Meet One of Our Partners:
Chatcolab 2024 – Turnaround 180

What is Chatcolab?

CHATCOLAB, INC Recreation Leadership Laboratory is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action, non-profit educational organization begun in 1948 to offer leadership development through recreation. Youth and adults come together to build leadership skills. The lab meets annually at a residential camp and offers learning through general leadership sessions and interactive workshops. Anyone interested in personal, professional, or volunteer development is welcome.

Chatcolab is a blend of the recreation laboratory born in the early thirties at Walden Woods, Michigan, and an older model for education, the “Chautauqua” from New York. 2024 is the 75th year for this Idaho-based leadership laboratory and non-profit corporation. A Chautauqua draws adults and families to a “new” program each year that supports leadership, culture, education, and recreation. It offers 60+ hours of learning on a vacation level, a more serious level, and a professional (academic) level. Younger and older students often share learning experiences in an open, congenial atmosphere. Children and young people also are provided with their own special program.

Chatcolab uses recreation as a framework and serves the 13 western states. Music, humor, arts, sociology, citizenship, and the pursuit of knowledge are all available in a natural resource setting. It teaches skills, technology, group process and stimulates reflective change. Families come with adults who wish to continue their lifelong learning in an atmosphere of positive FUN!

Where is Chatcolab?

2024 Chatcolab will be held June 15-20, 2024, at Twinlow Camp & Retreat Center, on pine-covered grounds on glistening Lower Twin Lakes approximately 5 miles north of Rathdrum, Idaho. Twinlow offers opportunities for individuals and groups of diverse abilities, racial, and cultural backgrounds. Twinlow is a sanctuary of hospitality, renewal, and learning within a natural world. The amazing North Idaho campus is surrounded by forests just below Mt. Spokane on Lower Twin Lakes. It is a great space for contemplation and personal growth.

Philosophy of Chatcolab

Chatcolab Leadership Laboratory is designed as a stimulating experience for people who are interested in learning how to lead recreation in fun and exciting ways. This is a unique experience for adult and youth leaders. The Lab is a group living experience in which there is an exchange of ideas and techniques in the fields of leadership and recreation. The lab is a retreat from daily routine. Group unity flows as individuals develop together in work and play. Major emphasis is placed in joy and fellowship. New knowledge and abilities gained through the sharing of creative activities lead to mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. As a result of lab experience, individuals recognize opportunities for good living—by sharing one’s self freely.

Escape to the wilderness!

Click here to learn about the different ways to register for this retreat: