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Earth Song
June 17 – 23rd
Director’s Message
Dearest WUULFies,
It is that time again – June 17 to 23, 2013. Even as I write this at New Year’s, I am reflective of why I am so drawn to WUULF – the red soil, gorgeous landforms and the community. I see Ghost Ranch as my home away from home where I am drawn for my annual renewal of spirit. There is such glory in the sacred space of the majestic landforms. The time spent in community with my friends, old and new, is both sacred and insightful to me. Each year I leave with such joy and inspiration from where I have been, what I have done and the glorious people with whom I have been blessed to spend time. I hope you will find, as I have, that this week is a sacred time.
The Board has spent time trying to make this as wonderful an experience as possible this year. There are changes to old activities – new raft trip routes, new hikes and bike rides that can be completed or you can return by van from the final destination – as well as additions to the program – a service project headed by the Young Adults with Ghost Ranch and a sewing service project to help young women worldwide. We have added new and kept traditional programs and activities for everyone. One thing missing from the program this year is the choir. If we are able to secure a director and accompanist to guide the choir, we will add it to the camp grid at that time.
Those of you thinking of joining our community for the first time, this year, 2013, is once again a “red letter year.” To help those who would love to join us, but their family cost for registration is too tight, we are waiving registration fees for ALL Cubs and Coyotes attending with their families this year (2013). The Cubs and Coyotes must be registered prior to May 1, 2013, and accompanied by a family member. Hopefully this will allow more families an opportunity to join us in fellowship and have their children in an affirming environment. Join us, bring the children, and let’s enjoy one another!!
This year our theme is “Earth Song” and our Theme Speaker is Carole Eagleheart. I have had the honor of calling Carole “friend” for over ten years. When I met her, she was what one might call a “Traveling Unitarian Minstrel”. She took the music of our community and shared it across our country and on many different continents. Since we met, she has settled in New Mexico and is now a part of our New Mexico community. I am so happy to welcome her and her form of earth centered spirituality that she has graciously come to share with us.
Our Community Minister this year is the Rev. Anthony David from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta, the largest UU congregation in the Southeast. We welcome him to our week-long annual community and hope he finds it as meaningful as we do. Back for his fourth year as Young Adult and Youth Chaplain is Canyon Bosler who has been coming to WUULF for the past 16 years.
Our Young Adult (YA) program is growing and becoming a great asset to the community. Our co-leaders this year are again Kira McCoy and Spencer Hachmeister, both longtime WUULF attendees. We will once again be offering housing in Young Adult Dorms for those who are interested. Please see the Youth page for all the details. We hope to see the program grow with even more of our 18-24 year olds joining us at WUULF.
Registration for 2013 camp is now open and will remain open until May 1 or until camp is full, whichever happens first. Register soon to guarantee your acceptance! Register early to be guaranteed a place and to give our volunteer Board members plenty of time to process your paperwork. We have a limited number of room slots available and camp has filled up in the recent past, meaning we had to turn some folks away. Camping in the high desert is a beautiful way to visit New Mexico and campsites are much more affordable for large families. Please register as soon as you can and be aware that our primary means of communication is by email in order to provide timely response and reduce overhead costs. It is essential that you include a legible email address on your registration form.
So, that is it! On to the good part: trying to decide which of the amazing opportunities you’re going to squeeze in! There are a lot of changes this year, so be sure to read your catalog carefully. Consider this a personal invitation to each of you to join our community. I can’t wait to see you all in June. Feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions or concerns. We want WUULF to be an experience you look forward to each year. I know my family sees it as a highlight of the year.
Blessings,
Bernagene Shay – Director, WUULF 2012; bmshay2@gmail.com