Lodging and Meals
Q: May I request to room with my friends who are attending the conference?
A: Yes. Please indicate on the registration form the names of those you wish to room with and we will try to accommodate those requests.
NOTE: We do not encourage inviting friends who are not part of the conference as they may distract you and others from gaining the fullest experience of the workshops.
Q: Can my spouse/partner come to the conference if they stay in the same room with me and does not attend a workshop?
A: Your spouse/partner can come to the conference for $675 room and board. (Spouses and partners need to understand that workshops will take a lot of your attention in the four days.)
Q: I have some health concerns that make walking difficult. May I be placed in a cabin close to the central activity?
A: Please note any concerns you have and we will try to accommodate those on a first come, first served basis.
Q: Can you suggest tent or trailer camping nearby?
A: We cannot suggest camping locations but you can obtain information about those sites from the Petoskey Chamber of Commerce and the City of Petoskey website.
Q: Is it possible to come into Camp Michigania a day early or stay after the conference?
A: No. You can find lodging in Petoskey and surrounding areas if you want to come into the area early or stay later.
Q: I have food allergies. Will the Camp dining room be able to accommodate them?
A: The dining room menus are varied enough to offer most people a satisfactory meal. If you have severe allergies, please bring your own special foods and be sure to indicate your allergies on your health form.
Transportation
Q: What airports are located near Camp Michigania?
A: There are two airports accessible from Detroit as well as other parts of the country. They are Pellston Regional and Cherry Capital Airport - Traverse City. Flights run about once a day into and out of the area so you want to book your flight as early as possible and plan your ground transportation early to accommodate the flight times.
Q. Can you arrange transportation for me from the airport to the Camp Michigania?
A: We are not able to arrange transportation for participants. You can obtain information via the Petoskey Chamber of Commerce website.
Q: Is it possible to carpool with someone?
A: We keep a list of those who indicate (either on the registration form or by phone or email) that they would like to carpool with someone from the airport or from their home location if they are driving. After the registration deadline, we then try to match up any possible carpoolers and notify them.
Schedule
Q: Is it ok if I miss part of the conference due to other commitments?
A: It depends which part of the conference you have to miss. The beginning and ending sessions are not as crucial. The workshops require some focused effort and it would be to your advantage and the group’s as well if you try to attend these sessions.
Workshops
Q: When will I know my workshop assignment?
A: We will email a welcome packet to you which will include a notice of your workshop assignment.
Q: Can I bring work I have completed before the conference?
A: The Bear River Writers’ Conference is designed to inspire new work. The workshop leaders will assign writing based on their genre and the focus of their workshops.
Q: Will the workshop leaders critique my previous work?
A: We ask that you do not ask workshop instructors to read and critique work not done in the workshops. They simply will not have time.
Q: Are there computers on site that I can use?
A: We have four computers available for the participants. In addition, the main lodge is equipped for wireless. Many of our guests bring their laptops. Some bring printers.
Q: How will I produce copies to be shared in the workshop?
A: We have printers and copy machines in the office and a drop box will be provided for your copy requests. Staff will run off copies for you and have them ready for the workshop each day.
Miscellaneous
Q: Can I receive college credit for the conference?
A: At present, we do not offer college credit but are exploring the idea.
