EAST

Our journey to the Gathering through our sacred landscape has started!

“In Beauty I walk
With Beauty before me I walk
With Beauty behind me I walk
With Beauty above me I walk
With Beauty below me I walk
With Beauty all around me I walk
It has become Beauty again
It has become Beauty again
It has become Beauty again
It has become Beauty again”*

* Dine/Navajo Prayer

Registration

Please do us the honor of registering in advance so we can prepare a warm welcome.

Click here to register

(If you decide at the last minute to come, we will welcome you, also.)

Short list of expectations

– No drugs, alcohol or weapons

– No recording except in camping areas or at mealtimes

– No proselytizing, or political agendas

– Be polite and respectful

– Be open-minded

– Be trusting

  • Shared Responsibility:  

    Be aware that the Gathering is basically an outdoor event and we need to prepare accordingly. If you are a novice or new to camping, a member of our committee will be happy to offer tips for a successful camping experience.

  • We will have First Aid Supplies available for minor scrapes and bumps. If an incident occurs that requires more than basic first aid, emergency responders are less than 15 minutes away.

  • Individual campfires must be monitored by an adult.

     

    Special considerations when packing:

  • You might want to bring a folding camp chair for your comfort when sitting under the arbor or at mealtime.

  • Please bring your own set of dishes and eating utensils as there is a limited supply at the camp. We will provide a wash station after each meal.

  • If you want to participate in a sweat lodge ceremony, plan to bring an extra towel or two. Dress code for women is a long cotton skirt and a t-shirt. Dress code for men will be a swimsuit or loose shorts.

  • Tick populations are up due to the recent warm winter. According to the Illinois interactive map, blacklegged ticks are most prevelant: https://idph.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=976061db733441eb977ef5cf2facd5c4

    Take proper precautions. Avoid high grass, wear light colored long pants and shirts treated with an EPA=registered insect repellent containing 20% DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus according to label directions… and wear thicker socks in boots or shoes that do not expose the foot in any way.

    Examples of additional recommendations can be found on this website: https://www.hopkinslyme.org/lyme-education/5-tips-for-preventing-tick-bites-and-lyme-disease/

    Yet, there are also many other resources and natural options. Please do your own research and be prepared!

COMMON QUESTIONS:

 

How much does this cost?

We have a donor who has graciously paid for the cost of the venue.

There is no registration fee.

Can I donate?

Thank you!  There are other expenses, such as food, etc.

Give as you can on the SOUTH page on this website, or on the day you arrive. You will find a list of things that are needed and would be helpful.

 

Can I take pictures of the sacred fire or sweatlodges?

Photography is not permitted during these and similar sacred ceremonies.

 

Can I camp?

Yes, you are welcome to bring a tent!  We have designated areas for camping.  Or, you can go to the nearby campgrounds at the State Park.

Do you have any camping recommendations?

Suggested packing list:

  • Eating Utensils: Bowl, plate, cup, spoon, fork
  • Wool blanket 
  • Tent (with rain fly and ground cloth)
  • Tarp (Optional) for extra rain protection, 10ft x 8 ft or slightly larger
  • Paracord (Optional) to hang tarp, roughly 20 – 50 ft.
  • A warm sleeping bag (it can get chilly at night)
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cool / cold weather clothing (best to bring extra layers just in case!)
  • Men shorts or bathing suit  Women cotton dress  (for sweatlodge)/ towel
  • Rain Gear/sun gear, Hat and sunblock
  • Two pairs of seasonally appropriate shoes
  • Headlamp / Flashlight
  • Bandana / Blindfold
  • Water Bottle
  • Small backpack / drawstring bag
  • First Aid Kit
  • Toiletry items (biodegradable soap)
  • Journal and writing utensil
  • Bug repellent, preferably natural and non-toxic
  • Tweezers for tick removal
  • Any medicine items, and/or ceremonial gear
  • Folding Chair for arbor

Is there running water, bathrooms, showers?

Yes! Those are on site. Please bring your own toiletries.

 

Can I bring my own food?

Certainly, yet please be mindful of the resident wildlife.

The kitchen will provide one mid-day meal onsite each day, yet you are welcome to bring food to meet your dietary needs.

 

What about dishes?

Please bring your own dishes and utensils.

There is a limited amount available on site.

Note:  A dishwashing station will be available.

 

What about RVs?

If you have a trailer, we suggest Lowden state park campground. It is nearby. https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.lowden.htm

 

Do I have to camp?

No. You may stay at a nearby hotel or just come for the day!

 

Do I have to register to attend?

We are trying to plan ahead, so please register ahead (if you can) before the gathering starts!

 

My last minute friend/relative wants to come, can I bring them tomorrow?

Of course, you can bring your friends!

 

Is there a map of the camp?

https://www.camplowden.org/map

 

May I bring my dog?

Unfortunately, no. Because of the number of people expected, we request that there be no animals

 

Is this location handicapped accessible?

Sort of.  Contact us to discuss your needs.

Is there something we should do if we are bringing young people under 18 who are not legally our responsibility?

Yes! Please have the parents or guardians fill out this form.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zVfzNhKB6_-96OL8J_P2DIJHZNAELRlecf_Jt8fKCUQ/edit?usp=drivesdk