General
FAQs
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Earth Rising Inc., is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization that owns and operates Gaea Retreat Center. There is a board of directors that meets on a monthly basis. The date, time and location of the next board meeting is posted on the calendar page.
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Gaea is the ancient Greek name for Mother Earth, or Earth Mother. She is the wife of Chaos and joined with him to produce all of known reality. The sanctuary that is Gaea honors Mother Earth.
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Gaea Retreat Center is private property and permission to be on the property is governed by the Earth Rising, Inc. Board of Directors and implemented by caretakers of the property. Under normal circumstances anyone who abides by the rules is welcome on the property, except during scheduled exclusive events when the entire facility has been reserved by a private organization. Permission to be on the property can be rescinded due to flagrant violation of the rules or the Respect Agreement.
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Pets are allowed at Gaea. Pets include any companion animal you bring to camp. For the safety of pets and others, please read and familiarize yourself with our pet rules. They will be stringently enforced.
All pets must be on a 6-10 foot non-retractable leash.
Pets may not be tied out or tied to trees.
Owners should maintain physical control of the animal at all times.
When away from your pet, it must be in a kennel. Even inside a tent or cabin.
Pets are not to be confined to your vehicle in extreme heat or cold.
Pets are not allowed in the dining hall or shower house.
Do not bring your pet to camp if it has known aggression issues. If your pet is aggressive, you will be asked to remove your pet from the property.
If your pet becomes a nuisance, as in the case of excessive dog barking, you will be asked to remove your pet from the property.
You will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination if requested. Please have that available.
All rules apply to animals deemed as emotional support animals.
As stated by federal law, dogs and miniature horses are the only animals recognized as service animals.
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An exclusive event means the camp is rented exclusively for group use. Camp is closed to the public during the exclusive rental. It is advisable to always check the calendar before heading out to Gaea.
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Small group activities in reserved areas of camp are considered non-exclusive. The areas that are reserved are not open for use, be it camping, sunbathing, driving, walking, etc. It is advisable to always check the calendar before heading out to Gaea.
Camping
FAQs
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There are many trails and tent-camping sites on the camp property and you are welcome to set up your tent in most areas. Do NOT tie ropes or wires to the trees in any way that will injure or damage them, and take them down when you leave. Please do not block established trails and please do NOT "Bush-Whack". You may remove small weeds from a tent-camp site but do NOT cut any trees or bushes that are larger in diameter than your thumb, and try not to disturb the numerous berry patches, flower areas, or planted trees. Also, be aware that there are many sacred and ritual areas around Gaea. These may be well-tended, marked areas or may be a simple pile of rocks or a cleared area. If in doubt, show the area respect.
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Do NOT cut firewood except for downed, dead trees. Collecting downed branches is acceptable. Don’t go into the wood corral by the sheds without explicit permission - much of the wood in this area has been specifically gathered for special purposes.
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Do NOT build your own fire-ring - please use only the established and maintained fire pits. You may bring and use a portable barbeque or fire hearth, but please do not dump ashes from them on the ground - take the ashes with you when you leave or put them in an established fire pit. Please do not dump anything in the Main Ritual fire circle or in the Bardic fire circle on Sunset Ridge. These are considered ritual sites by many people. -
To reserve a cabin at Gaea Retreat Center, email cabins@gaearetreat.org with your preferred dates. You'll receive confirmation and payment instructions. Once you’ve completed this step, continue through registration as normal
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Cabins offer electricity but no plumbing. Cabin bunks are single mattresses on a frame. You will need to bring your own bedding (pillow, sheets, blankets, sleeping bag, etc.). Just like a campsite, you are expected to leave the cabin in better shape than you found it.
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Extended Stay Policy (festivals excluded)
Effective January 15th, 2018, camping stays lasting more than 14 days in a rolling 30 day period will require approval of the Board of Directors. Approval must be obtained at a board meeting prior to your arrival. Requests can be submitted in person, via a Caretaker, or can be emailed to camp (https://gaearetreat.org/contact) for inclusion in the next scheduled meeting. A cash deposit of 50% of the total approved extended stay period is required. If you will doing work exchange for your stay, the deposit is still required, but will be refunded to you after the completion of your assigned work exchange. Any unpaid fees will be due at the end of your extended stay and must be paid before an additional extended stay can be approved. Check-out will be at midnight the last night of your extended stay, and all tents and personal items must be removed from property at that time.
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Gaea is designed as a recreational retreat center for the purpose of cultural and spiritual education. As such, the camp promotes tolerance, acceptance and respect between groups and individuals. We neither promote nor discourage nudity as it is a personal and spiritual choice.
However, clothing is required in many places, such as in public buildings, on or along the main access roads, and open areas adjacent to property fence lines. If you are walking nude and enjoying Gaea, you should have suitable clothing to cover when in areas where required as well as provide some clothing or material to sit on.
Gaea General Rules
In addition to abiding by any and all federal, state and local laws, it is expected that those who wish to enjoy the sanctuary of Gaea respect the basic policies regarding personal behavior and responsibilities.
Registration: Everyone is required to pre-register and pay fees prior to arrival.
Cameras: All photographers must obtain a signed pre-photo written release from any person photographed. Photographing anyone unaware is not allowed.
Children & Minors: No one under 18 is permitted without a parent or legal guardian. The supervision, safety and behavior of all persons 17 or under are the responsibility of their parent or guardian. Children 15 and under are to be in the direct presence and supervision of their parent or guardian.
Pets: Pets are allowed at Gaea. Pets include any companion animal you bring to camp. For the safety of pets and others, please read and familiarize yourself with our pet rules. They will be stringently enforced.
All pets must be on a 6-10 foot non-retractable leash.
Pets may not be tied out or tied to trees.
Owners should maintain physical control of the animal at all times.
When away from your pet, it must be in a kennel. Even inside a tent or cabin.
Pets are not to be confined to your vehicle in extreme heat or cold.
Pets are not allowed in the dining hall or shower house.
Do not bring your pet to camp if it has known aggression issues. If your pet is aggressive, you will be asked to remove your pet from the property.
If your pet becomes a nuisance, as in the case of excessive dog barking, you will be asked to remove your pet from the property.
You will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination if requested. Please have that available.
All rules apply to animals deemed as emotional support animals.
As stated by federal law, dogs and miniature horses are the only animals recognized as service animals.
Vehicles: The speed limit is 5 mph. Parking is permitted in designated parking areas only (see map). Please restrict driving - park, walk, exercise, and enjoy the land.
Harassment: Harassment in any form based on, but not limited to, religion, spirituality, sexual preferences, race, gender or age is not allowed.
Littering: Gaea is Pack in / Pack out. All trash and recycling should be removed from the property with you. Everyone is expected to clean up after themselves.
Fires: Use existing fire pits ONLY. Portable fireplaces and grills are permitted. Be mindful of red flag warnings and burn bans – there are no fires allowed in these instances.
Firewood: Contact a caretaker for full information or bring your own wood. Use of existing wood stacks or pre-cut timber already on property is not allowed.
Hunting & Fishing: Hunting of any type is not allowed. Fishing is allowed with the proper Kansas licensee.
Sites: Meditation/Ritual areas are situated throughout Gaea. It is expected that these spaces will be respected and offerings left at them are undisturbed.
Personal Items: Personal items become the property of Gaea if left over 7 days. Lost and found is located on the dining hall porch.
Sexual Activities: Sexual activities are strictly prohibited in all public areas of the retreat center. Such activities are only permitted within private areas where privacy can be reasonably assured.
Definitions
Private Areas: Designated spaces where individuals can engage in personal activities with an expectation of privacy. These include individual tents and fully enclosed camping areas, and private cabins or rooms rented by guests.
Public Areas: Communal spaces intended for general use by all guests where personal activities are visible to others. These include communal gathering spaces (e.g., pavilions, dining areas), public restrooms and showers, trails, open fields, parking lots, and pathways.
Sexual Activities: Defined as any behavior of a sexual nature, including but not limited to, intercourse, oral sex, mutual masturbation, and intimate touching.
Enforcement:
Staff and volunteers will monitor public areas to ensure compliance with this policy.
Any reports or observations of non-compliance will be addressed promptly and discreetly by staff.
This policy is applicable at all times, including during rented events.
Consequences -
Violations of this policy may result in:
Warnings or fines.
Eviction from the premises without a refund.
Possible ban from future events or reservations.
Personal Items: Personal items become the property of Gaea if left over 7 days. Lost and found is located on the dining hall porch.
Gaea Code Of Conduct
This policy to everyone present at Gaea, for any purpose. Please read and familiarize yourself with your rights, and your responsibilities when on the land.
Summary
We are committed to providing a positive and trouble-free experience for all, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, age, theological perspective, or relationship status (polyamory, monogamy, singleness). We do not tolerate unacceptable behavior in any form. Anyone violating these rules may be expelled as appropriate, at the discretion of the Earth Rising Board of Directors or Caretakers.
This policy will be reviewed annually, by the members of the Board of Earth Rising, and we reserve the right to update it without warning when appropriate.
Scope
All individuals on the property are expected to follow these rules at all times.
Full policy
This document covers unacceptable behavior whether within or outside the law.
Unacceptable behavior includes:
Verbal harassment, especially when it reinforces social structures of domination related to gender, gender identity, and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, theological perspective, relationship status (polyamory, monogamy, singleness).
Deliberate intimidation, bullying and or stalking, and any other behavior which is likely to cause alarm or distress to a reasonable person.
Photography or recording without written consent.
Sustained disruption of talks or other events (including through intoxication of alcohol and/or drugs).
Inappropriate or unwanted physical contact, this includes any form of physical touch. Always seek consent when initiating any physical contact with another person..
Unwelcome sexual or other personal attention.
Theft or extortion including by deception.
Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Enforcement
If anyone is asked to cease unacceptable behavior it is expected that they will comply immediately.
Organizers will take any actions reasonably necessary to maintain a welcoming environment for all participants. This may include warning the person who is acting in breach of this policy and, in appropriate cases, requiring them to leave the venue without a refund or the imposition of stipulations for future attendance.
Activities, Talks, And Workshops
Any activities, talks, workshops, or rituals will have adequate disclosure as to their content. It will also be made clear that people are not required to attend and may leave activities, talks, workshops, or rituals which make them uncomfortable at any time. No one should ever feel pressured into participating, attending or staying.
Incidents and Reporting
If you witness any infraction of this policy:
If you feel comfortable, consider informing the person or persons responsible that you would like them to stop. Always consider the safety of yourself and the people around you. Aggressive confrontation is not endorsed.
If you do not feel comfortable, observe the people who are blatantly breaking the rules and contact safety, caretakers, organizers, or board members to address the issue.
You can contact the caretakers by going to their cabin or by using the radio that will be outside their door. You can let board members know what is going on if they are present at camp. At ERI festivals you can contact safety by going to the Safety Tent or finding any Safety Volunteer.
When taking a personal report, efforts may be made to seek permission to involve other relevant staff from the event or organization to ensure the report is managed properly. Reports are handled as respectfully and discreetly as possible but may, under some circumstances, be required by law to be disclosed.
Please contact law enforcement if you feel it is necessary, or if requested, safety, caretakers, or organizers will assist with contacting the police or local support services where appropriate.
Violations of this code reduce the value of Gaea for everyone. We want your experience of Gaea to be positive. We value participation in our events and appreciate all efforts to provide a safe and friendly space for all.