Summer Camp 2023 Program

Journey to Joy
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Our 2023 Presenters

Temple Opening  - Sunday 6/25 7:30-9pm - Gwenn Cody & Ray Cohen

Three's Company - Friday 6/30 8-9:30pm - Gwenn Cody & Ray Cohen

Threesomes are wonderful aren't they? Absolutely.....unless they aren't. We will playfully and compassionately explore common pitfalls of threesomes in the bedroom, and gain tools to increase the likelihood of an amazing experience that nourishes everyone.  Understanding the potentials and vulnerabilities inherent in this constellation can increase your capacity in all aspects of your lovelife. Come partnered or solo.

Gwenn Cody, MSW, CET, CTE has been teaching psycho-spiritual development, neo-tantra and sexual enhancement classes for over 20 years. Her education includes professional level training with Margo Anand and Charles Muir, and participation in numerous other tantric, neo-Reichian and sex-positive trainings. She has presented at Hawaii Tantrafest, Oregon Tantra Festival, NFNC, Sex Positive Portland, and Loving More, as well as 10 years co-facilitating Sexual Radiance for Women. 

In addition, Gwenn has been a private practice psychotherapist since 1988 and an early provider of body-oriented psychotherapy, and therapy/support for non-monogamous people and those exploring “alternative” sexualities in her community. She’s certified in Core Energetics, Conscious Freedom Coaching and is Pelvic Heart Integration teacher along with other modalities.

Hema Ganapathy

Welcome to the Village - Friday 6/23 7:30-9pm - Hema Ganapathy

Laughter of LIfe - Monday 6/26 7:30-9pm - Hema Ganapathy

Welcome to the Village

Join us on opening night for  a beautiful, intimate Heart Connection Ritual (formerly known as puja) that will create deeper, meaningful connections between you and other campers.    Be prepared to be seen and accepted just as you are and find deeper love for yourself and others. This is a sensual activity with no nudity.

Laughter of Life

Come and play in this workshop where you are invited to put away all inhibitions and engage in fun improv exercises.This is for all levels including people who have never done improv before.  

Lots of laughing and smiles are guaranteed!

Hema Ganapathy helps clients release what's blocking them from achieving their full potential so that they can freely live a juicy life of purpose, passion and abundance.  Hema works with clients on a variety of topics including abundance mindset, intimacy and relationship coaching as well as generational trauma : http://hemaholisticmystic.com


Dr. Johnny Lake

Diversity and Inclusion - Tuesday 6/27 2:30-4:30pm - Dr. Johnny Lake

Relationships, Relationships, Relationships - Wednesday 6/28 3-5pm - Dr. Johnny Lake

Building Relationships, Breaking Down Barriers

Building Relationships, Breaking Down Barriers Relationship, Relationship, Relationship - Relationships are the bridge that connects us to others. Because of ignorance, fear or bias we may struggle to build trusting relationships with others, especially if we see them as different than us. The ability to build and maintain productive relationships is at the heart of social, mental, emotional, and physical well-being, therapeutic healing and growth processes. The meaning and perceptions, quality and extent, of relationships vary. Relationships are critical components of our personal and professional success. This interactive session will help us to discover key characteristics of relationships, explore the knowledge, beliefs and skills to bridge differences and build strong relationships. Understanding diversity, equity and inclusion helps us to recognize the challenges others face, to create safe spaces, and effectively serve diverse communities. We will learn key concepts about communication and building relationships, while navigating differences such as race, gender, class, sexual orientation and other differences in our communities. This fun, interactive and experiential presentation and workshop will provide critical knowledge and skills to employ practical tools to break down barriers, to build and maintain equitable and inclusive relationships in diverse, multicultural settings and meet the needs of all of our clients and staff. And we will have fun!

Apples, Oranges and Diversity: Multiculturalism in our Modern Society

Identifying and building a foundation for organizations and agencies respecting Multiculturalism and Diversity with Practical Strategies and Methods.

This presentation is designed to help decision-makers, leaders and staff to begin the important process of identifying and building necessary knowledge, skills and capabilities to successfully tackle challenges and opportunities presented by increasing diversity, change and multicultural dynamics of our communities, and agencies. Multiculturalism is not simply a content area of study, but should be viewed as an ongoing area of personal interest, inquiry and growth. When we commit to a course of multicultural development, we also commit to equity and justice, we also commit to learn, grow and to change. Our society is challenged by the practice and concept of a multicultural society. Goals include: Recognize and respect cultural patterns and expectations that operate in a workplace and community setting. Affirm the dignity and worth of all employees and clients, and provide positive support that we all need to be successful and effective employees. Interact thoughtfully and courteously with employees, clients and families. Resolve conflicts in a professional manner, respecting and understanding the cultural context of the situation. Learn and use multicultural resources in agencies and communities, remain sensitive to individual differences and diverse cultures, and encourage participation of others different from ourselves. This session will focus on providing an essential intellectual and experiential foundation and an extended opportunity for learning and understanding the interrelationship of culture and diversity in our communities and agencies, and helps us to identify and utilize important skills and abilities.

Dr. Johnny Lake is an international consultant, trainer and speaker certified in programs respecting leadership, diversity, community-building, cross-cultural communication and interactions skills, equity and ethics for youth and adults. He consults with government, professional and educational agencies and organizations. Dr. Lake served as an Associate Professor of Education and Counseling. He is an Administrator on Special Assignment with the Eugene 4J school district and an advocate for needs of at-risk youth and provides teacher training institutes and student learning and leadership opportunities. Dr. Lake is an internationally recognized writer and storyteller. Dr. Johnny Lake holds a bachelor's degree in history from Willamette University. He has a Masters in educational leadership and administration and received his Ph.D. in educational leadership, policy, management and organization. Dr. Lake is a former chairman of the State of Oregon Commission on Black Affairs.

Dr. Lake's scholarship has focused on teaching and learning around issues of leadership, diversity, race and culture, personal and organizational growth, cultural competency, and communication. Dr. Lake assists individuals, schools and traditional institutions to gain critical knowledge and skills, as well as developing effective methods and strategies to bring about growth and progress, and to build and support productive relationships.

Life Mask - Monday 6/26 4-6pm - Lynne Wilburn

In this workshop we will create a Life Mask. Most recently, masks have been a part of our everyday lives, serving to protect. But masks can be used as a tool for personal empowerment, expression and insight. The ability of masks to convey an emotion or a message, to shroud or empower, confuse or clarify, is as potent now as it was thousands of years ago. By creating a Life Mask - a snapshot of yourself is captured in the moment. This is the face you present and we witness. The masks are made from plaster strips, which are dipped in water, molded to the face, (half or whole) creating a realistic representation, a type of self-portrait. Once the strips are put into place, it takes about 20 minutes to harden, and can be removed. Once dried overnight, mask makers will have an opportunity to decorate with acrylic paint.

Lynne Wilburn is a visual arts and dance teacher, with a deep passion for infusing creative energy into all aspects of her life. After receiving her Master’s degree in dance, she later added a visual art endorsement to her teaching credentials. Her 40 year teaching career included teaching students of all ages, nurturing and encouraging their unique creative expression to come alive through the arts. Lynne deeply believes everyone is able to discover inspiration to express their own exquisitely beautiful and unique creative spirit. Since 2015, Lynne has been sharing her passion by bringing the arts to New Culture events, and is thrilled to offer a workshop on creating a Life Mask- a powerful self portrait.

Song Leader - Marisa Hope Benson

Marisa Hope Benson is a somatic facilitator, a song catcher, a sacred space tender, and an embodied leader who loves to bring the power of ritual & presence into the world.

She is based in Eugene, OR where she collaborates with many powerful artists, musicians and leaders to catalyze empowerment, vocal liberation and deep healing in the collective.

You might likely find her, dancing in a garden, smelling flowers, playing her flute, laying under trees, or singing songs inspired by the wind.

Connect deeper: marisahopebenson.com

Temple Opening  - Sunday 6/25 7:30-9pm - Gwenn Cody & Ray Cohen

Three's Company - Friday 6/30 8-9:30pm - Gwenn Cody & Ray Cohen

Three's Company

Threesomes are wonderful aren't they? Absolutely.....unless they aren't. We will playfully and compassionately explore common pitfalls of threesomes in the bedroom, and gain tools to increase the likelihood of an amazing experience that nourishes everyone.  Understanding the potentials and vulnerabilities inherent in this constellation can increase your capacity in all aspects of your lovelife. Come partnered or solo.

Ray Cohen is a co-organizer of ISTA (international School of Temple Arts), a professional counselor with experience helping people recover from substance abuse, a personal fitness coach and a professional musician. He supports clients in working with issues of intimacy, polyamory, open relationships, and sexual healing, and can work with couples. Ray has presented for Sex Positive Portland, Polytopia, Cascadia Tantra Festival, Oregon Tantra Festival and Network for New Culture. Ray teaches Sacred Pelvic Healing Massage and Blissflow Massage with Amara Karuna, who developed these techniques. He lives in Portland, OR

Date your species - Sunday 6/25 4:30-6pm - Reid Mahalko

The Octopus of Jealousy - Thursday 6/29 3-5pm - Reid Mahalko

Date your Species

Join us for this humorous, frank and illuminating, workshop where sex and relationship expert Reid Mihalko boils down more than 150,000 conversations he’s had about sex and relationships and walks YOU through his best thinking and advice on making sex, dating, relationships and mating work!

You Will Learn:

  • Why and how relationships have changed in the last 3 generations

  • Why duration is no longer the best way to measure the success of a relationship

  • How to figure out what species YOU are!

  • Tools to determine if someone is a good or horrible fit for you…

  • Communication Skills to ask for what they want and how to avoid past relationship mistakes…

  • A few of Reid’s “black belt” relationship tips and tricks!

The Octopus of Jealousy

When the Green-Eyed Monster rises from our emotional depths, we usually find ourselves powerless to stop its many arms from tearing our relationship-world apart. Join sex and relationship experts Reid Mihalko (ReidAboutSex.com) for this workshop on how you can kick jealousy before it kicks you!

In this unique workshop, you will learn…

  • Where your jealousy (or another’s) comes from your unique set of Jealousy “Triggers” like Envy, Possessiveness, Anger, Depression, and the four other arms of the “octopus” of Jealousy

  • Valuable tools for dealing and mitigating your triggers so jealousy doesn’t take over

  • How to dramatically decrease your feelings of dread and anxiety around jealousy, and lessen Jealousy’s grip on those you care about

  • Ways to communicate to your loved ones how they can make your world a less jealous one

  • Boundary and negotiation skills for improving your relationships no matter what emotions you’re experiencing!

If you’d given up on dealing with jealousy or resigned yourself to a life of powerlessness, please join us for what is sure to be an insightful and extremely useful journey into the uncharted seas of being empowered around Jealousy!

- Reid Mihalko

As seen on NETFLIX' "Chelsea Does..." alongside Chelsea Handler, Reid Mihalko (he/him) of ReidAboutSex.com is an internationally known sex and relationship geek who threw an orgy for Oprah's OWN Network on Lisa Ling's "Our America." He has led thousands of workshops and play parties, and his work has been covered by media outlets across 7 continents. His charisma and easy to understand, pragmatic advice has helped people at virtual and in-person events. His workshops and college lectures have been attended by over 60,000 people from across the globe.

Reid would also like you to know that, in early 2018, some very brave people came forward during #MeToo sharing harms that Reid had caused them. Reid stepped down from teaching and initiated a transformative justice-based accountability process to address his misconduct and make amends if and where possible. The formal, year-long process along with Reid’s apology and resources were shared publicly and can be found at TinyURL.com/reidaccountability.

Follow @ReidAboutSex on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Dance Into Being - Saturday 6/24 9-9:30pm - Saffire Bouchelion

Nia Dance - Thursday 6/29 8-9:30pm - Saffire Bouchelion

​​Dance into Being

Emboyding Freedom Through Rhythm and Authentic Expression

On this creative, percussive journey the entire being is explored and enriched physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually by traveling the path from movement through sound through rhythm and into Integrated expression.  We discover a fuller emergence of the self and touch into the heartbeat of community. Truecommunity happens when everyone moves to the same pulse. Each may have a different relationship to that pulse, a different rhythm, but as long as we are in relationship to that pulse, we remain in relationship to each other.

Nia Dance

Join Saffire for an unforgettable evening of ecstatic dance and movement. Saffire regularly DJs for Ecstatic Dance in Portland, Eugene and Corvallis, as well as in Belgium, Budapest, Bali, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

Saffire Bouchelion is an Ecstatic Dance DJ who loves and lives to see a room full of beautiful dancers enjoying his groove. He is 1st Degree Black Belt Nia instructor who has been passionately practicing Nia for over 20 years and has taught internationally for the past 17 years. He is also a professional performer and musician who has taught Drumming, Embodying Rhythm and Dance into Being workshops throughout the US, Europe, Mexico and Bali. His greatest joy is helping to Embody the world, one Community at a time! 

Colonization and Eros - Monday 6/26 2:30-4:30pm - Victor Warring

Dance Eros - Saturday 7/1 8-9:30pm - Victor Warring

The Body, Sexuality and Community through the Lens of ReWilding: DeColonizing the Body

Often when we attempt to re-write the script on culture, on sexuality, on relationships and on community we end up recreating the oppressions of mainstream society into the experiments we hope will free us. Sometimes we are left wondering why we still feel unfree and unsafe or why the people next to us seem to struggle so fiercely. We may even look around to notice the people who aren’t present; who is unwilling or unable to step into what we are creating. We fail to recognize the depth to which colonization lives in our bodies and the degree to which it impacts the very framing of our interactions with others and even who shows up. We may end up having playful romps in the woods or delicious retreats but never really make a shift towards verdant, fair and empowered cultures in which people thrive.

In this presentation/workshop we will explore:

*What is ReWilding, what is colonization and what does decolonization even mean at a somatic level?

*In what ways do I unknowingly recapitulate settler-colonial values and power structures into my sexuality, relationship and community practices?

*What is Erotic Sovereignty and where does my desire to own another’s body, sexuality, experience stem from?

*How do I recognize my attachment to settler-colonial power and realize when I’m advocating for it rather than for change?

*Do I actually even want to ReWild/decolonize?

DanceEros: Erotic Ecstatic Dance

DanceEros is your playful opportunity to invite Eros through the front door in ecstatic dance however she arrives; in decadent glory, in nuanced shyness, in quiet strength, in reverent irreverence, in bawdy ridiculousness...all manifestations are welcome as we create a powerful community field through the moving and celebration of Eros. We will establish an erotic-inclusive, consent driven container of agreements at the opening of the dance and then segue into movement, dance and play! See you there!

 

Victor Warring, MA is an Erotic ReWilder, Somatic (body-centered) Sexuality Educator, Mentor, Coach and also an Erotic Activist. He works one on one, with people in relationships and with communities and groups to ReWild and reclaim their connection to sexual and erotic aliveness. Using a full spectrum of supports from counseling to experiential
movement practices to sexological bodywork to partner surrogacy, Victor offers permission and safe container to his clients to “normalize the normal” human desire of erotic wholeness.

Victor is also a diversity, equity and inclusion educator and works with people in understanding the intersections where the body, sexuality, inclusion, oppression and decolonization overlap. To begin the process of working with Victor or to inquire more about his services, schedule a free initial consultation.
Text, call or email at rewilderos@gmail.com or (303)875-0878
To see more of Victor’s work and writing visit him on: www.rewilderos.com
IG: @bonobo_man