participants to "give back", to express their gratitude for the chance to spend a weekend here! Additionally, the opportunity program ensures your visit with us runs smoothly and efficiently.
So, when scheduling your weekend activities, PLEASE be sure to leave time before and after meals as well as on Sunday morning for participants to complete their assigned opportunities.
• Drugs and Alcohol are FORBIDDEN on the bus and at Björklunden. Smoking is not allowed in the lodge
• Please pass along the Björklunden Policies to ALL your participants.
• Please be sure your participants eat dinner on campus before departure. The buses will not stop on the way to Björklunden.
• In an effort to "go green" as well as control costs, the Studio and Stabbur will only be used as overflow housing.
• Pets are not allowed in the main lodge. Please contact Kim with questions regarding pets.
Nearly every group experiences last-minute changes during the week leading up to their arrival at Björklunden. Please communicate any changes to Kim at kim.a.eckstein@lawrence.edu as soon as possible. Since we often have groups with students on a wait list, the earlier we know about changes or cancellations, the better. That way, if one group loses participants, another group can add from their wait list.
The buses will now be picking up and dropping off every weekend at The Conservatory--Washington Street Turnaround. Inform your group members to arrive at THE CON at least ten minutes prior to the 6:00pm Friday departure.
Please be sure your participants are aware of the proper pick up point.
Once you arrive at Björklunden, your planning, persistence, and thorough communication will have paid off! You will be able to achieve the goals you have set and, of course, have a lot of fun besides!
Please complete the online application form.
This application applies to all groups - both student-led and faculty/staff-led groups.
Questions? Email kim.a.eckstein@lawrence.edu.
