Spiritual Retreat
Pilgrimage 2009: Camino de Santiago
For over a thousand years, pilgrims have walked from all over Europe to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. While a visit to the shrine of St. James isn’t a Unitarian tradition, in June 2009, a group of 20 or so All Souls members and friends, led by Rev. Shana Lynngood, will walk a portion of the Camino de Santiago, imbuing the journey with Unitarian meditations, songs, prayers, and meaning. Each morning and evening, Shana will lead the group in spiritual practices, singing, and reading. On the trail, silence will be observed to encourage each pilgrim to find peace and joy in walking meditation.
In spring 2009, participants will attend six required Tuesday-evening classes led by Shana and Claudia Liebler to discuss ideas and traditions of pilgrimage, think about goals for the walk, and begin to get to know their fellow pilgrims. They will get scallop shells (the symbol of the Camino de Santiago) and create a book of walking songs and chants. The group will also do some practice walks and get information from Sheila Campbell about boots and blisters. All Souls members may invite a close friend to come along, but, because part of the joy of a pilgrimage is the community it creates, friends will be required to attend the spiritual preparation classes as well.
Most pilgrims take the French route across northern Spain, but this walk follows an ancient, rarely used track from Tui, a village on the border between Portugal and Spain. It is called the “inspired” way, as it sparked many medieval walkers to record its humble beauty in songs and verse. The hike – 74 miles over six days – is not difficult for those in good health, but many days are long, so stamina is required. Pilgrims who cannot complete a particular day’s walk can arrange local transportation at their own cost.Upon arrival, pilgrims receive certificates from the cathedral in Compostela.
Portugal Walks, a certified Responsible Travel company, will organize the walk, booking accommodations in small hotels and inns, arranging breakfast, providing maps, and moving luggage. The pilgrims, however, will guide themselves.
The dates of the voyage are June 10 to June 18. The cost per person sharing a double room with bath is £400 (about $800); the single room supplement is £150 (about $300). This price does not cover the flight to Portugal or the train to Tui. Participants will also pay for packed lunches and dinners, plus any incidentals.
Participants must register both with All Souls and directly with Portugal Walks. First sign up at www.portugalwalks.com. The “tour name” is Camino Portugues, and the start date is June 8. Specify in the comments section that you will be walking with All Souls. All rooms will be shared doubles unless you specify otherwise. Once you’ve received a confirmation, e-mail Shana (slynngood@allsouls.ws) to let her know you’ve registered. Simply telling Shana that you plan to go will not hold a space. All spaces are first-come, first-served, so register as soon as possible.
…………………………………………………………………………..
Dear Camp Letts participants:
Please take the time to read this entire post. All of your questions should be answered here.
Click here for directions to Camp Letts. Click here for a map of the campgrounds (hard copies will be available at check-in).
Check-in will begin at 4:00 pm and end at 11:00 pm on Friday night. (You cannot check in before 4:00 pm. You may explore the nearby town or wander the campgrounds, but please do not enter any buildings or bother staff or other groups.) Day-trippers must check in by 8:30 am to register for the day’s activities.
Please bring the following items:
sleeping gear (a sleeping bag or twin sheets and a blanket and pillow)
bath gear (towels and bath articles, eg toilet paper, soap, shampoo etc)
horseback riding gear (long pants and closed toed shoes; helmets are provided)
pool gear (pool towels, sun screen, and bathing suits; the pool will be open 1:00-4:00 pm)
clothing appropriate for weather
hiking shoes
flashlight
cooler with food you might like to have
journal and pen
yoga mats
Please bring a check book if you would like to participate in activities that you haven’t yet paid for (i.e. professional 30-minute massage for $30).
If you haven’t yet done so, please download and complete the youth activities form. If you do not have a printer, write down what activities you want for your child(ren) and come prepared to complete the form during check-in.
Lastly, below is the information on free workshops for adults and children and camp activities that cost for adults. You can register for these workshops and activities when you check in. If you are a day-tripper, it is very important that you arrive by 8:30 am to register for workshops and activities. Registration for workshops, childcare, and activities will close promptly at 9:00 am.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you this weekend! As I said Sunday, I’m aiming to have Big Fun! See you Friday/Saturday.
–taylar
Free Workshops (times and registration available at the retreat):
Session I - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon (activities range from 60 to 90 minutes)
JUUSTICE Is a Spiritual Journey, facilitated by Paula Cole Jones (adults)
Camp Choir, facilitated by Lenard Starks (ages 8 & up)
Harlem Renaissance, facilitated by Tom Hargrave (ages 15 & up)
Parent and Child Yoga and Movement, facilitated by Rev. Louise Green (ages 3 & up)
Session II - 1:00 to 4:00 pm (activities range from 60 to 90 minutes)
Reconciliation and the Beloved Community, facilitated by Paula Cole Jones (adults)
Hip Hop class, facilitated by local DC hip hop artist and instructor (ages 7 and up)
Spiritual Practice, facilitated by Rev. Shana Lyngood (adults)
Swimming pool open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Session III - 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Amazing gRace, facilitated by Vince Lampone, Lisa Van Arsdale, and Collen and Patrick Fitzgerald
Camp Activities
Horseback riding
High ropes course
Canoeing
Zip line
Sea sled
Interpretive trail (nature walk)
Basic program
Friday: Check in (4:00 pm), dinner followed by evening welcome and vespers service.
Saturday: Breakfast, workshops, ropes course, sports, lunch, guided nature hikes, water balloon toss, scavenger hunt, dinner, campfire singing and smores, intergenerational dance.
Sunday: Breakfast, morning worship service.
If you would be willing to share thoughts, a prayer, or a reading before a meal or if you have other ideas, contact Taylar Nuevelle (taylar.nuevelle@gmail.com) or Tina Richardson (301-326-4550 or richtina1@hotmail.com).
What does the cost cover?
Your registration fee includes Friday and Saturday night lodging at YMCA Camp Letts on the Chesapeake Bay, dinner on Friday night, three meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday.
Your fee also includes:
• Swimming
• Tennis courts
• Basketball court
• Sand volleyball pit
• Scenic athletic field
• Special workshops
• and more…
For an additional payment, you can participate in all camp activities, including:
• Coastal & wetland ecology
• High & low adventure course
• Horseback trail & pony rides
• Canoeing
• Sea-sled
• Hay rides
What are the sleeping accommodations like?
All lodging options require that you bring your own bed linen, pillows, and bath towels.
Tent: Bring your own tent and sleeping bags. You’ll share pool house bathrooms/showers.
Lodge: These building have two dormitory rooms with 10-12 single beds in each. Each room has a bathroom with one toilet, two sinks, and two showers.
Lodge Family/Group Room: These four rooms are located between the two dormitory rooms. Each contains four single beds; the bathrooms are shared with the dormitory rooms. These rooms are intended for families with children; if four adults wish to reserve a room as a group, the cost is individual, not “family rate”.
4003 Camp Letts Road, Edgewater, MD 21037
410.919.1410 or toll free: 1.866.963.6000
Camp Letts is within easy driving distance of two major metropolitan areas. Located on Route 214, two miles east of Route 2 (near Mayo, MD), we’re just ten minutes from Annapolis and 34 miles from Washington or Baltimore.
FROM BALTIMORE: Baltimore Beltway to I-97 South. Take I-97 to US Route 50 East. Follow Rt. 50 to MD Route 665 to MD Route 2 South (all very close). Follow Route 2 to MD Route 214 East (left). Go 3 miles, turn right onto Camp Letts Road (after Stock Building Supply sign). Follow for 1.5 miles into camp.
FROM WASHINGTON: Washington Beltway to US Route 50 East to MD Route 424 (Davidsonville Road). Follow Route 424 to MD Route 214 East (left). Go about 7 miles. Turn right onto Camp Letts Road (after Stock Building Supply sign). Follow for 1.5 miles into camp.
For more information, contact Taylar Nuevelle (taylar.nuevelle@gmail.com) or Tina Richardson (301-326-4550).