2022 Grandmother Gathering

With pleasure, we welcome you to the 2022 Gathering of the Gulf Coast Grandmothers at Camp Beckwith in Fairhope, AL (www.beckwithal.com). We will begin on Monday May 16 with check-in from 8:30AM to9:45AM and conclude on Thursday May 19 at Noon. Here  is some  important information that will guide you for your full participation in the Gathering.

Guided by the Sacred Feminine, we will gather together from May 16-19 at Camp Beckwith in Fairhope, AL to explore this year's theme:  

RESILIENCE…a call to Courage, as a spiritual practice

Acknowledging fear, grief and the struggle of forgiveness…embracing a desire to be generous in our actions towards the behaviors and words of others…choosing boundaries over the discomfort of resentment…..acknowledging that we are inextricably connected to each other, rooted in love and belonging.

RESILIENCE is about turning what appear to be obstacles into stepping stones.  Our challenge together is to peel away the negative thoughts, fears and doubts that often distort who we really are and find the courage to live inextricably connected to each other, rooted in love and belonging.

We look forward to sitting in circle with you, where together we will share our stories and be witnessed by our powerful Grandmother Sisters.  We will connect with each other organically for inspiration and guidance in music, meditations, workshops and healing arts—sharing laughter, tears and more.

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THE MARKETPLACE—We are looking forward to a vibrant Marketplace.  As always, there is limited space available for grandmothers to sell their handcrafted items and curated natural living wares.  This year we are asking that anyone who is planning to sell in the Marketplace reserve their space IN ADVANCE with Diana Keenan, the Vendors Coordinator.  Contact her at  850-723-0517 or dckeen2@icloud.com.

We will not be able to guarantee a space without this advance reservation, and space will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  We request that you donate 20% of your sales to our scholarship fund, which provides support as needed to Grandmothers attending future Gatherings

SILENT AUCTION—THIS, ALONG WITH THE VENDORS SALES, IS THE MAJOR FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY FOR OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND which provides requested scholarshop assistance to some grandmothers  to attend the Gathering. You may also find just the thing you have been looking for!!!  We encourage everyone to donate an item or a certificate for your future services to our silent auction. Grandmother Leslie Puckett will be available in the Dining Room at the Silent Auction Tables to help put out your items and conclude the Auction at the end of the Gathering).  Contact Joan Marker (251-295-7972 or joanmarker@gmail.com) with any questions in advance of the Gathering.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:  Healers, body workers and readers etc. planning to provide services  may contact Mary Enfinger in advance (aangelme@aol.com) or during the Gathering to prepare your personal sign-up sheet for the available blocks of time and locations.

BULLETIN BOARD—This will be set up in the dining hall for announcement, messages, changes to the schedule, and other spontaneous optional activities. 

HOSPITALITY ROOM:   The conference room in Cumming Lodge serves as our hospitality room.  Please bring a snack to share and feel free to gather there during free times. Keep in mind that there are grandmothers staying in the rooms there as well.

THE TRANSPORTATION GOLF CART:  Signs will be available in front of the Dining Hall, Chapel and Bayfront for designated pick up.  A 30 minute window will be available whenever possible to allow for everyone who needs assistance to be accommodated.

EARLY ARRIVAL:  Reservations for Sunday night are to be made directly with Rhona at Camp Beckwith. The cost is $50.  Contact Rhona @251-928-7844 or rhona@beckwithal.com. THE DINING ROOM AND HOSPITALITY ROOM WILL NOT BE OPEN FOR EARLY ARRIVAL ON SUNDAY.  Dinner and snacks will be on your own.

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THE DON’T FORGET LIST

Be sure to remember to bring the following important items.

.  Purple shawls (if you are an Elder –70 or older—and have attended an Elder Ceremony at a        prior Gathering

.  Musical instruments and drums, etc.

.  Shawls for ceremonies and circles

.  Altar item and “giveaway gift”

.  Fun Night – your resilience attire!

.  Flashlight  

.  Your Circle Way Talking Points if you have printed them for your personal reference in circle.

.  Your piece of costume  jewelry to embellish your rainstick if you so choose

GOOD TO KNOW

.  Meals are served buffet style and are planned to meet the needs of vegetarians and omnivors.  If           you have additional dietary needs, bring along any special foods that are essential to you

.  Respectful quiet is requested from 10PM until 7AM each day.

.  We ask that you honor all ceremonies at the Gathering by being prompt and by wearing a shawl

.  Smoking is not allowed in any of the facilities.  Outdoor smoking areas are designated.

.  Bring your own drinking container.  Bottled water will not be available.  You may bring a small cooler for your room with your choice of beverages

.  We ask that alcohol not be consumed until after the evening activities have been concluded.  No illegal drugs are allowed by Camp Beckwith.

.  Dress is casual, the weather in Fairhope will likely be warm during the day and bugs will be plentiful..BRING BUG SPRAY!

We hope you enjoy the 2022 Gathering of Grandmothers, and we look forward to meeting new Grandmothers and seeing familiar faces...IT WILL BE WONDERFUL...IT ALWAYS IS!!!