Northwest Bead Society – Fall Bead Retreat
Dates: October 15th (optional) 16th-18th, 19th (optional) 2026
The Retreat Center at Camp Burton, Vashon Island, WA
You must be a current member of the Northwest Bead Society to attend the retreat. If you are not a current member and would like to attend, please fill out our membership application and include your dues when you pay on the bead retreat payment page.
Note: when paying by check please pay dues and registration with separate checks. Thank you.
Comments from Past Retreats
“I loved that there was no activity for one of the evenings. It was fun to catch up with people or just work on beading for the time. I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the entire event….”
“I want to thank all of you for your hard work and dedication! You gave me a really nice vacation weekend that I really needed. I also really appreciated that I was able to get a massage. Honestly, my main reason for attending the bead retreat is to relax and actually get to do beadwork. I don't often have time for and to be social …”
Mark your calendars for the long weekend of Oct 15 - Oct 19, 2026. We are once again returning to Camp Burton on Vashon Island. This charming facility is located on waterfront property in a peaceful, wooded setting, only a short ferry ride from Seattle. Come! Have fun! Relax! Work on your beading projects, visit with friends, share what you are doing, take a class, and enjoy the comradery of other bead artists!!
We do want this to be a relaxing weekend for all with plenty of time to bead. For those who wish to, we are also planning plenty of fun activities, including but not limited to:
2026 challenge project: “Fall Inspirations” must be made after October 2025 and include at least 25% beads
Games
Campfire
Classes - TBD
Secret Bead Buddies
Swap & Sell evening – TBD
Morning and Evening walks with friends
A great swag bag of beading goodies plus many door prizes
No-host massages – Cost TBD, reserve your time upon arrival
We provide two meals a day: brunch and dinner (Fri-Sat), brunch only (Sun). No additional meals provided. There are several restaurants in town. Feel free to bring snacks for yourself or to share. (Must be individually packaged.)
2026 NWBS Retreat Bead Challenge
The theme: “Fall Inspirations”
Criteria for project:
Must be made after October 2025
Must be made with at least 25% beads
Please include a typed artist or inspiration statement for display
One entry per attendee
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
What story are you willing to tell……
The three-day registration fee includes both your housing and meals. Sleeping accommodation will be three people per room in the Retreat Center. The cost for the retreat, housing and meals for the three days is $270. Optional nights are Thursday ($90) and Sunday ($100).
NOTE: for bed linens this year, bring your own, or the camp will provide for a fee of $15. Some bring sleeping bags.
We provide two meals a day: brunch and dinner (Fri-Sat), brunch only (Sun). No additional meals provided. There are several restaurants in town. Feel free to bring snacks for yourself or to share. (Must be individually packaged.)
We are accepting reservations for the retreat with a deposit of $100, beginning April 6th. The balance of the registration fee will be due on Sept 1st to secure your space. The number of attendees this year will be 36 maximum (on-site attendees) or 40 maximum (including off-site attendees).
If you have questions about anything, would like a registration form, or would like to help with the pre-retreat preparations, please contact: Helen Karakash at HKarakash@outlook.com or Ann Wilkinson at violadagamba2002@gmail.com.
Our facility has great views of the water and beach access. For a preview of the location, visit: www.campburton.com
Step 1. Are you a current Member of the Northwest Bead Society?
Yes? Continue to the Registration Button in step 2.
No? Click on the Button below and fill out our online form. Or print a hard copy HERE.
Then pay your membership HERE (see below for information regarding mailing a check.)
Step 2. Register for the Retreat online or email OR click HERE for a hard copy
Step 3. Pay for the Retreat via check or online payment
WRITING A CHECK
Make checks out to: Northwest Bead Society
*Note: if paying by check please pay dues and registration with separate checks. Thank you.
Mail Membership Dues (if applicable) and Retreat Registration Fee checks to:
NWBS Retreat Registration - 2026
Northwest Bead Society
P.O. Box 982
Lynnwood, WA 98046
If you have questions about anything, would like a registration form, or would like to help with the pre-retreat preparations, please contact: Helen Karakash at HKarakash@outlook.com or Ann Wilkinson at violadagamba2002@gmail.com.
Our facility has great views of the water and beach access. For a preview of the location, visit: www.campburton.com
Note: Final Payment is DUE by September 1, 2026, your deposit is FULLY Refundable until September 1, 2026. From September 2 through October 1, the retreat is Refundable EXCEPT for your $100 deposit. Note that if you can get someone to take your spot, this will be waived. After October 1, 2026, the retreat is NON-REFUNDABLE.