Coderetreat is a day-long, intensive practice event focused on the fundamentals of software development and design.The unique coderetreat format (which eliminates the pressure of 'getting things done' and focuses on practicing basic principles of good design) has proven to be a highly effective (and fun) means of skill improvement.
You only need to bring a laptop with the development tools you require to write code using your chosen programming languages.
Check out coderetreat.org for further details on what to expect.