Chateau Camp 2003

Chateau Camp was held for the first time last summer at Chateau de St. Julien l’Ars, a storybook castle in the Poitou region of France owned by Seattle architect , Nash Gubelman. Designed as a relaxing alternative for vacationing in Europe with children, this family camp was, for many of the families who attended, the best vacation of their lives. They were able to slow down, find time for each other, learn new creative skills and make friends as they soaked in the history, the ambience and the serenity of this remarkable place.

"Chateau Camp exceeded our expectations. The location, ambience, great food and activities were all outstanding.”    
    The Krom family ‘02

“It was absolutely magical!”
    Karen Hansen-Day ‘02

“I’d go back in an instant.”
   Jill McGuinness ’02







La Journée:    Summer 2003 promises all that and more.  Each Chateau Camp features daily classes  in art, cooking and yoga offered by creative professionals.  Afternoons are left free to explore the area, take a bike ride or just relax in a quiet corner of the estate.  Children are usually engaged with their own classes or special activities.  Everyone gathers in the evening for a feast of fresh local foods.  A typical day includes:
 
        8:00 - 9:00      Morning Walk/Yoga
        8:00 - 9:30      Breakfast
        10:00 - 12:00  Adult and Children’s Classes
        12:30 - 1:30    Lunch
        2:00 - 6:00      Children’s Activities/Games/Child Care
        7:00 - 8:00      Dinner  
        8:30 -              Special Programs/Games/Quiet Time

Les Détails:    For the summer of 2003, three eight-day sessions are available:
  •     June 19 - June 26  (Thurs. - Thurs.)     
  •     June 30 - July 7    (Mon. - Mon.)                                            
  •     July 11 - July 18   (Fri. - Fri.)                                                   

                                                                       Rates per session:                                                                                                          
                                                                $1,500 per Adult                                                             
$ 900 per Child
          $ 3,900 - Family of 3
          $ 4,800 - Family of 4
          $ 5,700 - Family of 5
Included in the price of your stay are all meals, activities, instruction and afternoon child-care. Complimentary laundry facilities are available on site.
 

Chateau Camp is ideally suited for 5 to 7 families. Reservations will be confirmed upon receipt of a $1000 deposit by check made out to Chateau St. Julien LLC. and sent to:

                         Chateau Camp 2003,  4302 Fremont Ave. N.,  Seattle, WA 98103

The remaining balance is due 60 days prior to the start of the session. Written cancellations received up until March 15th will receive a full refund less a $50 administrative fee.  After March 15th refunds may be available contingent upon the specified session becoming fully subscribed.  Sessions cancelled by Chateau St.. Julien LLC  are subject to a full refund. 

Les Instructeurs:    The same skilled and creative staff members who made Chateau Camp so successful last summer will be back for all three sessions inspiring their classes and leading other special activities and excursions.

Sally MacArthur: What is France without the food? The large chateau kitchen is the perfect place for casual, hands-on cooking classes. Learn to prepare regional specialties with Chef Sally, former executive chef of many well-known Seattle restaurants. Originally trained in France, she has been imparting the love of French cooking ever since. With Sally you will explore local markets, learn kitchen French, and bring home new recipes and awakened taste buds.
           
Rob Kimmerer: An arts educator and artist, Rob is already planning fabulous art projects for children as well as adults.  You can cast your version of the castle gargoyles, learn to paint a field of sunflowers or sketch the old chateau.  With Rob’s gentle guidance, you can also generate your own ideas as you discover your creativity.   A physical education teacher as well, Rob leads the afternoon kid’s sports program, often recruiting adults for multi-generational games of hide-and-go-seek and capture-the-flag.

Jan Thelen: Jan is an experienced yoga teacher who has been practicing this ancient form of exercise for nearly 30 years. She studied with B.K.S. Iyengar in India and inspires children,  beginners and yoga aficionados. Jan is also planning leisurely afternoon bike and walking excursions for those who want to wander the many paths and byways of the surrounding fields and villages.

Cassie Fotheringham: Cassie is Camp Coordinator and Concierge. She will be available before and during your stay to answer all your questions about Chateau Camp.  As a bilingual French-American who has lived in France, she can also help with any special travel or medical needs and generally facilitate your stay while at the chateau.

Le Chateau:   The historic chateau on 56 acres has all the hidden tunnels, secret rooms, and endless hallways that children love to explore. The expansive grounds are a safe haven for outdoor play and a quiet sanctuary for long walks. Rooms and suites, all with private bathrooms, are spacious, airy, and perfect for families. The ornate dining hall offers an elegant space in which to dine and drink like royalty.

Les Repas:   Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with everyone gathering for a family-style dinner, often served in the castle courtyard. The kitchen staff makes full use of all the fresh ingredients abundantly available in this lush and fertile area of France. There can be as many as 40 people at dinner and conversation set against the background music of children’s laughter may continue late into the summer night. Campers usually take turns helping to set and clear tables and can participate to whatever degree they feel comfortable.

La Région:   Medieval Poitiers and all the charming villages and winding roads of this unspoiled region beckon from outside the chateau gates. Test your French on the locals or go shopping for provisions with a native speaker. The fabled Loire Valley with its historic castles is only an hour’s drive away. Or, if you’d rather lie around in the sun with a good French novel and a café au lait, it’s no problem. The chateau and grounds offer numerous quiet places to relax, read or do nothing at all.  And you needn’t worry about your children. With new friends, fun classes, games and activities plus child-care in the afternoons they will be well taken care of.

From the moment you arrive at Chateau de St.  Julien l’Ars, your family will  experience France in a magical and unforgettable way.  For questions, please contact:    

Cassie Fotheringham     phone: (206) 282-9349  
                                         e-mail:  [email protected]