Lodging:
Most participants bring tents for camping, though there are some (very basic) cabins with twin-sized bunk beds available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Group bathrooms and showers are available in the bathhouses.
Meals:
As a key change from previous years, participants are responsible for providing their own meals for the weekend. In the spirit of “sharing the load”, we’re encouraging participants to consider being part of a “Meal Sharing Pod”.
A pod might be a group of 4-8 people who coordinate in advance to share responsibility for feeding the pod for the weekend. One or two people take on a meal: planning the menu, bringing the food, and heating/serving it. The rest of the pod gets to relax and enjoy being fed for that meal, knowing that each person will have a turn to feed and be fed throughout the weekend.
Meal Pods are completely optional, and can either be self-organized by a group of friends, or you can sign up to participate in a “dietarily-similar” pod during registration. You’ll be connected with others who have indicated interest, and each pod will coordinate in advance of the weekend.
If you want to be connected with a Meal Pod, please register by Monday, April 14 to allow time for pods to coordinate meal plans in advance of the event.
Workshops:
Sharing our wisdom, skills, and inspiration is a vital part of the Gaia Gathering. Participants will have the opportunity to propose a workshop, once their registration is completed (look in your registration confirmation email for the link to the workshop proposal form!).
Workshop topics often include herbalism and plant walks, dance/yoga, art, and women's health. Other possibilities welcome!
Children:
Children and teens are an important part of the Gaia community and are welcome with the supervision of a responsible adult. While no childcare is provided, there will be an area designated as a children’s play space. A teen space will also be available for teens to decorate and make it their own realm.
All participants are invited to bring costumes, toys, musical instruments, and art supplies to share with the kids.
Please note that the camping and the event area includes access to a river and the woods.
Vending in the Marketplace:
We'd love to have you and your handmade wares! Herbal goods, plants & seeds, handcrafted wares, healing foods and nourishing services are all welcome.
Anyone attending the event can set up a table in the Gaia marketplace. When you register (gaiagathering2025.eventbrite.com), be sure to check the box that indicates you're interested in vending, and we'll send out an email with the details in early April!
In lieu of a vending fee, vendors will be asked to donate an item to our fundraising raffle.
Connection Circles
The friends we make at Gaia often last through the years, rooted in the shared experience of these wondrous weekends. To encourage even more connection among participants, this year’s event will include “Connection Circles” – small groups that meet once a day for sharing self-reflection and support.
Event Location:
This year Gaia returns to Camp Albemarle, a "rural, rustic and restful retreat". Nestled along the beautiful Moormans River, Camp Albemarle provides a large lodge with commercial kitchen, an open-air pavilion, four bunkhouses, two bath houses with showers and lots of space for camping.
Cellphone coverage is spotty but there is a phone in the lodge for outgoing calls. This offers a great opportunity to tune into the weekend for connection with your self, your friends, and the beautiful land.
Weekend Schedule:
A more detailed schedule will be sent out to registered participants. For your planning, here is a loose flow to the weekend:
Friday evening:
Arrival
Opening Circle
Connection Circles
Fire-side songs
Saturday:
Morning:
Afternoon:
Lunchtime
Free Time
Workshop #3
Connection Circles
Evening:
Dinnertime
Ceremony
Dance Party
Sunday:
