I don't know anyone in the club. Can I still come to Clearlake?

Don't worry, by the end of the weekend you will know people! Chances are you'll make some great new friends. The club is so big none of us know everyone in it. Just show up and find the cabin master and introduce yourself to him. For starters, ask him/her to show you where you can sleep and get him/her to introduce you to a few others. Don't be worried if no one specifically comes to chat to you - everyone is likely busy meeting new people and catching up with people they met last time. Just take matters in your own hands and go say hi to people. Don't worry about joining conversations, chances are the people talking just met each other too! If you're a bit shy and worried about what to say, a great ice breaker is to ask people about what their Scandinavian background is and have them tell you more about the club...

Can I bring non-members with me?

More the merrier! The only limitation is that some weekends are so popular we must give priority to club members first. Thus you may find that there are restrictions in place for how many guests each member can sign up. If that is the case, the event description and the online reservation tool will outline what the guest limits are. Note also that once you register your guest, you are responsible for their behaviour such as whether they do their chores or not as well as their no-show fee if they end up not making it.

Do most people arrive Friday night or Saturday?

When you arrive is up to you. But you might find it more fun to arrive Friday because it means you get to enjoy the cabin both Friday and Saturday night and you have more time to meet people. You also get better pick on where you want to sleep. Typically about 3/4 of the group come up Friday. Whether you come up Friday or Saturday you still pay the same rate so you get more for your money by coming early. In fact you could arrive any time after noon on Friday.

Is it really that warm there? Should I pack a sweater?

Typically it is very warm through the summer but even the YSC can't control the weather. Bring a sweater and long pants just in case. Sleeping bag is highly recommended too although you will likely find that when the sun rises in the morning you are plenty warm.

Is a tent really not necessary?

We provide exercise mat type mattresses and most people simply spread them on the designated sleeping areas on the lawn. There are no biting bugs and the weather is usually very good for sleeping outside. The tent space is limited so we recommend you only bring one if you feel strongly about privacy. Also if you bring tent, please choose one that fits the size of your group so that no space is wasted.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?

You do need to bring your own alcoholic and non-meal drinks. You also need to bring your own ice if you like that in your drinks so bring a cooler. The club provides juice during meals and coffee at breakfast but you are on your own for other beverages. Please make sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated in the summer sun. There is a grocery store about 5 miles from the club if you need to get more food, drinks or ice.

How do people dress for happy hour and dinner?

After swimming and tanning all day, most people like to shower and get changed before the evening party. You can wear whatever you like but don't be surprised if girls do their hair and don more cute party outfits that you'd expect at your average lakeside cabin.

What kinds of insects and other critters can I expect?

There are some non-biting flying insects around - they look like mosquitos but honestly they don't bite. Bug bites are not usually a problem but if you're worried, bring insect repellent just in case.

These so-called party weekends - are they really that wild?

Expect the crowds to stay up late (into early morning often) and drink plenty of alcohol during the themed "party" weekends. Chances are you won't get a full night sleep between the late night and the early morning sunrise and heat. But then again, it is nice to relax and nap through the day. If crowds and parties aren't your cup of tea, don't forget there are plenty of relaxed "Sun&Fun" weekends that cater to people of all ages including children.

Are the party weekends only for 20 year olds?

No! Age is a frame of mind. Our party weekends are attended by members of all ages who like to socialize, have fun and dance. The club name "Young Scandinavians Club" really implies "Young-at-heart Scandinavians". Clearlake gets them all: young au pairs, 30-something professionals and "old timers".

Do I really have to do a chore?

Yes. This is a club run by its members for everyone's enjoyment so it isn't anyone's job to wait on you. We all need to pitch in to keep Clearlake going. Most members love the club and gladly do their share to help. Doing a chore really isn't all that much work: Expect to spend about an hour or so working on a cooking or a cleaning. You choose and sign up for a chore of your liking when you first arrive and if you haven't picked one by the time fees are collected, one will be assigned to you. By the way, the chores are not that hard and often you really get to make new friends while doing them. Also, experience shows that the Saturday dinner crew often has the most fun time out of anyone all party weekend...

When do I pay?

Until our online payments are in place, money will be collected by the cabin master on Saturday afternoon. Please have exact change or a check ready if possible. Note that the club can't accept checks from non-members.

© 2010 Young Scandinavians Club
San Francisco, California USA