"We love this place and the volunteers are awesome! X-tra thanks to the bathroom crew who made sure there was always TP!"

"Very fun. The kids really loved all the art activities."

"Autism Camp is the highlight of my summer. I love everything and everybody at camp. Thanks so much for being You!"

"I love it here - everyone is so happy."

"Great time, great people, we’re leaving with hearts filled with love."

"I loved the arts & crafts and accordion and guitar and T R Kelley and loved helping in the kitchen. I loved the friendly atmosphere!"

Our feedback forms also revealed the most popular aspect of the Retreat: the sense of community, the people, the love in the air. We are especially proud of that kind of feedback. Creating a safe place to be yourself, to make friends, to be part of it, is our most important goal. Our volunteers work through the year to keep improving our event, listening to your feedback (gonna be a dance party next year…), fine tuning our established activities, all with your safety and community in mind.

As the last few volunteers gathered in Florence for a Sunday dinner on our way home, we talked a lot about the fun we had, and how so many things went right this year. We were exhausted yet exhilarated, tired yet energized.

We’ll be back next year. Yes, indeed.

Coming up this October 1st is a truly special event. Mike Guido, a successful stand-up comic formerly of Eugene, will be returning for his one man show, "A Real Man". A tale of comedy, tragedy and inspiration, this live performance will surely touch you. If you find few people understand what you, as a parent or loved one of someone on the spectrum, go through every day, invite them to join you for this show. In the midst of all the laughter and tears, they just might get it. Raising awareness is one of our missions, and we’re hoping this will be one fun way to make it happen.

VIP tickets get in you early to meet Mike, listen to Paul Safar on a great Grand Piano, and get a head start on our silent auction. Regular ticket doors open at 7:00 pm. And the show begins at 7:30 with me and Mary-Minn doing a special number! Don’t miss it, and don’t be late! GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Later in October, at 3:00 on Sunday the 23rd, we present our 8th Mask Making Party. This one is a little different as there is no Karaoke. Instead we have a Talent Show. Hart Keene the Magician will be the host, encouraging you to get on stage and share your talent - dance, song, poetry, mathematics, disappearing, whatever. There will be a sign up sheet, and you can even call ahead at 541 521 7208 or autism@kindtree.org to get on the list early. Keep your act to 8 minutes, please.

Finally, we are reaching out this Fall to folks in Cottage Grove with a special Art Opening at the Axe and Fiddle in December - watch for the dates. I hope you can share in some of these activities with us. It’s always a treat to see you.

Thanks for listening, Tim Mueller