2023 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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WELCOME LETTER

We are thrilled and grateful that you will be attending the 2023 Gulf Coast Grandmothers Gathering. To enhance your Gathering experience please review the following important information.

• When you arrive at Beckwith on Thursday morning stop in at the Alves Administration Building where you will be welcomed by Grandmothers.  Here, you can pick up your name tag and enjoy coffee and a breakfast "bite."
• The schedule for the Gathering is below.  You can click here to access a printable copy if you prefer.
• Information on optional activities will be available on a bulletin board in the Dining Hall. Optional activities are offered by attending grandmothers and may be scheduled during free time.
• Smudging will include Sacred Ashes.
• Enjoy the music by "SheFolk" while sitting in Sacred Silence before the Opening Ceremony.
• Bring an item from home that represents your connection to spirituality (your altar piece) that you will place on the altar during the Opening Ceremony.  You will pick up your altar piece at the Closing Ceremony on the final day.
• Bring your drums, rattles, tambourines, etc to participate in the drum circle.
• If you have been Croned at a Grandmothers Gathering, please bring your purple shawl that you received at that ceremony.
• A special 2023 website will be available online during the Gathering containing all the important documents for the Gathering for your reference.

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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!!!