Seriously...I learned this when I spoke at a Fall Retreat for the University of Toledo a number of years ago. As students were registering, they each brought a snack item. Some brought a bag of chips, others brought cookies, some brought 2 liters of soda, etc... I learned from then Team Leader Nancy Bartolec that, part of the cost of coming to the retreat was to bring a snack item to share. So simple, so genius.
The previous year at our Fall Retreat, the camp foodservice was so miserable that we blew so much money trying to make up for it with various snack foods, so I was very excited to try something new.
And it worked great! It just wasn't a big deal for a student to pick up a bag of chips on their way to the camp and we had tons of great snacks all weekend. We asked a couple of students to serve as "snack wranglers" and set out some on Friday night and some on Saturday night to even things out.
I'm not sure why it worked out so well. I guess that there's a principle in which people don't mind contributing in some way over and above the cost of the event. But, it needs to be a small price and one they are willing to pay. It can't be frustrating, like airlines charging for your bags. Bringing a snack is small and an easy way to contribute that really did keep the cost low for the retreat.
Ohhhh, so THAT'S where you got the idea of the snack-potluck for spring retreat last year! That was genius! We had such yummy, eclectic snacks all weekend!!
Posted by: Sam Li | 09/27/2009 at 05:07 AM
Students usually have to stop at a gas station on the way, so why not pick up a little something while you're there? :)
Posted by: Linnea | 10/16/2009 at 10:33 AM
THIS is my claim to fame in your life???? ;)
Posted by: ~nancy | 12/14/2009 at 09:31 PM
Nancy,
Ha Ha! No I also learned from you what to do when you find a dead shark in the hallway... :)
Bob
Posted by: Bob Fuhs | 01/06/2010 at 09:23 AM