August 1-3, 2008

Summer WomanSpirit Details

Spirit

Summer WomanSpirit at Ronora provides a time and a place to connect with the elements. Come experience the haven of the Sacred Circle as we commune with the land and the women of our retreat. Remembering and experiencing ancient Earth-based religions, we celebrate these elements unencumbered by the restrictions of daily responsibilities. We play and dance under the sun, moon and stars. We synchronize with the Dance of the Universe. We acknowledge our power and worth, and the power and worth of all. We find and become the joy of creation.

SPECIAL NOTE: We will operate on Eastern Daylight Savings Time, that is to say, Michigan time. Most cell phones will automatically switch to local time as you travel into another time zone. Your cell phone may auto transfer to EDT. Please check your clocks when you arrive at Ronora Lodge to assure we are all on the same time!

Nature

We invite you to take time to enjoy and explore Ronora Lodge's beautiful 400+ acres. Trails are available for hiking and bird watching. You may swim in the lake at your own risk; no lifeguards are on duty. Children and maidens must always be under adult supervision while swimming.

Lodging

Accommodations at Ronora Lodge are simple, COMFORTABLE, and BEAUTIFUL. The setting is quiet and serene. You can commune with nature and the elements. Accommodations include tenting and cabins, with hot shower and flush toilets. Many cabins have been recently renovated. There are no private baths available. Please bring your own sheets and towels! And check the list of other suggested items to bring.

First Aid

First aid is available at Ronora. We will have supplies at the Registration table. Watervliet Community Hospital and doctors are two miles away, in Watervliet.

Accessibility

Some areas of Ronora Lodge have limited accessibility. Campground terrain is beautiful, yet naturally uneven. Please let the Registrar, Kathryn Vanden Berk, know what your capabilities and accessibility needs are so we can plan ahead.

Childcare

There will be childcare available for children up to 7 years old, during workshops and rituals year. The fee is $25.00 per child for the weekend. We love our children and we also know that they can, at times, be a distraction to others, so children will be allowed in workshops and rituals only with the facilitator's prior approval. Small children must eat each meal with adult supervision. Note: With everyone's best interest in mind, we respectfully request that boys over five years of age not attend WomanSpirit.

Maidens

There is a place on the Registration Form to indicate if you are a young woman between the ages of 7 and 16. Please fill it out as this will help us get information to you about the special maiden activities! Some great ideas are brewing, but we always want to hear from any Maiden who will be joining us this year. If you have suggestions, things you liked or didn't like in the past, or ideas for workshops or free time activities, tell us! The Maiden Chair looks forward to hearing from you! You may contact Joy Shores (wonderlandmama@hotmail.com).

Provisions

Ronora Lodge's chef and staff prepare all meals. Delicious and plentiful, both non-vegetarian and vegetarian fare is served buffet style in the dining hall three times daily. Please note any special dietary needs you may have on the registration form.

Vendors

Most of the vendors will be selling their wares on Saturday only. Remember to bring spending money! Some accept credit cards and personal checks and some do not. Much of the Goddess wear, spiritual jewels and other arts can only be found at these weekends so don't hesitate to take advantage and enjoy yourself! If you have any questions about vending, please contact Vendor Chair Christina Conway, vendors@womenandreligion.org.

Ceremonies

For ceremonies, we recommend that you bring your favorite ritual wear! That can be as extravagant, flamboyant, colorful or as simple as you feel! Please feel free to bring your goddess robes, drums and fetishes to your heart's delight. Or anything you just LOVE but feel as if you can't wear it anywhere else. The important thing is that you feel beautiful as you connect with nature and your inner spirit! Please remember to bring your flashlights with you to the evening ceremonies. There is minimal outdoor lighting at Ronora after dark. It will help light your way safely back to your cabins.

Coffee House

This year we will have informal coffee house style entertainment on Saturday night to give participants an opportunity to share their talents. We welcome dancers, singers, comediennes, poets, musicians, mimes, and all performing arts — as well as anything else you can think of you'd like to perform for our mutual enjoyment. Each performance will be limited to 6 minutes. Each person must provide their own props, if needed. If you wish to participate, sign up on the schedule which will be posted in in Chadwicke Hall prior to Saturday evening ceremonies.

Giveaway Blanket

There is magic in true gratitude, and in giving. And there is magic in Ronora. In this place, at this time, we all give a great deal to each other. Inspiration. Laughter. A gentle hug or deep insight. But all of us cannot give back to everyone. So, the giveaway blanket will gift us all. Your gift will go to the person who needs it. The magic will work. Then, later, when each of us reveals the importance of the gift we have given away, we will teach each other gratitude. And the Sacred Beings will be pleased. This is a Native American tradition that you will hear more about in camp. Each person shall bring a small, personally meaningful gift, perhaps something you already own, wrapped in a brown paper bag or newspaper with your name on the inside. These items will be placed on the blanket to be chosen. The young children will have their own blanket!

Altars

Everyone is invited to share in this tradition. There will be one altar in the main dining area. This will be an integral part of our weekend retreat. We invite everyone to place something symbolic, something that inspires your spirituality, on our altar. Please keep in mind that these objects will be in a public area, so you may wish to refrain from placing anything too valuable here.

Silent Auction

Each year, a silent auction is held to benefit the Women & Religion scholarship fund explained below. Donations of items to be auctioned are encouraged. Some women will bring something from home that they created or something lovely that they no longer have a need for. There is usually a wonderful variety. Don't be afraid to come to the table and look over all the great treasures! There will be a bidding sheet with a corresponding number for each item, a valued price written on it, and then spaces for campers to write in the price they are willing to pay, identified by an individual number each woman receives in her arrival packet. On Sunday morning, we will determine who has the highest bid for each item, and she will be responsible for her promised bid.

Scholarships

Each year donations are accepted for the scholarship fund. If you are able to donate, please indicate the amount in the space provided on the registration form. The Women & Religion Committee also contributes to this fund to help women who may not be able to manage the cost of a retreat, but whose heart is longing for the experience. To request a scholarship, please write your explanation on the registration form and get it in early! Full text of the scholarship policy is available on our website (www.womenandreligion.org) or from the scholarship chair. Scholarship recipients remain anonymous. Requests MUST BE POSTMARKED by July 1, 2008.

Ronora Rules

Ronora Lodge is a Nature Preserve and WomanSpirit is a time for each of us to nurture our spirits: please be respectful of the land, of the gifts that Mother Earth has provided, and of other guests. Summer WomanSpirit is an alcohol- and drug-free event. Quiet time is 10:00 pm. There will be a recycling system set up for food and paper goods at each meal. Complete rules are available at Ronora and on their website. In the spirit of cooperation, everyone at Summer WomanSpirit helps with kitchen cleanup and setting up the tables in Chadwicke Hall between meals and ceremonies.

Directions

Take I-94 to the Watervliet/Niles Michigan Exit #41. Go North through Watervliet on M140 to Dwight Boyer Road (about 3 miles). Turn right on Dwight Boyer Road. Ronora Lodge is on the left about half a mile, and it is marked by a sign. Please drive right in, all the way up to Chadwicke Hall, where we will have Registration! Maps will be included in your confirmation packets. Check Ronora's website for other maps and specifics, www.ronoralodge.com.

Suggestions for What to Bring

Remember to bring any extra camping related supplies. Weather permitting, some activities will be held outdoors. Please try to anticipate your personal needs. We'll have a few toiletries available just in case.

• Twin sheets, pillowcases or sleeping bags
• Bath (and Beach!) Towels and any necessary toiletries
• Insect repellant
• Flashlight
• Sunscreen
• Hat or other cover
• Swim Suit
• Personal First Aid items
• Journal or notebook
• Items for altars

• Hiking shoes
• Clothes suitable for weather (for a current weather forecast, see www.ronoralodge.com)
• Drums/Rattles or other materials for ceremonies
• Gift for Give Away Blanket
• Camera
• Spending money for vendors and Silent Auction
• Binoculars for bird watching
• A friend, if possible
• An open mind and seeking spirit
• Earplugs

101 -- Hoop Dance FUNdamentals with Keelyn Eggan (AM only)

Hoop Dance or Hooping is the fusion of dance, exercise, and play using specially sized and weighted Hoops. Bring your body, spirit, and emotional elements together – add laughter and celebrate Transformation (even if you've never hooped before)! Wear comfortable, lightweight, workout clothes and sneakers with socks. Bring water and a towel. Hoops will be provided for class and if desired, available after class for $35 cash/check. Keelyn is a certified National Fitness Council accredited BodyHoops Instructor and has been teaching this delightful dance/fitness/art form since April 2007. Hoops may be purchased in advance via credit card or PayPal through her website: www.shimmy-shack.com and click on Hoops! MAIDEN FRIENDLY, but limit of 5 Maidens Maximum.

102 – Balancing the Crone with Donna Newberg (Part 1 AM & Part 2 PM)

One day intensive appropriate for those wishing to be initiated as a Crone during the weekend; recommended age 50+. In Part 1, we focus on learning to forgive yourself and others, then learning to love yourself and how to live in the present. We'll go over the challenges of everyday life presented by Advertisers preying on our vulnerabilities as they try to influence our choices and decisions. Bring paper and pen as well as a Staff and a Crown for your Croning ritual Saturday night. Donna Newberg is a Crone, Reiki Master and Inner Faith Minister specializing in Women's retreats as well as a Community College Coordinator of Continuing Education.

103 -- Taoist Tai Chi for Health, Balance and Centering (AM only)

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise and spiritual practice that encompasses the dual cultivation of body and mind. It is an ideal exercise for lifelong well-being since Tai Chi enhances relaxaction skills, mental focus, physical alignment, balance and more. We will learn movement patterns in a simplified form. Instructor to be decided.

104 -- Creating A Balanced Life with Karen Taylor & Melissa Ford (AM only)

Are you always on the run, feeling overwhelmed or scattered; unsure how to balance the needs and desires in your life? Come discover what would bring your life back into harmony, remove roadblocks in your way and start living a balanced life. Suggested books: "To Love is to be Happy With" and "Happiness is a Choice" by Barry Neil Kaufman. Karen Taylor and Melissa Ford are Option Educators with over 20 years combined experience helping people create happier, more successful lives. www.optionmethod.com and www.taylorblackoptions.com.

105 -- Singing in Sacre'd Circle with Shelley Graff (AM only)

Look into your sisters eyes and share spiritvoice through song. Learn short, repetitive women-centered and earthbased songs to experience power rising from the center of the circle as all voices create an energy that is both empowering and healing. Percussion welcome! Bring your drums & rattles. Shelley Graff is a teacher, healer, singer/songwriter who believes her sacred journey is guiding her to share the Singing in Sacred Circle experience with other women. www.shelleyg.com

106 -- Creating a UU Global Village (AM and PM)

Global Literacy, UU Women's Activism, and the Meaning of Convocation. Introduces participants to the first-ever International Convocation of UU Women, coming up in Houston in February 2009, and invites all UU's to become part of the Convocation process by participating in the Global Literacy Project: Weaving a UU Global Village Network. Learn about the work UU women have done and are doing to improve women's lives worldwide. Learn how you can become a more competent and empowered citizen of our UU Global village. Empowering people to act for justice and peace is one of the primary goals of both the Convocation and the Global Literacy Project. www.icuuw.com. The Reverend Dorothy May Emerson is a UU community minister in Medford, MA, where she leads worship as part of her ministry of social and economic justice. She serves as Program Coordinator of the International Convocation of UU Women and is the creator of the Global Literacy Project.

201 – Tarot Mysteries of the Minor Arcana Revealed with Sandy Russel (PM only)

This workshop is a Part 2 of last year's popular Mysteries of the Major Arcana Revealed. Using the Rider-Waite-Smith Deck, we'll study the story of each Tarot Suit from the Ace to the 10 card in the Minor Arcana. We'll focus on how to recognize the wisdom of the minor mysteries as they apply to your every day, mundane life experiences. We'll be practicing small spreads, so bring your own deck with. Sandy Russel is the oldest daughter of an oldest daughter of an oldest daughter and has been reading Tarot for over 10 years in the Chicago Metro area. She'll be available for readings this weekend in the vendor area, so don't forget to sign up!

202 – Balancing the Crone with Donna Newberg (Part 1 AM & Part 2 PM)

One day intensive appropriate for those wishing to be initiated as a Crone during the weekend; recommended age 50+. In Part 2, we explore death and fear with a special focus on affirmations and visions. And, finally, understanding balance as a Crone and walking the path of knowledge and wisdom. Bring paper and pen as well as a Staff and a Crown for your Croning ritual Saturday night. Donna Newberg is a Crone, Reiki Master and Inner Faith Minister specializing in Women's retreats as well as a Community College Coordinator of Continuing Education.

203 – Energy & Thought: Where is the Connection? with Toni Vessels (PM only)

Have you heard about "The Secret" and the power of your thoughts? But, you still don't quite get it? In this workshop we will play some games with thought and energy. I will show you how to trust using thought and energy. You will see the power of thought and see it in motion. We will have a discussion about healing energy and how to apply it in your life. Toni is of Cherokee and Cheyenne heritage and is a member of the United Metis, a Pipe Keeper and Co-Chief of the Big Turtle Band. She was taught by a Cheyenne/Dakota Medicine Woman. She has taught workshops for Northeastern University, Northern Illinois University, Prairyerth UU Fellowship and the University of Southern Indiana.

204 – Create "Journeying" Jewelry with Nan Taller (PM only)

Using genuine stones, crystals and handmade beads of bone and stone each attendee will create either a Necklace or a Bracelet to affirm walking a path of balance on their life's Journey. Together, we will go over the general spiritual attributes of stones, bones and crystals and each person will choose the type of jewelry they wish to create; i.e., beauty path, wisdom path, life path. Cost of materials ranges from $10-25 depending on whether a necklace or bracelet is chosen and will be paid directly to Nan via cash/check. Nan Taller is a past Ronora attendee and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who expresses her creativity by making Journeying Jewelry that honors Native American spiritual art forms and the natural materials they used. MAIDEN FRIENDLY

205 -- Creating a UU Global Village (see AM description)

In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and to assist us in our planning process, please contact the Registrar with a detailed description of your special needs.

Please circle your Meal Preference:   Vegetarian   Non-Vegetarian   Other (please list allergies, kosher, etc., on next line) ______________________________________________________________

Waiver

• 75% refund if cancellation is received more than 30 days prior to the retreat.
• 50% refund if cancellation is received 16-30 days prior to the retreat.
• No refund will be given if the cancellation is received 15 days or less prior to the retreat.

Signature _______________________________________________________________________ date ___________________________

Registration Fees

Registrations must be postmarked no later than JULY 15! Registration by mail should be sent to the Registrar.

Please make checks payable to CMwD Women & Religion Committee and send to:
Summer WomanSpirit Registrar
Kathryn Vanden Berk
2754 Summit Avenue
Highland Park, IL 60035

If you have questions, you may contact Kathryn at SWS@womenandreligion.org or 847-926-8454.

Scholarship

(Request must be postmarked July 1, 2008)
I wish to apply for a scholarship because: __________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer Opportunities

In the spirit of cooperation, everyone at Summer WomanSpirit helps with kitchen cleanup and setting up the tables in Chadwicke Hall between meals and ceremonies. There are additional volunteer opportunities. Please check off anything you'd be interested in helping with, and you will be contacted just prior to the retreat.

___ Childcare  ___ Registration  ___ Mentoring  ___ Swim Sponsor  ___ Silent Auction  ___ Photographer  ___ Clean up  ___ Maidens program

Committee Opportunities

On Sunday morning our tradition is to invite women who want to participate in the following year's Committee to come forward. If this is something you've wanted to do, come into the circle!

LIST: We are compiling a friendship list to be included in the registration packet. Do you consent to have your name included on this list for new acquaintances to be able to contact you? ___Yes ___No