Chatcolab Leadership Laboratory is Celebrating over 70 years of exploring leadership & recreation

Chatcolab leadership laboratory began in 1948 and is a blend of the recreation laboratory born in the early nineteen thirties at Walden Woods, Michigan and an older model for education, the “Chautauqua”, from New York. A Chautauqua draws 'labbers' to a new program each year that supports leadership, culture, education and recreation. Students of all ages share learning experiences in an open, congenial atmosphere.

We are an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action, non-profit educational organization that develops leadership through recreation.

Our Lab 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 & 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.

Chatcolab leadership laboratory 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.

Chatcolab at Twinlow Camp & Retreat Center

Chatcolab Leadership Laboratory is traditionally located at Twinlow Camp & Retreat Center, on pine-covered grounds on glistening Lower Twin Lake approximately 5 miles north of Rathdrum, Idaho.

Twinlow offers opportunities for individuals and groups of diverse abilities, racial and cultural backgrounds.  It is a sanctuary of hospitality, renewal, and learning within natural world. The amazing North Idaho campus is just below Mt. Spokane, on Twin Lakes and surrounded by forests. 

Twinlow Camp and Retreat Center is a great space for contemplation and and personal growth.

Camp Environment & Accommodations

Chatcolab traditionally takes place in an outdoor camp environment with hills and uneven terrain. We make every effort to make accommodations.

The retreat center is a self contained space under our dining hall. Down the hall from the bunk rooms are the bathrooms (one male and one female), each has four showers and three toilets.   The cabins have that rustic charm, share two bath houses, one men’s and one women’s, that are near by but not attached.  

Outdoor camp spaces include a basketball court, a huge play field, volley ball court, horse shoe pits, tether ball, meeting spaces and two campfire areas. Selkirk Lodge includes ten rooms (each with a queen size bed and a set of bunk beds), each including an attached bathroom and shower.  (Additional Cost- see registration) 

Bed sheets available for $10 a week - quilts provided at no extra cost.