Young Tree Camp

Event by The Young Tree Pagan Educational Grove

Young Tree Camp Begins on July 7th 2008
Young Tree Camp Ends on July 11th 2008
Official Website of The Young Tree Pagan Educational Grove
http://www.youngtreegrove.org
Young Tree Camp?
That's right, Young Tree Camp. Our first 4 day Spiritual Retreat will take teens and their Parents on a Journey through themselves. Throughout the Week, we will provide our attendees with a understanding of Paganism, and it's true meaning. Helping them to shape their own ideas, and beliefs. The weekend's workshops are laid out in a "Course" fashion, meaning that each one leads up to the next, taking you one step at a time. All of our workshops will offer a interactive side, as well as the ability for attendees of all Ages to get questions answered, and offer their own tidbits of advice, wisdom, and knowledge! Everyone will be learning at Camp, no matter attendee, vendor, educator, volunteer or Speaker. Camp isn't just about Learning Either! Enjoy fun activities, sports, bon-fires, drum circles, and so much more! Camp also gives Elders and Teens a chance to get to know each other better, and take away from some of the tension that exists there....oh, and did we mention there would be shopping?
Our Goals at Young Tree Camp
To provide teens and their parents with a good understanding of Paganism, Wicca, and other Earth based Religions, including education reguarding their beliefs, traditions, and practices.
Promote teens and younglings to be more active in both Faith, and in todays society.
Provide a environment where everyone is equal, and a place where we all learn from each other.
To encourage a better sense of Religious Tolerance, and acceptance of people of all Paths of Life.
To Act as a Networking Hub, for attendees, groups, and vendors alike, helping to create friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
To provide a place for those who practice a Non-Pagan Faith to develop a knowledge of the Path, and its workings, so that they may incorporate this knowledge in their everyday dealings with others.
We also strive to educate others about the small amount of rights those under the age of 18, and over it, have when practicing a Pagan faith, and how we can work on peaceful solutions to these problems.
To provide attendees with a chance to interact with some of the biggest leaders in Paganism, including Oberon Zell-Ravenheart, and other Pagan Authors!
And to have fun all along the way!
Workshops
Enjoy an array of Workshops on topics such as: Pagan History, Common Beliefs and Practices, Paganism Today, Parenting, Religious Tolerance, Herbal Magick, Divination, Crystal Work, Meditation, Ritual and Spell Structure, and much much more! We wish to equip you with a good general Pagan Knowledge that will help you as you travel on your Spiritual Journey, or if your just interested in being educated on the Subject. We also wish to help you find out more about the inner you,and give our attendees "tools" they can use to be productive members of Faith and Society. And we also wish to inspire people of all ages to go home and make a difference, whether in their Family, Local Community, State, or World!
A Balanced View
We believe in Balance in all things. At Camp we explore both the Light and Dark aspects of not only Paganism, but life as well. What people consider to be Dark, isn't actually evil; they are simply the things we usually don't like dealing with in Life, such as Death, Divorce, Depression, ect. We hope to spread some light on this "Grey" area, and show the meaning behind balance in all things.
Guest Speakers
Throughout the Week several Speakers will be in attendance, such as the "Famous Pagan Author" Oberon Zell-Ravenheart. While you mingle, sipping on some tea, cider, or other beverage of your choice (no alcohol), bards will weave their tales, drums will sound though the air, and new as the Guitar strings are struck, so are new friendships!
Vendors
We will have a collection of Vendors, ranging from Candle Makers, Incense Suppliers, Book Sellers, Ritual Tools, Robes, Hippie Wear, and more! You can expect both Great Prices, and Great Wares! No 2 vendors will be the same! We are looking to bring in a Variety from all over the States, that way; it's likely there'll be one near your area when you return home.
Go home with your own ritual tools
That's right, during the week everyone will have a chance to make a staff, wand, and decorate a wooden censer bowl for their Altar! Master craftsmen will be on hand to lead these free workshops, and we'll have a collection of different types of woods for you to choose from, or bring your own! We will also give you the opportunity to create your own scrapbook/Book of Shadows, and we will have a Photography session at the end of the week, where you can have photos taken with your friends!
Special Event for Our Pagan Veterans!
We love our Veterans! Moh with the United Pagan Front Page will be at Young Tree Camp, and will help in leading a special ceremony for our Pagan Vets, as well as those still in the service, we will hold a candlelight vigil, as well as send our energy to those still overseas! We will have several troop members at the Camp, and we will be presenting them each with a special gift. We will also have collection bins, where you can donate materials for our overseas troops, things like toothpaste, sunscreen, books, lip balm, ect. This is one of the most important parts of what we will do during the week!
Great Food and Fun
Your going to be with us for 5 DAYS! Each night we will commune for a Community Dinner, in which you get a chance to interact with your fellow members, and enjoy some great entertainment! There's always something to do at Camp, and we're ensuring that you'll never get bored!
Clean Camp
No trash all over the place, it's all going to be tidy as we can keep it, you will find trash disposals everywhere, along with recycling bins! We are going to be on someone's property, treat it as you would want yours treated.
Social Time
With only around 3-4 hours of Workshops each day we are going to have activities, games, and social areas for your pleasure! Group Meditations, Teen Time, and other special activities give you plenty to do with Your New Family! Drum Circles every other night, with a band, sit, or other entertainment in-between...we also have several surprises for entertainment!
No DRAMA, NO EGO-Simple as that!
Security
We will have Security on site for the whole event, to ensure that everyone is safe, and that troublemakers are properly handled. There will be several First Aid Centers throughout the Camp, and in the event of an emergency we will most likely have a local hospital on a standby status.
We can't wait to see you there!
Blessed Be,
The Young Tree Organizational Team