Mar 25 2013
Outdoor Gathering
1387 U.S. 50
Versailles, IN 47042
USA
Join us May 17th-19th for a laid back weekend in the woods. If you’re thinking that you aren’t the “out-doorsy” type, think again! You get food, lodging, scenery, and more for only $50 per adult! Saturday only is $30 per adult. Kids up to age 6 are $20, and ages 6-12 are $35. There is also a per-car park entry fee. So grab your sleeping bags and towels, and join us at Versailles State Park.
Versailles State Park is a beautiful, lush park this time of year. For many years, Central Indiana Mensa has had a tradition of “camping” (if we may use that term loosely since we stay in comfortable cabins and have access to all the comforts of home), relaxing, playing games, eating great food, and hanging out with some really smart people.
The best thing about this weekend is the traditions that we enjoy year after year. Dr. Alan Schmidt, a Mensa member, leads a group hike in search of fossils and sinkholes. We have our annual “deep thoughts” talk where a deep question is asked, and everyone discusses it. At night we make smore’s using marshmallow peeps. If you can get up early enough on Saturday morning, we’ll go on a walk to the base of the dam where we’ll find “mysterious bubbles” . They are odd enough that they attract a crowd year after year. You have to see them for yourself to understand.
There is a modest cost for this event to cover our own costs. When you break it down, you aren’t going to get much of a better deal for five meals and two overnight stays. The food is fantastic and the view is better than any five star hotel.
This event is for kids and kids at heart. Mensans of any age are a lot of fun!
In recent years we’ve tried some activities that have been a LOT of fun. One year someone brought liquid nitrogen. On Saturday afternoon we used the liquid nitrogen to rapidly make ice cream. Yeah, Mensan’s know how to have fun!
Another year one of our members came up with a way to make a hand-powered cotton machine candy from homemade parts, and it actually worked! We launched water rockets, did Diet Coke and Mentos, tackle mountain bike trails (bring your own mountain bike), tell stories around the campfire, and SO much more.
Mensa rents an entire section of the park. There is a main cabin where everyone stays to eat, talk, play cards, etc. There are a bunch of sleeping cabins and a bathhouse. In the past we’ve had guys-only cabins, ladies-only cabins, and family cabins. There are ten beds per cabin, so you’ll probably be able to find another family to share a cabin with.
