Ah, what can I say about camp? Only that it was one of the most
transformational experiences of my life~~~and I've done tons of workshops,
classes, growth groups and therapies searching for a deeper connection to
others and a sense of family/community and some breakthroughs that lasted.
And I tell you that I found all that and more in this group of 70-80+folks in
Grants Pass, OR at the 2 week 6th Annual NFNC Summer Camp this August.
Workshops I'd only read/heard about such as
Naka-Ima and
HAI (Human Awareness Institute)
and others are permanently imprinted on my soul and I'm hooked and
will keep going back. Ok, ok....enough raving (I feel a bit like a "saved"
Christian must feel....ack!)
The most important thing I got was from the people, not just the ideas and
techniques. The various processes, which fostered intimacy, safety, trust,
honest communication, & acceptance in a group of people (many of whom had
never met before) provided the space and structure for such incredible warmth
and love and healing. And I don't use the word love lightly. We worked and
played, laughed and cried, ate and showered, sang and danced, hugged and
cuddled and made amazing love (and I mean that physically AND emotionally)
and new deep friendships.
The day would start around 7am when the "gong" was rung and we crawled
sleepily out of our tents (alone, in couples and groups) and made our way to
breakfast. (We had 3 great vegetarian/vegan meals a day). After breakfast we
came together in a huge dome for announcements and information about the day
to come follwed by a workshop such as a Silence exercise or a talk called
"Overcoming Walls You Never Built." Then there was lunch and a lot of time for
walks in the woods alone or together, then another afternoon workshop such as
an incredible presentation on Non-Violent/Compassionate Communication. Then
dinner and an evening get together. Lots of puppy piles and snuggling, wild
dancing (a great DJ and music) and dressing up in hilarious and often sexy
costumes (I think some of the men had the most fun with this).
One of the most powerful experiences for me, during a day when the women/men
spent together with same gender folk, was a role reversal extended exercise,
with women initiating all contact with the men. We women had to seek out all
men we found desirable and wanted time, conversation, snuggles, sex, whatever
with and had to make "dates" and ask for what we wanted and the men had to
just stand there and wait and say yes or no if "chosen". Whew....it was
scary but I got all the "dates" I ever dreamed of with 4 of the yummiest men
I never would have approached (I'm still glowing!). At one time I was snuggled
in between 3 gorgeous men and thought I'd absolutely died n gone to heaven!
Anyway, then late late we'd crawl off to our tents or that of a new or old
friend for some rest/play. There were many poly's in our group as well as
many not that familiar to this lifestyle with many intense feelings and
discussions. The camp was clothing optional which many took full advantage of
(ouch those mosquitoes!) and children were welcome (6-8 kids in all who were
provided constant activities and care...they didnt attend most workshops).
Many people came to heal, to fully express, to be real, to connect with new
and old friends and to discover a deeper self and new way of being in the
world. I left so very grounded and full of love and it HAS lasted and is
deeply affecting my "real" life here at home. I had major breakthroughs and
will never be the same. I more fully love and appreciate myself and all the
wonderful people I met at summer camp. Words are hardly adequate to express
it all....if you'd like to email me for more information feel free to do so.
Here are some webpage addresses to read more: