Texas Rubies - Above Rubies Ladies Retreat

Above Rubies is a ministry to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers, and homemakers. Its’ purpose is to uphold and strengthen family life and to raise the standard of God's truth in the nation. The name has been chosen from Proverbs 31.10 AMP, "A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman, who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far Above Rubies or pearls."

The Texas Rubies Above Rubies Ladies Retreat is to further extend the ministry of Above Rubies, reaching women throughout the state of Texas (ladies from anywhere are welcome), who would like to hear Mrs. Campbell in person, to learn and strengthen their families in the Lord, and meet other ladies who have a desire to do the same.

This year, our website features online registration -- and this is the preferred method of registering. We are so blessed to be able to take advantage of this feature this year. This is a huge timesaver and an extreme blessing!! Much better than typing things in by hand. We do understand that some ladies do not have computer access at home, but we also realize that most have husbands with computer access at work, neighbors and friends with computer access at home, and / or access to a computer at their local library. If you have a friend who would like to attend the retreat, but does not have computer access at home, please let them know of these new details and offer to help them out in registering online! We would truly appreciate it!! We will have a mail-in form available for those who have absolutely no other way to register, but we hope that it is used sparingly.

Due to the logistics of planning a retreat with a large number of people, we must set a deadline in order to comply with the policies of the camp. After February 1, 2010 , we cannot guarantee you a space at the retreat. We will continue to accept registrations after this point, but please understand we are at the mercy of the camp allowing us more lodges since we did not commit to them on our contract. It is best to register and then cancel by February 20 instead of taking the chance that there may not be space.

You have three choices when registering for this year’s retreat. You may stay on site in one of the newly remodeled lodges, you can lodge elsewhere and commute each day to the speaking sessions, or you may choose to come on Saturday only. All retreat options will include use of the conference hall, airfare for Nancy and the girls, transportation for them, and fees associated with putting the retreat together. If you choose the on-site option ⁽¹⁾, your conference fee will also cover 2 nights sleeping accommodations in the lodge and 5 meals (Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch). If you choose the off-site option⁽²⁾, your conference fee will cover 5 meals as well as the day use fee the camp charges for persons not staying on campus but using the facilities. The conference fee for those who prefer to come on Saturday only⁽³⁾ will include the day use fee and Saturday lunch and dinner. The Saturday only option does not include breakfast.

Conference Choice	Adult	6-17 years	0-5 years
Full Weekend – On-Site ⁽¹⁾	$130	$70	$0
Full Weekend – Off-Site ⁽²⁾	$110	$50	$0
Saturday Only ⁽³⁾	$80	$20	$0

We will accept checks and money orders made payable to Jeanette Watje for registrations to the 2010 retreat. In years past, we have accepted Paypal, but due to the costs and computer difficulties it causes, we will not be offering that option. We will not accept any postdated checks.Your spot is reserved/confirmed upon receipt of full payment.

Check your spam folder and add anything that may end in texasrubies.com to your address book. Email the invoice coordinator on the contact form of this website.

Each committee member can be reached via email, but in order to reduce the amount of spam email we are not listing email addresses on this site. Please use the contact form and the appropriate committee member will contact you.

The schedule for the 2010 retreat has not been finalized. To get an idea of what a previous retreat schedule was like,
Click here. (pdf file) Please note that there are several changes this year as mentioned above.

So many ladies have requested more free time. We agree that these retreats are also for fellowship with other ladies so there will be a bonfire on Friday night at 10:00PM so bring your smores fixins and skewers, and also a fellowship time on Saturday afternoon. Although ladies always had the option of going to the extra sessions or not, it’s difficult to say no. Therefore, we have requested Serene and Pearl to do one session on their new book. We always love to hear Vange speak, but we are not sure if she is able to come just yet. This will give everyone the additional time to relax and fellowship. Nancy and her daughters will be the only speakers. There will not be any other demonstrations, speakers, or performances, so look forward to a wonderful Simply Above Rubies Retreat!

No, the only things on display or for sale will be the book table for Above Rubies. The conference room is not large enough and in these economic times we felt it was best to only offer the materials from Above Rubies in helping further the ministry.

I am interested in purchasing a few of the Above Rubies Bible study courses. Will I be able to purchase them there? What are my payment options?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: There is usually a variety of written books and studies, DVDs, and CDs. Evangeline's past discussion topics, Serene and Pearls music CD's, and Serene's recipe book, teaching CDs, and DVDs. Because Colin is not speaking, all of the materials he has written for men may not be available. You may order any of their products that are not at the book table and pay no shipping. So stock up and give CD's, books, etc. for Mother's day and Father's day coming up! Cash, checks, and credit cards (Master Card, Visa, & Discover) will all be accepted at the book table.

Of course! We ask that each lady remember that this is a ladies retreat to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers, and homemakers. Nurslings are always welcome, as are teen daughters. We provide an option for daughters in between for those that feel their daughters are able to sit still and listen, help mom with a younger sibling, etc. We also understand that some ladies would not be able to attend without bringing a child(ren) that are not capable of staying home with dad or another caregiver.

One option, which we strongly recommend considering, is to bring an older daughter, niece, or trusted teen as a mother's helper. Full payment for her registration will be required, but this may be the best option for some ladies.

If you bring your children, they will remain your responsibility at all times! We have had *several* mishaps in the past related to unsupervised children that we do not want a repeat this year. We have come too close to serious injury and damage to property on a couple of occasions. Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed to roam the camp unsupervised. They must be quietly seated with you during the sessions in the conference hall. We understand toddlers need to stretch their legs; we just ask that consideration be given of others in the back of the room and keep them as quiet as possible. Please prayerfully consider if your child is able to do this. Some of the sessions run a little long and, although totally appropriate, some of Mrs. Nancy's subject matter is more adult-related. There may be some topics as abortion, the birth control pill, sex within marriage, etc. Some of the content may not be suitable for young girls that have not had "the talk" so please be prepared for any questions your daughter may have concerning the material presented at the retreat.

For meals and lodging, children 5 and under are free. For ages 6-17, the fees are as follows:

Many ladies have attended and brought grandma, niece, neighbor, friend’s daughter, etc. to help care for the children at the retreat. The cost to bring anyone is the same whether their intent is to babysit or listen at the sessions.

Please go to http://www.mtlebanoncamp.com/facilities.html (scroll down to Mt. Lebanon Lodging Facilities) for a description of the accommodations. They are heated and air conditioned. You must bring your own linens (sheets, blankets, pillows, pillow cases, and towels). There is a common place area in the middle of the building where ladies can chat, take a crying baby at night while others sleep, etc. There is also a kitchen with a refrigerator to store snack items you wish to bring. We will not be assigning lodges, it is all first come, first serve. If you are coming with friends and want to be in the same lodge, then plan to arrive early and save spots for each other. Upon checking in, you will be provided an envelope that you can write your name on and put on your bed so there is no concern about losing your space. We will also provide a dry erase board at check in so that you may let others know which lodge you are in.

Because of the immense amount of time it takes to coordinate a retreat, we have decided to scale back and let everyone choose their own lodge assignments. We will set aside one wing (side) of one lodge for adults only. That way if you are coming with a group of adults (anyone over 18), you will have the option of having just adults or being with little ones also.

Because of the large central meeting area that is in each lodge, you may choose to stay awake and fellowship with old and new friends, while having consideration for those wishing to turn in earlier.

Nurslings are always welcomed and encouraged to be at Above Rubies retreats. It’s one of the major things that set this retreat apart from most. You can feel comfortable bringing your little one knowing that there will be other mamas with little ones there, too. If someone is going to be helping you with your baby part of the time you are at the retreat and possibly just coming to bring the baby for nursing times or at night, this is not a problem. As long as the caregiver will not be on campus for more than 2 hours per day, they will not need to pay the $4 person/ day “day use” fee the camp charges. If there is a need for them to be onsite longer than two hours, you must indicate this on your registration form and the day use fees included in your registration so we can pay the camp.

There are no accommodations available for husbands at the retreat since all women staying on-site will be in the lodges. There are no activities planned for the weekend. We will have approximately 2 hours of unscheduled free time on Saturday. The rest of the weekend is filled with Nancy ’s speaking sessions and possibly a scheduled fellowship time.

Colin Campbell will not be attending nor leading men's sessions. Neither will we have a separate children's program of any sort. Children attending the retreat and sessions with Mom will be expected to sit quietly with Mom. Children under 12 are not allowed to be anywhere without an adult.

There is a $4 per person per day “day use” fee the camp charges for people who are not staying on site, but are using some of the facilities.

Many mothers will let their babies sleep in their lap or sling. You may also bring your stroller, port a crib, or something else that he/she is comfortable in, but you will not be allowed to leave your child unattended. The back of the conference room has some space for you to be with your child(ren), however, please plan accordingly since it is not completely carpeted.

I plan on bringing my baby and staying in the lodge. Will I be able to bathe him/her?

You will be able to bathe your baby provided that you do not mind using sinks. If you would like to bring a portable tub, this would be fine. Or you may want to simply give your baby a sponge bath.

I would like to attend the retreat, but do not have the funds available to pay the full registration amount. Is there a way that I can still attend?

We will not have scholarships available this year, due to time constraints and limited resources. Many ladies have been able to attend after their church has paid their registration fees or ladies came from the same church as part of their women’s ministry. If a friend, relative, pastor, or anyone else is paying for your registration, then each attendee must collect the checks or money orders (made payable to Jeanette Watje) and mail them all together to finalize your registration. Only full payments will be accepted and will ensure your space. It is the responsibility of each registrant to complete her registration and pay her bill.

The vital role of this amazing publication and ministry is in the encouragement and support of marriage, motherhood and family life in

America

and throughout the world. For 30 years Nancy Campbell has been publishing the Above Rubies Magazine, as an unpaid labor of love, supported by a very small band of dedicated volunteers. The Campbell family has worked tirelessly in strengthening families and motherhood in these tumultuous and uncertain times. Above Rubies is definitely a major international ministry, reaching and playing a crucial role in over 100 countries of the world. The magazine currently circulates over 128,000 copies worldwide - and if 128,000 are being distributed, readership is more like half a million!

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Above Rubies Ministry is more than just a magazine. Nancy Campbell answers literally thousands of letters that pour in each year, as well as speaking at family camps, women’s retreats, and preparing teaching materials and manuals.

The camp does have motel rooms, however, the planning committee has not reserved any motel rooms. All attendees will be sleeping in lodges or offsite. No attendees will be in motel rooms. We understand there will not be privacy in the lodges, but it is just for a weekend and trust everyone will be considerate and Christlike to one another. There are many hotels in the area, we understand you must do what is best for you to enjoy the weekend.

I would like to be in the same lodge or save a bed for my friend, what can I do?

All registrants will be provided an envelope to write a name on and place on your bed along with your belongings. We suggest if you would like to save beds for your friend, you bring along paper to write their name on and place on the bed. We will have a dry erase board at check in that registrants can put the name of their group and the lodge they are in so you can find each other easily.

Yes you may and you are more than welcomed to utilize the full kitchen in your lodge, however, every attendee will pay the same amount for all the meals whether you choose to eat them or not. There will be a salad bar at lunch and dinner and drinks are free and available all day. Even when attendees did bring their own food in prior years, they missed the fellowship during meals., so we hope you understand and enjoy meal times despite the food not being as healthy as you may be accustomed. Again, it is only for a weekend J

We are excited when ladies want to bless others by paying their way! In order to ease the paper burden, we ask that you register that person and send in the full payment or they can register and you give them the full payment amount to mail in. We cannot accept partial payments from multiple people or any other sort of arrangements. If you want to be anonymous, then you may want to register them and send in the full payment and state in the comment section the circumstances. Thereafter, tell them to contact us in order to make any changes in contact info or other areas of the registration form you may not have been able to answer correctly.

If you have been to past Texas Rubies retreats, you may have come to expect one of the beautiful directories that have always been provided. Due to the great amount of time and money that is required to put this together, we have decided to bring the directory online to the Texas Rubies Yahoo Group secure webpage, as a contact database. Many ladies enjoy having contact information, interests, etc. so they can contact ladies throughout the year and form friendships by having park days, homeschool groups, etc. We want the ladies that are in the group and have common interests to be able to connect with like-minded women, even if they cannot attend the retreat. Once you are part of the E-loop group, you will have access to the database to add your information. The database is for fellowship purposes ONLY and NOT to be used for soliciting funds.

Personal Items: You will need typical personal things such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc.

Note taking supplies: Bible, pen, highlighters, paper, and anything else to take notes.

Linens: If you are staying in a dorm, you will need all linens (sheets, pillow, pillow case, washcloths, bath towels, etc). If you are staying in a motel room, those items are provided for you.

Baby equipment: For those bringing little ones don't forget items such as your sling, port-a-crib, exersaucer, side rail for bed (for co-sleeping, if needed), highchair, booster seat (these can be left in the dining hall for ease), Boppy, Bumbo, and QUIET toys for baby / toddler play area in the conference center. Please be advised the conference center where we will be meeting is not carpeted.

Miscellaneous items: flashlight, hiking boots/shoes, umbrella, mosquito repellent, camera, scrapbooks to show others, etc. and ANYTHING you might need for free time.

Extra money in order to purchase any books, study manuals, cassettes, etc. offered on the Above Rubies book table. Pay no shipping, so stock up now and buy gifts for Mother's Day and Father's Day coming up!

Snacks: You might bring easy snacks for you and those attending with you. There will be water in igloos in the back of the conference center. If you would like to volunteer to bring snacks to share, please contact the volunteer coordinator on the contact form of this website. If you prefer bottled water, please bring your own, we will not provide bottled water.

The purpose of the Above Rubies ministry is to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers, and homemakers. Therefore, it is our prayer that the women attending would desire to honor our Lord Jesus with their attire. We are blessed to be able to use the camp facilities at Mt. Lebanon for our retreat, but we must remember that there will be other groups on-site as well. There might be other ladies, men’s groups, and young people. Please be considerate when choosing which clothing items to bring. Avoid bringing tank tops, low cut blouses, blouses that show midriff or bra straps, low-waisted pants, short shorts or short skirts, etc.

Yes, on Saturday, we will be taking up an offering for Nancy Campbell and her daughters. Nancy does not charge any speaking fees and collects no salary through Above Rubies. Her ministry is funded through donations. Please pray with and talk to your husband and consider what the Lord might have your family give. The book table volunteers can also accept donations at any time. Please be prepared to write separate checks for the three ministries represented.

Donations for Colin and Nancy Campbell for their living expenses are to be made payable to: Nancy Campbell.
Donations for the furthering of Serene and Pearl 's music ministry are to be made payable to : Pearl Barrett.
Donations for the publishing of Above Rubies magazines are to be made payable to: Above Rubies.

For 30 years Nancy Campbell has been publishing the Above Rubies Magazine, as an unpaid labor of love, supported by a very small band of dedicated volunteers. The vital role of this amazing publication and ministry is in the encouragement and support of marriage, motherhood and family life in

America

and throughout the world.

Supporting family and motherhood in these tumultuous and uncertain times. Above Rubies is definitely a major international ministry, reaching and playing a crucial role in over 100 countries of the world. The magazine currently circulates over 128,000 copies worldwide - and if 128,000 are being distributed, readership is more like half a million!

A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Above Rubies Ministry is more than just a magazine. Nancy Campbell answers literally thousands of letters that pour in each year, as well as, speaking at family camps, womens retreats, and preparing teaching materials and manuals.