Spring Lodge Work Day and Gathering
Friday, April 13 – Sunday, April 15
Ellenville, NY
39 Hang Glider Road

It is with warm hearts of gratitude, joy and community that we gather again at the farm in Ellenville in ceremony and prayer.

*Note: The lodge starts the moment we commit to going to the ceremony and can have active effects in our lives.  Setting aside time each day for a few days prior to the lodge to focus our prayers and intentions is suggested.

Preparations – Friday, April 13
Meeting at 39 Hang Glider Road at 10am

For those that can make it, we will spend a day in preparation, from caring for the lodge site, to covering the lodge for the ceremony, to caring for the land –  it will be a fun day of learning, community, and service. Please pack a lunch, water and dress appropriately for weather conditions. Layers are a good idea.

Please direct any questions to Justin, here, or by phone at 845-475-7371

Registration for the weekend

There will be donation baskets for Carl and for expenses (fire wood and basic supplies), including a financial gift to the landowners. So we are asking everyone to help offset these expenses through a land-use fee of $15.

Please, let us together support the important and valuable work of our elders by being as generous as we can. That being said, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Sweat Lodge & Feast – Saturday, April 14

10am – building & lighting of the fire
Crawl into the lodge between 1pm and 2pm
Potluck Feast to follow in the cottage

 

 Talking Circle with Carl Big Heart – Sunday, April 15

We will gather in the onsite farm cottage at 9:30am.

This is a special time of community sharing, story telling with Carl and connection with each other. We usually break at mid-day and begin the process of cleaning up the site and putting things away in preparation for the next gathering. Those who can stay and help are rewarded with laughter, deepening friendships and the satisfaction of service. We would love it if you would join us.

Saturday’s Sweat Lodge Schedule: 

10:00 AM

Build and light fire, and cover the lodge. There will be an orientation for those who are new to the sweat lodge ceremony and an opportunity to make prayer ties to focus our prayers and intentions.

Between 1:00-2:00 PM

Crawl into the sweat lodge

Evening

The pot luck which follows the lodge is a part of the ceremony and one we provide for together. So please bring nourishing prepared dishes that are ready to serve: main dishes, salads, fruits, etc. Food can be dropped off for the day in the farm cottage. Please bring your own plates, utensils, napkins and serving utensils, as none will be provided. While there is no kitchen on the premises for heating or refrigerating food, there is electricity to run slow cookers / crock pots.

What to bring:

• Warm clothes and appropriate footwear (it can be chilly)
• A blanket to wrap up in
• 2 gallons of drinking water – one for yourself and one to share with the community.
• 2 towels
• Sweat lodge clothing:
  • Women: Modest dress, skirt or sarong and short sleeve top that covers shoulders and/or a shawl
  • Men: shorts (and shirt if you like)
• Food for the pot luck
• Plates, utensils, napkins and cups / mugs for yourself.

Where:
Navigate to
39 Hang Glider Road,
Ellenville, NY.

Upon arrival you will notice colors and greetings assuring you that you are in the correct place. There will be instructions at the site for how to best park.

Public Transit:
If you are traveling from NYC. There are buses traveling to Ellenville three times a day:
http://www.coachusa.com/

The bus drops off at

Gaby’s Cafe
150 Canal St.
Ellenville, NY.
845-647-7840

If you are taking the bus, or willing to pick people up from the bus drop-off location and shuttle them to the lodge site – please email getmetothegathering@big-heart-circle.org so that we can coordinate with you.

Lodging:

There are not too many spaces for indoor lodging on this site, only a few spaces for folks to sleep on the floor in the cottage. You may tent on site if you would like, although you should be prepared for wintry conditions. It is recommended that if you plan on spending the night that you secure a room or bed at one of the  few motels and bed & breakfasts very close by.  Also groups might consider renting an AirBnB together and sharing it.