Microsolidarity Summer Camp (USA)

Microsolidarity Summer Camp, Skamokawa, WA July 15-21
 

“How can we support each other to build communities of belonging, partnership & purpose?”

Microsolidarity is a practice for building small high-trust communities. We create spaces where people develop relationships of mutual support & belonging & purposeful action. The Microsolidarity Summer Camp will be a co-created event to practice a more connected way of being in community with others from the microsolidarity network. 

Whether you are new to or familiar with microsolidarity, this gathering is an opportunity to experience belonging in a fun and participatory way by connecting to the land, people, and meaningful work.
 

What to expect

Elkenmist is a lush and forested farmland where elk and mist invite humans to become alchemists. We believe there are mythical creatures living on the land which are half Elk and half Mist and who can shape-shift at will from being an Elk to being a creature of mist. We also hope to learn to shape-shift ourselves into the beings we are meant to be through the alchemical process of working on and with the land. Read more…

The gathering is hosted by Ioan Mitrea, Abby Oulton and Sara Bajor. We invite you to join us in this week of gathering around a campfire and co-creating community at Elkenmist, a home and emerging farmstead on over 120 acres in Skamokawa Valley, two miles from the Columbia River.  

As hosts, we’ll provide “the container”. This means we take care of the logistics and we’ll hold the minimum viable agenda: opening, closing, and some key moments throughout the retreat. 

The container is filled by whoever shows up! Most of the agenda will be constructed by all the participants. We use “Open Space Technology” so each day you can offer what you're ready to share and choose whichever offered explorations are most interesting to you. Community offerings could include skill-sharing workshops, food preparation for the camp, discussions, movement practices, games, sauna time, writing circles, or time for heading off on your own to savor a hammock nap! You will create your experience within a context we'll co-create.

Use of the space and the labor of the hosting team is being donated, in an effort to make this gathering more affordable than it otherwise would be. We trust you'll meet us and each other in a similar spirit of generosity. 

When

You can choose to participate for the full week long immersion experience (July 15-21), or just a 3-day intro (July 15-18). 

Food & Accommodation

An evening meal will be served July 15th and a lunch on July 21st. Three meals will be available each day between and is included in the ticket price. The food hosting team will prioritize local and organic ingredients when possible, and vegetarian options will be available. In the spirit of co-creation, participants are expected to contribute to the preparation or clean up of one or more meals. 

Accommodations are minimal and include shared bathroom facilities for tent & vehicle campers. A limited number of rooms with further amenities are available on a first-come first-served basis (see details below). 

A variety of off-site accommodations are nearby. If you choose to stay off-site, please indicate that during sign up. 

Where

On the lands of Elkenmist, 90 minutes northwest of Portland, Oregon. 53 Maki Rd. Skamokawa, WA 98647, United States. (Map)
 

More info

If you’re new to microsolidarity, check out the website. There you’ll find articles explaining the theory, a resource library full of community-building practices & a podcast of conversations with microsolidarity practitioners.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask, we’ll be happy to hear from you. If you’re interested in joining, but you have some doubts, get in touch.​

Financial transparency

Income from ticket sales will be used to cover travel of the hosting staff, to financially compensate support staff, and for the purchase of food and equipment. We'll share a percentage of the income with the Microsolidarity common fund.

If you want to attend but are financially restricted to do so, please contact us. Some scholarship funds may be available.

Accommodation Details 

Camping

Camping is the loveliest and encouraged option. BYO supplies. There will be camping space near the main house closer to wifi, electrical outlets and flush toilets. Some space will be available in the house with A/C in case it gets hot. 

The more beautiful and natural place to camp will be a short walk away from the main house, by the yurt on the other side of the creek right by the beautiful ancient dragonmama maple. In that area there is a creek to cold plunge in (although the water level will be pretty low in the summer), we will have spring water piped in from the spring up the hill and a composting toilet as well as some porta-potties. There is also shade under the spruce trees for tents and lots of room to roam up the creek and visit the beaver ponds and the skycellium.

There is not much room for cars in the camping area; parking areas will be designated closer to the house on one of the pastures close to the road.

RVs and other camper vehicles are also welcome and will need to stay closer to the main road. There are no RV-hookups at Elkenmist. If proper RV-hookups are required, there is an RV camp 2 miles away on the Columbia River which is pretty affordable: https://wahport2.org/

The Eagle's Eyrie Suite

This upstairs suite has a queen bed, a full futon and a twin bed to accommodate up to 5 people. Room includes a private bathroom. Guests must be able to go up and down stairs to access this room. 

The Heron's Haven Suite

This downstairs suite has a king bed and a couch that pulls out to a bed to accommodate up to 4 people. Room includes a private bathroom. 

The Bus

A converted bus with one king bed. Does not include a private bathroom.

The Tiny House

A tiny house with a full size futon downstairs and room for sleeping bags in the mezzanine. Does not include a private bathroom.