2024 Grandmother Gathering

With pleasure, we welcome you to the 2024 Gathering of the Gulf Coast Grandmothers at Camp Beckwith in Fairhope, AL (www.beckwithal.com). We will begin on Thursday, October 24th, with check-in from 8:30AM to 10:00AM and conclude on Sunday, October 27th 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 Oct. 24-27 at Camp Beckwith in Fairhope, AL to explore this year's theme:  

THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL LIVING

Our Path to Concious Manifestation

WELCOME LETTER

• When you arrive at Beckwith on Thursday morning stop in at the Alves Administration Building where you will be welcomed by Grandmothers.  PICK UP YOUR NAME TAG AND ENJOY COFFEE AND A BREAKFAST "BITE".
• The SCHEDULE for the Gathering is attached.  Print a copy if you prefer to have a paper copy.
• 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.  Information is included..  Smokeless smudging will be available at the side door of the Chapel.
• Enjoy the music by "She Folk" 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 Drumming Circle on the second night.
• If you have been Croned at a Grandmothers Gathering please bring your purple shawl that you received at that ceremony.
• A special 2024 website will be available online during the Gathering containing all the important documents for the Gathering for you reference.

THE DON’T FORGET LIST

Be sure to remember to bring the following important items.

• Your purple shawl if you an Elder 70 and older and have been Croned in an Elder Ceremony at a prior Gathering.
• Musical instruments and drums, etc.
• Shawls for ceremonies and circles.
• Your Altar item and “ giveaway gift”
• Your contribution to the Silent Auction
• Your snack to share in the Hospitality Room
• Your costume if you plan to “dress up” for the "You Be You" night
• Flashlight and rain jacket
• Your Circle Way talking points and the Gathering Schedule if you printed them for your personal use during the Gathering.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Meals are served buffet style and are planned to meet the needs of vegetarians, dairy free and omnivores. If you have additional dietary needs, bring along any special foods that are essential for you. Generally the special needs foods are on a separate table.
• Bring a snack to share for the hospitality room.
• Respectful quiet is requested from 10 PM until 7 AM 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. Ice is available in the Alves Coffee area and the dining hall.
• 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 comfy casual; the weather in Fairhope will likely be in the 70’s during the day the 50’s at night.
• Bring bug spray and a rain jacket…just in case!

We hope you enjoy the 2024 Grandmother Gathering! We look forward to meeting new Grandmothers and seeing familiar faces...IT WILL BE WONDERFUL...IT ALWAYS IS!!!