Wilderness Guides Council

Dear WGC Member—

The gifts we receive when we attend WGC Gatherings are immeasurable. The laughter and conversations, the sharing and friendships, the inspiration and learning—each Gathering is like a rite of passage unto itself. We renew ourselves, learn about what people are doing around the world, and are inspired to try new ideas. We share the profound experiences people have when they really connect with the natural world, that we can do better. And we are always changed and deepened by our connections with one another.

As you know, we’re hosting the next 8th Global Gathering ofWilderness Guides from May 31-June 6, 2020, at Bearskin Meadow Camp, near Sequoia National Forest in eastern California. We want everyone who feels called to attend the Global Gathering to be able to do so. To do this, we need your help.

Can you make a donation to our scholarship fund, so that people, with diverse stories, traditions, ideas, and perspectives may attend?

Many people in the U.S. and other countries need financial support in order to make the trip possible. Our theme this year is Borderlands: Difference and Unity in Ceremony, Community, and Nature. Our goal of exploring many kinds of borders at this Gathering must begin with welcoming as many people as possible into the currently unwelcoming borders of our own country.

Our goal is to raise $10,000, so that we can offer scholarships to as many people as possible. Please donate whatever you can to help with this important goal! Whatever you can give will be appreciated.

There are several ways you can help

* Contribute to the scholarship find here on GoFundMe
* Pay the Gathering registration fee for someone else!
* Give service instead of money! Help someone out by inviting them to stay overnight with you in your home before or after the Gathering. Drive them to or from the Gathering. Is there another way you can help to make someone’s journey easier and more welcoming?

We all have generous hearts! Join us for what is certain to be a remarkable event! You’ll find more information and a registration form on the WGC website.

With Love and Gratitude—

THE GLOBAL GATHERING COUNCIL (Trebbe Johnson, Fran Weinbaum, Jim Mahoney, Michelle Katz, Whitney Wright, Jonathan “Dorje” Kabat, Rubert Marques, Bettina Straud, Anastasia Khromova, Paul “Greenman” Andrade, Lauren Bond, and Netkeepers Present and Future—Jason Geoffrion, Christi Strickland, and Kinde Nebeker)

Help the Wilderness Guides Council's 9 scholarship applicants attend this year's annual gathering on Salt Spring Island, BC by contributing to our scholarship fund!  We are gathering on May 13-18, 2019.

We need $2250 to be able to support all of them, and we need your help!

For the past 30 years, we have gathered annually to support guides of rites of passage and other wilderness based healing practices.  We come together to restore ourselves, connect, learn from each other, and deepen our practice.

Nine people have requested scholarships this year. Some are young, some elder, some seasoned members, and some just joining our circle.  We would like to be able to support all of them, but we are in need of more funds to make that happen!

To learn more about our gathering or to join us in May, visit: https://www.wildernessguidescouncil.org/content/may-13-18-2019-salt-spring-island-bc

In addition to our scholarship needs for 2019, we are hosting the 8th annual international gathering in the spring of 2020. We expect 200+ guides from around the world!  Please consider contributing as much as you are able not only for 2019, but also to support guides from around the world to gather in 2020.
https://www.wildernessguidescouncil.org/content/8th-global-gathering-wilderness-guides-may-31-june-6-2020

Our mission:
We believe that wilderness has great healing and inspirational qualities. Our goal is to re-introduce and promote meaningful, earth-based rites of passage, as well as related nature-based healing and educational programs, in the context of our modern culture.

We appreciate your generosity!