MEG/Reg Pkt

Registration Packet

(Please Cut & Paste to Print)

The Middle Earth Gathering -- September 18-20, 2009

Thank you for registering for the Middle Earth Gathering! We’re excited to have you join us.

We’ve included a smorgasborg of useful information for you as you prepare for the coming Gathering. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Earth Gatherings Mission statement:

The Earth Gatherings serves humanity and nature by creating awareness of our responsibility to future generations by sharing experiences, ideas and building friendships that promote healthy living.

The EARTH GATHERING RULES:

*I will be responsible for myself and my children.

*I agree to be respectful of the spiritual beliefs and practices of those gathered here.

*I will smoke in designated areas only.

*I will respect the physical and personal space, as well as property, of the others here.

*There are no dogs permitted inside any of the buildings.

*All dogs must be kept on a leash in all hiking areas and trails.

VOLUNTEERS

By volunteering early it aides in our overview of what needs to be done. Please sign in when you first arrive at the registration table. Volunteers will be needed for Kitchen Help, Dishwashers, Site Cleanup (during & after the gathering), and Children’s Activities. If you are bringing a child to the gathering we ask that you spend volunteer time at the Children’s Activities Area.

Gathering Schedule Overview:

Registration opens at 6am for the "ALL EVENTS" pass, and

at 10 am on Friday for the "Friday Day Pass Registrants". Day Passes are valid until 10 pm

Registration opens at 10 am on Saturday for the "Saturday Day Pass" Registrants. Day passes are valid until 10pm

"All Events" Registrants are invited to come as early as Thursday evening at 4pm to set up camp and participate in evening festivities throughout the gathering.

Registration is limited and those that register early will have a better chance of obtaining passes as it is done on a "first come, first served basis".

No one will be allowed into the gathering without Registering prior to arriving (Pre-Registration Required)

(No On-site Registration).

Artisans to be open/available at will during the gathering so they may also participate and enjoy the gathering. Please check their schedules for availability.

Medical Needs:

If you have any medical needs that we should be aware of, please advise a staff member of these needs upon signing in at the registration table (your information will remain confidential). First Aid will be located at the New Ranch. We will have trained medical staff on hand. We reserve the right to call an ambulance or require you to go to the hospital should a reasonable medical professional deem this to be necessary.

The Facilities:

There are several camping areas in the North Falls Group Camp- RV's are allowed at this Gathering. The Registration/Sign In will be located at the New Ranch and at the North Falls Day Use Lodge. The New Ranch (lodge) will be the staff lodge. There will be a quiet area for families at the North falls Group Camp (Tent Area A) There may be some late night music at The New Ranch. Camping areas will be available on a first-come first-serve basis. There are also a limited number of wooden bunks available on a first come first serve basis (to those who have paid a full Registration fee) at The New Ranch and it is suggested that those who request bunks bring a pad and bedding as the bunks are plywood with no mattresses.

The nearest showers are close to the Ranger’s Station. They have private stalls with plenty of hot water to go around. Directions will be available at the registration table. There are however, bathroom facilities in each of the over night sites.

Driving Directions:

From Portland you will need to take I-5 South to the Woodburn exit. Turn left off the exit onto Hwy 214. Follow the signs to Silver Falls State Park.

From Eugene, take I-5 North to Salem. From Salem, take Hwy 22 (a.k.a. Santiam Hwy) East to Silver Falls State Park exit (approx 5 miles east of Salem). Follow Hwy 214 to the park.

From Bend, take Hwy 20 Northwest to Hwy 22. Follow Hwy 22 West to the Hwy 214 exit and follow the signs to the park.

Look for and follow “MEG” signs upon arriving at Silver Falls State Park.

If you arrive after dark follow the signs that say “MEG" or Middle Earth Gathering

Schedule of events for Middle Earth Gathering 2009

(SEE "MEG SCHEDULE" FOR LATEST UPDATES)

Schedule of events for The Middle Earth Gathering 09

(subject to change)

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Menu for Middle Earth Gathering 09 (subject to change)

includes organic, vegetarian, and vegan food

Daily Breakfasts: Yogurt (soy and dairy), dry cereals, granola, muffins, bagels, toast, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, milk, soy/rice milk, orange juice

Daily Lunches: sliced vegetables, hummus spreads, pita wedges, pita and deli sandwiches, homemade soup, garden bar, milks, water, juices, coffee, tea

Evening desserts: fruit crisps, baked apples, ice cream (vegan and non)

Friday : Breakfast, Lunch,

Dinner: Roast turkey, potato bar, garden bar, millet casserole, drinks

Saturday : Breakfast, Lunch,

Dinner: Burger bar (vegan/vegetarian and meat), garden bar, potato salad, corn on the cob, drinks

Sunday : Breakfast

Required Items to bring to the Gathering:

· Personal place settings for each in your group (**everyone will be responsible for storing and washing their own dishes)

· Sleeping bag / Bedding / Pad

· Tent and camping gear if you are opting to campout

. Potluck food item for Thursday night- if arriving early.

. Your registration packet

Suggested Items to bring to the Gathering:

. Air Mattress & pump

· Pillows

· Spending money for purchases from the artisans.

· Potlatch gift

. Snacks and beverages for between meals.

· Appropriate clothing for warm and cool weather (Day & Night)

· Rain gear (just in case)

· Good walking/hiking footwear

· Sunglasses and Sunscreen

· Any prescription medicines you need. (Notify the Site Coordinator of any medical conditions you have that we should be aware of in case of an emergency.)

· Other convenient medicines (Aspirin, allergy/cold meds, calamine lotion, insect repellant)

. Toiletries

. Plastic bag for wet items

. Camera & film

· Musical instruments to join in with drum or Bardic circle

· Flashlight

· Extra Batteries

· Notebook & pen

. Trash bags

· Towels / wash cloths (for the showers)

Please Pack appropriately!!!

Additional Information:

Potlatch:

On Sunday at the Closing Ritual, we will be having a Potlatch. Our Potlatch is based on a custom of some of the Native American tribes of the Northwest who would try to give one another the best possible gifts. The emphasis is placed on giving. While we don’t expect you to try and out do one another, we ask that you bring something small to give to one of the other Gathering goers – something you would enjoy receiving yourself. This way we will all have something to remember the festival by. The gift can also be something you make while at the gathering or something purchased from one of the artisans. Each person who wishes to participate is able to give a gift and is able to receive one in return.

Bardic Circle:

The Bardic Circle is based upon the tradition of the Celtic Bards of Scotland, Ireland, Manx, Wales, and Brittany. The purpose of Bards was not only to entertain and circulate newsworthy events, but to educate and maintain culture as well. A good Bard was versed in music, poetry, storytelling, folklore, and mythology. He additionally had a general knowledge of linguistics, basic customs, history, and common law - making him a rather valuable resource.

The modern Bardic Circle has become a means for participants to entertain, tell experiences, and share cultural traditions with each other. This can be done through song, musical instrument, stories, and poetry (original or otherwise) - whether rehearsed or spontaneous. It’s a good idea for each participant to limit themselves in order to allow variety and encourage all interested to contribute. All who attend are encouraged to participate although it’s not required.

This year we will begin a tradition of story-telling and will offer a prize to the best Bard!!

Sweat Lodge :

Individuals who participate in the sweat lodge will begin at approximately 8am on Saturday with the construction of the lodge in the traditional fashion as part of the preparation for the sweat. At approximately 10:30am participants will be ready to begin the ceremony and enter the lodge. The ceremony will end approximately at 1:30pm. Lunch will be waiting for participants upon completion. Seating is limited to between 8 and 15 people depending on the size of the lodge constructed. Participation for the Sweat Lodge is on a first-come first-serve basis at the time of sign-in for the Gathering.

The objective is to purify ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually so we can be freed of old habits that have been impeeding our growth. Through chanting, meditation and surrender inside the 'womb of the mother' we reconnect with our inate wisdom and clear our thoughts and intuitions. It is the time to seek answers, to state intentions and to return to the world with renewed awareness and purpose.

This is a universal non denominational experience. Any comfortable clothing is acceptable.

Women’s Mysteries (with Robin Divine ) :

In teaching the Women’s Mysteries, especially in the Fall, it is always my hope that each woman, regardless of age, will come away feeling at least a little if not a whole lot, more brilliant. Each of us women need to harvest now, those things that will carry us through the Winter Season.The first hour of our time together will be discussing those attributes, totems, beliefs that are tied to the Autumn Earth Mother. The second hour will be looking at our beliefs regarding Winter and the Crone. Even though we can not always see it, Winter is often our most productive time when it comes to getting to know ourselves and getting in touch with what our Wise Crone has to teach us about the wisdom we have stored deep within us. There is a great deal of material to cover in a very short amount of time, and our discussions will need to be kept to these topics. All participating are encouraged to add their thoughts and insights with each other, being cognizant of the time held in the circle. This will insure that all may contribute without one or two individuals monopolizing the circle. Being respectful to all who participate and listening is a great gift we can give to each other.

CALL FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

COME HELP US PLAN UPCOMING GATHERINGS.

**Share your talents, skills, time, and ideas for creating wonderful memories and community spirit for all to enjoy. **We are looking for individuals interested in volunteering as committee heads and as committee members. **We ask that committee heads be willing to dedicate two years for continuity. This entails the planning of one Mother Earth Gathering (June) and one Middle Earth Gathering (September) each year. **Committee areas include: Meal Planning/Kitchen Operation, Entertainment & Vendors, Workshops, Crafts & Activities, Newsletters, Photos & Memory Book.

***Those interested call Bob at (503) 502-1415 or email at bladu@hotmail.com

Liability Waiver

I,____________________________, Agree to hold harmless The Earth Gatherings (Diverse Gatherings, Inc.), Robert R. LaDu, Jr. (Bob), or any person associated with The Earth Gatherings and/or the events sponsored by them, in the event of accident or injury received by me or those participating with me during the event or while traveling to or from the event.

I further recognize that there are risks involved while camping and participating in group activities and accept all liability for my family and myself in order to participate in these events.

Additionally, I understand that The Earth Gatherings events are public and pictures may be taken.

Signed:_____________________________________________ Name printed:______________________

Date:______________________

Demographics Form

Name:______________________________________________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________

Phone:__________________E-mail______________________________________

Occupation:_________________________________________________________

Spiritual Path:________________________________________________________

Age:_______Marital Status:___________Children (names/ages):_________________

__________________________________________________________________

Hobbies/Interests:_____________________________________________________