Anyone who has ever taken care of a plant knows that they require at least some water, Light, and attention! Growing love takes care, too, whether between our friends and family, people or beings in our communities and world, or for the Spirit within us! As we tend to the beloved garden that is JYM, let's pay attention to all that has grown, and all that may in the coming season. Come and sing, play, and celebrate Spring and JYM at Woolman Hill.
This will be our first overnight in person since January 2020! Lots will be the same, and lots more will be different, including the start time. We will gather on Saturday morning between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to begin this retreat (not Friday night as we have for many years) and stay until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Please be sure to keep reading so that you have all the information about attending before signing up.
NOTE that space will be limited and we will not be able to accept late registrations.
About Covid Safety
Please read our detailed Covid Safety Plan here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wra-4uFdzTkbGkPdI40XaYDAr0SzFJ8Mpp094ziq6iQ/edit?usp=sharingAll staff, including junior staff, must be vaccinated (and boosted if eligible) in order to attend. Children attending must have proof of vaccination or show proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before the retreat. Additional layers of precaution will be taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including attention to social distancing, handwashing, and airflow. We'll spread out to eat and do symptom checks. Group size is limited and will be dictated by the sleep needs of the youth who sign up, so sign up early! We will require that everyone take an antigen test right before leaving home or upon arrival. We are looking to borrow portable air filters - let Gretchen know if you can help with this!
About Staying at Woolman Hill
Woolman Hill has had a major renovation since we were last there! There are many bedrooms and more bathrooms. Please note that we will assign 2-3 roommates for each room, taking your preferences into consideration as best we can. As always, JYM Staff will sleep throughout the building. Bathrooms are single stall and gender neutral. Delicious meals will be lovingly prepared by Kristin Wilson and Cynthia Rankin. If you have dietary needs or allergies, please be specific when you register.
How to Register
Register here by May 13th. In order to adequately prepare for the safety of the group, we are not able to accommodate late registrations. Please use one form per child. Thank you!
Health Info and Permission
In addition to registering here, each participant must complete an up-to-date health and permission form in order to attend. You may email it to Gretchen or bring it to the retreat. You may find the form here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XpuCezvV_YozovYqN39btmVO1qypUOqY/view?usp=sharing Y
Pay as Led
The registration fee is Pay As Led -- truly pay what you can. Suggested amounts are $50-$150 but full scholarship is absolutely fine, too. What's most important is that we have as many who want to be with us as we can manage safely! You can pay ahead of time via the donation button on
neym.org or bring it to the retreat. Should you need to cancel, including if you're sick, if you have had a Covid exposure, if you no longer feel comfortable coming due to Covid, or if the retreat needs to be cancelled, you will receive a full refund.
If families need more information to help decide if this gathering is right for children, don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. I really hope you'll consider joining us. And if you can't make it, we'll hope to see you soon, maybe nearby at a Zoom Hangout or at Sessions in August.
Gretchen Baker-Smith's contact info:
gretchen@neym.org or cell phone 508-287-6441.
