Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
Will you be taking up a Love offering
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.
What are the early bird, nightowl, baby/toddler, and adult only dorms?
We will have a variety of lodge accommodations. Please choose the one which will best suit you and any babies/toddlers/girls/teens that will attend with you. You may choose to stay awake and fellowship in the meeting area of the lodge, with consideration for those trying to sleep. If you are part of a group, everyone must choose the same type of lodge in order to be assigned together.
- Early birds are considered those who go to bed at or before 10:00 PM.
- Night owl "lights out" time will be 1:00 A.M. in the sleeping areas.
- This year we will have a dorm with moms that have toddlers and babies with them. The purpose of this is so that moms that are bringing children may feel more comfortable in a lodge that has others that may also be a bit louder with rocking babies to sleep, awakening in the night to nurse, etc. Moms that have older children are also welcomed in this dorm.
- We will also have a lodge for adults only this year. This may be suitable for those not coming with a group, or not bringing anyone under 18 with you.
What do I do if I registered and have not received an email within
7 days?
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.
You can go to http://www.highlandlakescamp.org/233187.ihtml 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.) We will not be utilizing the meeting rooms in the dorms due to extra fees.
What are the motel rooms like?
You can go to http://www.highlandlakescamp.org/233187.ihtml for a description of the accommodations. has motel-style private rooms. If you are accustomed to having extra blankets, towels, etc. please bring additional ones to suit your needs. PLEASE NOTE: There is no microwave, refrigerator or any other appliance available in the motel rooms. For insurance purposes, we cannot allow these items to be brought and used in the motel rooms.
One of the highlights of every retreat is everyone getting a directory. 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. In addition, ladies are able to bless one another by patronizing businesses listed in the directory. There are names and ages of all children, hobbies, ministries, a biography and even a picture so you can look through it and hopefully meet ladies that you have similar interests with. The directory is for fellowship purposes ONLY and NOT to be used for soliciting funds.
Who
is on the planning committee and how can I contact them?
Sandra Taylor - Finance & Grants
Jeanette Watje - Registration & Volunteers
Rhonda Probst-Door Prizes
Suzanne Bortel-Hospitality & Mother's Helpers
Sandy Hancock-Website & Snacks
Nareda DeCleene-Book Table & Smoothie Demo
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.
What
can my husband and children do while I am in sessions?
Free activities available: Large wooden and shaded playground, basketball courts, volleyball courts, softball fields, ping pong tables, horseshoes, croquet, soccer field, hiking trails, and fishing. Make sure you bring your own bait, tackle, and license. You are welcome to bring your bicycles, but helmets are required. Any other riding toys such as roller blades, skateboards, or scooters are not allowed. There is no fee for those staying onsite overnight.
Colin Campbell will not be attending nor leading men's sessions. In addition, we will not 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. If husbands are on site during the retreat weekend, they may take the children anywhere on the campgrounds.
For more info about Highland Lakes go to www.highlandlakescamp.org
Why
do I need to fill out the names, gender, and ages for all of my children
on the form?
We list the information in the directory, but we also use this information to make your name tag. We do not sell or distribute any of this information without permission. If you do not want your personal information printed in the directory, you may choose so on the registration form.
If
my baby falls asleep, where can I put him/her down?
There will be a separate room that will have a diaper changing area that you may use if you need quiet. This room is not connected so you will not be able to hear the speaker in this room. You may 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 carpeted.
I
plan on bringing my baby and staying in the dorm. 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
am interested in purchasing a few of the Above Rubies Bible study courses.
Will I be able to purchase them there?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: There is usually a variety of both written, dvd, cd, and tapes. Evangeline's past discussion topics, Serene and Pearls music CD's, and Serene's recipe book, cd, and DVD. We are excited that the new DVD's "Family Meal Table", "Reclaiming God's plan for Women" and Colin's "21st Century Patriarchs" will also be available. Because Colin is not speaking, there may not be all of the materials he has written for the men. 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!
If
I plan on purchasing Above Rubies study courses at the retreat, what are
my payment options?
Cash, checks, and credit cards (Master Card, Visa, & Discover) will all be accepted at the book table.
Click here to view schedule. (pdf file)
How
do I register to attend the retreat?
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.
When
is the next retreat and where will it be held?
The retreat dates are April 18-20, 2008 and we will be back at the same camp as 2005 and 2006, Highland Lakes Baptist Camp. We are hoping to keep the dates the third weekend in April. In a few years it will conflict with Easter and we will have to change dates for that year, but you can always count on it being in April.
Will
I have to pay for my baby or toddler to attend with me?
For meals and lodging, children 2 and under are free. For ages 3-17, the conference fee is $5. For ages 3-11, meals are $4 each meal, and lodging is $5 per night.
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 once again offer a grant list this year, but please understand that it grows long very quickly! We have no way of checking "true need," so we place everyone who requests assistance on this list. You may fill out the Grant Form on this site under "forms". Please prayerfully consider your needs. We desire that everyone who wants to attend may be able to! The grant guidelines are changing to fulfill the purpose to encourage as many new ladies as possible. The grants will now be reserved for 1st time attendees. We hope this will bless many families and further the Above Rubies ministry. The grant amount is only for the conference fee, the meals and lodging are the attendees’ responsibility. This means $55-$65 (depending on the deadline) is covered by generous donations of Above Rubies ladies. In the past, only dorm rooms were available to grant recipients, however, since the conference fee is what is covered and not any lodging, it is your choice to where you want to sleep and pay for it accordingly. Daughters have not been eligible before and as you can see the cheap conference price of $5-$10 (depending on the deadline) for all up to 17 and those 18 and up that are at home are $25-$35 (depending on the deadline) so there is not as much of a need. We have also continued the policy that commuters and Saturday only attendees are not eligible for a grant. So if you have not attended a retreat in the past, and are in need of a grant because of circumstances that you cannot save up the $55 for the conference fee, then please register and fill out the Grant Form.
We will work with you if setting up a "monthly payment plan" would be of assistance, but please know that our costs are what they are -- costs. To some, the conference fee may seem high, especially since most of us are on single incomes, however, please know that we crunch the numbers and truly work to get it as low as possible. This fee pays for airfare, meals, lodging, etc. of our speakers and all of the other costs involved in this retreat.
Can
I bring my child or children with me?
In the past, we have never had any "formal" policy of children attending, however, this year, we are modifying this slightly. Children will still be allowed and welcomed -- we completely understand that some ladies would not be able to attend without bringing a child or two or three with them. We will have some mother's helpers that are girls ages12 and up to assist moms. This would include them helping with simple tasks such as: rocking baby to sleep, playing with a toddler, feeding a toddler, changing a diaper, holding a baby while a mom goes to the rest room, or anything else that would be a help to moms during the sessions. This is not meant to be babysitting, just a brief "break". Please take into consideration, there may not be enough volunteer mother's helpers available and your child may be more comfortable with someone you know. Another option, which we strongly recommend considering, is for you to bring an older daughter, niece, or trusted teen as your own mother's helper. You will be required to pay for her registration, but this may be the best option for some ladies.
If you bring your children, they will remain your responsibility at all times! We had *several* mishaps in the past related to unsupervised children and we do not want a repeat this year. We came too close to serious injury and damage to property on a couple of occasions. Plus, due to popular demand, we will be recording the sessions this year!! YEA!! However, that also means that we are going to need to monitor the sound level and keep it in check in order to have the type of sound quality desired. Anyone under 12 will not be permitted to roam the camp unsupervised. They must be quietly seated with you during the sessions in the conference center. We understand toddlers need to stretch their legs, we just ask that you are considerate 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 some of Mrs. Nancy's subject matter is more adult-related, if you know what we mean!) Some of the content may not be suitable for young girls that have not had "the talk" so please be prepared for any questions you're your daughter concerning the material presented at the retreat.
Can
I get a refund if I have to cancel?
Yes, if you cancel before April 1st, your entire amount will be refunded to you. However, if you cancel after April 1st, there will be a $25 non-refundable deposit and the remaining balance will be refunded to you.
What is the purpose of this retreat and the Above Rubies Ministry?
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."
What is the Above Rubies free magazine and how do I subscribe?
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.
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.
To subscribe, go to http://rubies.articledirectoree.com/subscribe-to-magazine.html
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.
Please see the Campbell's bio at http://rubies.articledirectoree.com/about-us.html