Important Information

Regardless of whether or not you've been here before, this is home.  The Gathering organizers, the Celo Community and the land, waters and sky of the South Toe River Valley welcome you.  We are a gathering where community, nature and love are celebrated.

Food- Three vegetarian meals will be provided each day; however, if you have any special dietary needs, please come prepared. We are grateful for your garden harvests, too- contact Rhea Ormond at rhearoseo@yahoo.com or 828 682-1630 if you will be bringing culinary delights from your garden to share.  We will be serving fresh, local fish on Saturday night for an additional $5.

Camping- The price of the gathering includes camping on-site.  There are many places near the Arthur Morgan School to camp - some in the woods, some in a big field across the road from AMS.  When you check in at Registration, we will give you some options.  Please note: there are private homes in the area, so be sure you are in an approved spot before setting up camp.

Thursday Arrival - Aside from the pre-gathering workshops, Thursday is a day of set-up and preparation for the gathering.   If you are driving a distance and need to arrive on Thursday to be able to participate on Friday, you can register from 5-9 pm and set up your camp. Please sign up on the registration if you wish to come early. We will have dinner Thursday night for those who have signed up for it.
 
Friday Program - We are encouraging everyone to come on Friday morning and enjoy a full weekend of community! Three classes are being offered starting at 9:00.  The Open Space planning session will occur right before lunch (from 11:00-12:00pm), followed by affinity circles.

Friday morning programs include the following:

• Permaculture 101 with Zev Friedman
• Plant Walk with Marc Williams
• Mushroom Walk with Alan Muskat

Animals- No animals are allowed to be brought to AMS or to the Gathering.

What to Bring- Camping gear, rain gear, warm clothes, personal snacks, musical instruments, ceremonial clothes for Saturday night, seeds to share, transplants/plants to give away, wares to trade or sell, precious offerings for a give-away, information to share. You may set up a table and sell your product with no commission.

Affinity Circles- The gathering offers daily "affinity circles" which are planned through Open Space.  Circles get together in groups to explore topics introduced at the Open Space planning session.   If you would like to offer a specific workshop, please present your idea at the on-site Open Space planning session to be held Friday from 11:00-12:00 pm.  There will also be a shorter Open Space session Saturday morning.  See also the Affinity Circles Page.

Work-Trades - Work-trade is full. Working two meals will qualify you for a 50% discount on gathering registration.

Volunteering- All participants are expected to volunteer at least 2 hours during the event.  

Children - Kids 6-16 years old can participate in the Youth Program.  Kids under 6 need to be taken care of by their parents.  However, there will be an effort to connect parents with small kids to share in child care.  Also, there are potential kid-sitters in the area, and if we have enough interest we can offer child care.   Kids are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the gathering. 

Healing Tent - Running from Friday morning Through Saturday evening, there will be a special tent for anyone who would like to donate their time and services to demonstrating the healing arts. There will also be First Aid available.

Celo/South Toe Residents-All Celo residents are invited to attend the Permaculture Gathering, including the affinity circles and meals. We would like to encourage the local area people to participate in the Gathering, so we have created a special daily rate for you: $20/ day. Saturday evening events (ceremony, campfires, drumming circles, etc.) are FREE for Celo/South Toe residents.

Supporters
French Broad food Coop
Fire Fly Farms

Still have more questions?  Call 828.669.7552 or email registrar@southeasternpermaculture.org.