BJORK! BJORK! BJORK!
(There are many posts here about our retreat center up in Door County, Bjorklunden, and I feel most people here are at least a little familiar with it. However, if you want to read a more introductory explanation of what a weekend at this norse-inspired lodge is like, check out Tamanna’s post here
Last weekend, my voice studio jumped in the bus and rode the 2-ish hours up to Bjorklunden, and after a lovely freshman friend of mine asked, I realized this was my 7th trip to the “Birch forrest by the water” and at this point I was an expert. I often found myself answering questions, or helping out people who looked a little lost. I realized I knew where things were, the best opportunities to sign up for, and how to make your weekend the best it could be. So I figured in the format of good ol’ buzzfeed, I’d share “15 Bjork Hack you Can’t Live Without.
1. Pack light
I can’t say how many people I’ve seen overpack for Bjork–myself included. In reality, everything a regular hotel would provide for you is there: Linens, blankets, towels, beds, pillows, etc. You really only need one pair of shoes–the type that are good for hiking–enough clothes for two days and two nights, toiletries, and whatever you need to finish homework or do the things your group is planning.
2. BUT bring your own pillow and warm socks
However, for every unnecessary extra pack of clothes you leave, there are some things you might not need, but want. I highly recommend bringing your own pillow to make the bunk feel like home. Also, as shoes are not an option in the lodge, use Bjork as your chance to show off your fanciest socks. Other recommendations include a water bottle, and if you’re a hot beverage drinker a larger travel mug (the mugs available are veryyyy small). And while you can bring games, know there are tons of cards and board games available!
3. Get ahead on homework before you leave
I know, college kids not procrastinating??? But trust me, while there are many comfy places to do your work, no one wants to do work at Bjorklunden. Instead, get ahead, and if you need it, bring a book you actually want to read for fun.
4. Sleep on the bus
Whether you’re making the drive there or back, you’re gonna be tired–you’re a Lawrentian for goodness sakes! Instead of planning to do homework in a moving vehicle (see no. 3), plan to catch some zzzzzzzz’s.
5. Eat the food
I don’t know why I feel like I need to say this, because it would be much harder not to, but trust me, that food is good. Like come back to Lawrence 3lbs up good. Especially the rolls… eat the rolls.
6. Use your free time
Your group may not plan a ton of free time into the schedule, but if you’re lucky, they will! So go for lots of Hikes (North trail is nice, but Quarry trail is my favorite!), build a bonfire at the pit north of the lodge, jump in the lake (if its late spring or early fall), watch stars on the observation deck, do something you can’t do on campus!
7. Don’t sleep in
I KNOW-WHAT??? But when they say “Breakfast ends at 9am” they mean it (see #5). Also, Bjork mornings are some of the best times! The couches of the Great Hall get some beautiful sunlight, the coffee is hot, and the day is ahead of you. I’m not saying don’t sleep cause… (see #8).
8. Take naps
This is another reason to get ahead on your homework. Naps are a college kids best friend, and there is nothing like a 40 minute snooze on a Great Hall couch before dinner. You’re on break. Get ’em while you can, kiddos. Bjork always tuckers me out for some reason, but those catnaps make it survivable.
9. Wear comfies (aka jams, sweats, pj’s etc)
Everyone else will be. Don’t bring make up, wear your comfiest clothes, throw your hair up. You’re on break here, act like it.
10. Tour the chapel at least once
There’s a beautiful, historic chapel near the lodge and you would be remiss if you never took the tour that occurs every Saturday afternoon. I know, walking over there is a lot of work, but trust me, just do it once!
11. Go by the water
This may be my Michigan-girl saying this, (“I grew up here!” *enthusiastically points to tip of pinky on left hand*) but there is nothing more beautiful than the Great Lakes–and Lake Michigan is the prettiest. I don’t care if you go when it has floating pieces of ice or when you could swim–GO SEE THAT H2O.
12. Get to know new people
Okay, maybe you already know everyone you came with… then just get to know them better! Bjork is one of the best places to bond, so make use of it! My choir Cantala bonded big time in our short weekend, and you can too!
13. Actually do everything on the clean up list
This also applies to opportunities, but before you leave you have to clean your room, and trust me when I say to follow every instruction exactly. First: It’s only nice, as none of our tuition goes to this place and we’re essentially getting a free get-away. Second: I don’t know what magic powers they have, but somehow, even if it looks clean to you, the staff can tell if you skipped something, and they won’t let the bus leave until you’ve fixed it.
14. Sign up for your favorite opportunity
Maybe you can’t handle vacuuming. Maybe cleaning a toilet grosses you out less than sweeping a floor with sticky food waste on it, I don’t know you. But if you sit near the front of the bus on the way to Bjork, you can sign up for opportunities first and nab your favorite one. As an early riser and slightly lazy person, I’d highly recommend Sunday Morning Breakfast Set up. You’re done by 9:15, and there is little mess from cereal vs chicken wings.
15. Go to Bjork often
Like I said, that was my 7th time, and I wish I could go back already. I love Bjork, and you will too. So even if you have to sign up for every club, join three sports teams, or study three languages, find ways to get there.