2012 Leadership Academy
February 26 - March 1, 2012
Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center
7415 East Elbow Bend Road
Carefree, AZ 85331
Hotel and Travel
The 2012 Leadership Academy takes place in the town with the "third largest sundial in the Western Hemisphere," that points to the North Star. Tucked into the Sonoran Desert foothills, Carefree, Arizona is less than an hour from downtown Phoenix.
Carefree's picturesque setting offers something for everyone, from rustic ranches to luxurious spas, funky shops to fine art galleries, mountain lake oases to picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets, and rollickin' saloons to critically-acclaimed four-star restaurants. With more than 300 days per year of glorious sunshine, the area is perfect for enjoying every type of activity, year-round.
Nature and history buffs will want to explore the miles of preserve trails on horseback, bicycle, foot or by Jeep. Watch for turkey vultures, giant horned owls and mule deer, and be awed by forests of giant saguaros. Don't miss the Hohokam's prehistoric rock drawings and their dwelling remains, or the remnants of old stagecoach stops and gold mines.
If you're game for sports, tee off at one of the world-class golf clubs, or visit one of our first-class resorts, where you can also play tennis, swim and immerse yourself in mud baths and massages. At night, dance to authentic live Western music or just sit back and listen to the sound of silence - interrupted occasionally by howling coyotes - and gaze at the twinkling stars.
Typical of Carefree's character are its street names-Tranquil Trail, Easy Street, Ho-and-Hum Roads and Long Rifle, Stagecoach and Bloody Basin-which reflect both its quiet, casual air as well as its Western heritage. The motto of Carefree is "Home of Cowboys and Caviar, Where the Old West Meets the New."
Hotel Rates
The 2012 Leadership Academy takes place at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. The Retreat Center is surrounded by mountains and amazing desert landscape--a perfect setting for reflection, discussion, discovery and growth. Each of its 26 rooms comes with a private balcony and include access to the Retreat's swimming pool, bookstore, labyrinth, and islands of silence.
The rates for four nights at the Retreat Center are $260 for single occupancy and $340 for double occupancy. There are a limited number of rooms at the Retreat Center and reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis until full. Once the retreat center is sold out, LSA will alert attendees about alternative accommodation.
Due to the limited number of rooms at the Retreat, an alternative and overflow property has been secured for participants at Carefree Resort and Conference Center. The Resort features an onsite restaurant and lounge, full-service spa, tennis courts, two heated swimming pools, a complete fitness center, as well as many other comforts. A special group rate of $129 per night has been secured for Academy participants.
Carefree Resort is located at 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree, AZ 85377, the Resort is approximately eight minutes by car or shuttle ride from Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. A complimentary shuttle is available to and from the resort to the retreat center.
Hotel Deadlines
Reservations for Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center need to be made by February 2, 2012 or until sold. The deadline for the group rate at Carefree Resort and Conference Center is January 27, 2012.
How to Reserve Your Room
For Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, complete the 2012 Leadership Academy registration form online, via mail, or fax. If space is still available, LSA will make your room reservation for you at the Retreat Center. If space is no longer available, LSA will notify you so that you can make your reservation at Carefree Resort and Conference Center.
To make your reservation at Carefree Resort and Conference Center, please call 480-488-5300 and identify yourself as part of the Lutheran Leadership Meeting to receive the group rate of $129 per night, or make your reservation online. This rate expires on January 27, 2012.
Getting to Carefree
Phoenix Sky Harbor is the closest airport to Carefree. Participants can rent a car or schedule a Super Shuttle Van Service, approximately $34 one way.
NEW
Take advantage of LSA's new corporate discount rate with Super Shuttle, a 10% discount off of your transportation cost to and from the event. Visit Super Shuttle and use discount code 99YMR and save on your roundtrip online booking.
Parking
Parking at both Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center and Carefree Resort and Conference Center is free.
Exploring Carefree and other parts of Arizona
Visit Carefree and Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce for ideas on things to do and see while in town. For visitor information on Phoenix and Scottsdale, visit their websites. Thinking of going further north to Sedona, see Bob York's list on things to see, do, and taste. You could also drive further west and explore southern California, or further north to Vegas.
Climate
With 300 days of sunshine a year, Carefree is an ideal destination year round. In January and February, expect day time temperatures in the mid 60's and evening temperatures in the upper 40's. Meeting room temperatures may vary, so layering is recommended.
