"...why is not a 2011 Planning workshop part of the week-end itself...?--onsite-

Umm..because we're too busy having fun? *grin*

This year was my 32nd consecutive Getaway, and I have been on the committee several times and was co-chairman once. Input on what to do and how to manage everything from workshop schedules to inviting guests to cleaning up IS discussed all year long, though a bit more intensely at certain times.
One of the newer concerns IS how to incorporate all the new folks who, as Mick said, have discovered us thru Mudcat. THAT is kind of a nice problem to have!
Since we don't know from year to year how many will be able to come from far away places, we have had to look at newish issues....like bunk beds! We ain't as young as we used to be, and not everyone can manage an upper bunk....and about 40%? ARE upper bunks, which means that the absolute camp limit of 200 beds 'might' mean limiting registrations some year....and we'll have to have a system if that happens.

So...Sandrolin...and anyone else who appreciated the 'magic' ...*smile*... feel free to toss out suggestions, but it might be best if it was done directly to the committee members, rather than a debate on Mudcat...(remember, there are locals who help with this who seldom or never read Mudcat)