15th
Annual SE Permaculture Gathering
Important
Information – Please Read!
Friday,
Aug. 1 - Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008 Celo, NC
Regardless of whether or
not you've been here before, this is home. The Gathering organizers,
the Celo Community and the land, waters and sky of the South Toe River Valley
welcome you. We are a gathering where community, nature and love are
celebrated.
Food-
Three vegetarian meals will be provided each day; however, if you
have any special dietary needs, please come prepared. We are grateful for your
garden harvests, too- contact Usha Ruark at fuchsiausha@yahoo.com
or 828/675-0853 if you will be bringing culinary delights from your garden to
share. We will be serving fresh,
local fish on Saturday night for an additional $5.
Camping-
The price of the gathering includes camping on-site.
There are many places near the Arthur Morgan School to camp- some in the
woods, some in a big field across the road from AMS.
When you check in at Registration, we will give you some options.
Please note: there are private homes in the area, so be sure you are in
an approved spot before setting up camp.
Thursday
Arrival- Thursday is a day of set-up and preparation for the
gathering. If you are driving a distance and need to
arrive on Thursday to be able to participate on Friday, you can
register from 6-9 pm and set up your camp, and if you want you can help with
set-up. The school facilities are only available for set-up
activities. There will be no prepared meal Thursday evening, so please do
bring something simple for a pot-luck dinner.
Friday
Program- We
are encouraging everyone to come on Friday morning and enjoy a full weekend of
community! This year, we will have pre-programmed events happening on Friday
morning. The Open Space planning
session will occur after lunch (from 2-3pm), followed by affinity circles.
The Friday morning options are:
·
Beekeeping
Naturally-
For beginners and experienced bee-keepers!
We will explore the benefits and beauty of bee-keeping & how to
support the bees organically. We’ll
address specific questions
that you have regarding this art, we will also look into a hive.
(Lead by Monica Williams and Turtle Turlington).
·
Room for Brooms- Broom making
interpreted by T. Bud Barkslip
In this slam, bam broom class we will make a wisk broom using low a tech
traditional method. There will be time to talk about making a stick broom
as well. Bring a favorite dried stick.
·
Belly
Dancing-
Our connection to the Earth and Nature is also our connection to our own bodies.
The movements and energies of the Elements of Nature also move within us.
The ancient art of Bellydancing celebrates the Feminine which inherently
celebrates all of Nature. Come join Jade in a dancing celebration of your
body and spirit as integral elements of Nature and (most importantly) have FUN!
(Everyone is welcome...men and women and children too!)
Animals-
No animals are allowed to be brought to AMS or to the Gathering.
What to Bring- Camping
gear, rain gear, warm clothes, personal snacks, musical instruments, ceremonial
clothes for Saturday night, seeds to share, transplants/plants to give away,
wares to trade or sell, precious offerings for a give-away, information to
share.
Affinity
Circles-
The
gathering offers daily "affinity circles" which are planned through
Open Space. Circles get together in
groups to explore topics introduced at the Open Space planning session.
If you would like to offer a specific workshop, please present your idea
at the on-site Open Space planning session to be held Friday afternoon from 2-3
pm. There will also be a shorter
Open Space session Saturday morning.
Work-Trades- Work-trade
is for 6 hours, plus help with clean-up (many hands make light work). If you
work-trade, you must be present Friday morning through clean-up on Sunday. The
cost will be 1/2 off: $45 Early Bird or $60 after June 30th.
No work exchanges will be accepted via
“walk-in.” All work-traders must call ahead of time to check availability.
The 13 work-trade spots will go fast, so please contact us early if you are
interested.
Work-Trade Positions:
-3
for Registration: (shifts on Thursday night, Friday morning, Saturday morning,
and Saturday Afternoon)
-7
for Kitchen Help (shifts on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
-2
as Site Helpers
-1
for Healing Tent (massage therapist/healer wanted for this position)
Volunteering-
All participants are expected to volunteer at least 2 hours during the event.
Children- Please
let us know if you plan on bringing your children. If there are enough kids we will create a work-trade position
to assist with kids activities during the weekend. Also, kids are encouraged to participate in all aspects of
the gathering. Parents brining
children are still responsible for their kids and are asked to volunteer at
least 2 hours with Child Care/ Children’s Activities.
Healing
Tent-Running from Friday morning
Through Saturday evening, there will be a special tent for anyone who would like
to donate their time and services to demonstrating the healing arts. There will
also be First Aid available.
Celo/South
Toe Residents-All Celo/ South Toe
residents are invited to attend the Permaculture Gathering, including the
affinity circles and meals. We would like to encourage the local area people to
participate in the Gathering, so
we have created a special daily rate for you: $20/ day. Saturday
evening events (ceremony, campfires, drumming circles, etc.) are FREE for Celo/South
Toe residents.
If you have any questions, please email or call Sam Ruark at ruark4peace@hotmail.com
or
828-675-0863.
