HI ALL! WE'RE ALMOST THERE!
This is an email update that will hopefully satiate all your burning FAQs. Read closely!
If there is anything else you'd like to know, please check in with me and/or your City's coordinator.
We're moving over 100 people up to Hollyhock on Cortes Island next weekend. WOW!
If I can ask anything else -- PLEASE check timing for your flights/bus rides/convoys closely and give yourselves plenty of time to get to where you need to be. Re-check boarding documents. Review travel notes I sent you. Feel free to ask questions. Bearing in mind that you're travelling in a pack and your coordinators will be with you on the way up. Others will be leading the trip home on the way back. We won't toss you in to this big trip solo!
WHAT TO BRINGRain Jacket – if we all bring one, we won’t need them.
Flashlight - it’s dark at night up where there are no city lights.
Warm layers – it will probably be chilly at night.
Easy-off shoes – you have to take them off to enter each building.
Warm socks – with your shoes off, you don’t want your feet to get cold.
Comfy clothes – for sitting on the floor, for relaxing, for yoga, for spending time outside.
Bathing suit – for the hot tub! (or ocean!) (Limited towels provided)
Sunscreen/Bug Oil -- for the elements
Water bottle – no glasses allowed in the session spaces.
Ear plugs – even when you’re heading up to the wilderness, sometimes people snore.
Instruments and music – to share!
Chargers - unless you want a forced vacation from connectivity which is in fact highly recommended.
Wild or fancy outfit – we will have a proper blowout party on Saturday night.
Business cards - we will be providing a contact list but biz cards are still handy.
ID, cash/cards - I'm over-preparing you now ;)
Notebook or journal -- It will go by fast -- but will be memorable. Take notes.
Toothbrush -- We all need this reminder sometimes...
Camera -- If you've mentioned photography in how you can help, I've taken note!! We'll upload photos before we leave camp.
Tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag -- for those of you tenting. We've been in touch about this. See attached rooming list.
Sleeping bag -- for those of you in KAIKUM. If you need to borrow bedding -- please let me know! See attached rooming list.
Wine or Beer if you like -- There will be some time to gather drinks in Campbell River. There is an unlimited juice/coffee/tea station at Hollyhock!
A rock from where you live -- We're planning a sweet and small ceremony with rocks from where we live. (Those of you flying might want to bring small rocks ;)
TRAVEL NOTESYou'll notice in the
agenda attached brief travel notes and timing for getting up to Cortes Island. Most of these place names will be new to you...
view a map here.
Also attached are the breakdowns for school bus and water taxi trips.
Ottawa and Saskatoon guests: You'll be flying in to Comox on Friday, May 24 and we'll be picking you up in a school bus and brining you to the water taxi in Campbell River. From there we take a short boat ride to Cortes Island!
On the way home you're all taking the water taxi back to Campbell River and then school bussing to the big ferry boat that takes you back to Horseshoe Bay and
catching the public bus ($2.75) to Vancouver where you'll be spending a night before flying home on Monday. With the confirmation numbers I sent you, you should be able to check into your flights the night before you fly.
Calgary guests: You're taking the Greyhound overnight leaving Thurs, May 23. Once in Vancouver on Fri, May 24 AM you'll transfer to a new Greyhound bus that will take you directly to the big ferry. Kevin will purchase you ferry tickets and distribute -- so stick together and with Mike. When the ferry docks in Nanaimo you'll go all the way to the water taxi in the school bus! Water taxis will bring you to Cortes Island.
On the way home you're all taking the water taxi back to Campbell River and then school bussing to the big ferry boat that takes you back to Horseshoe Bay and
catching the public bus to Vancouver where you'll be spending a night before bussing home EARLY Monday am.
Edmonton guests: You all have your driving arrangements planned and you're leaving Thursday, May 23 AM. Accommodations are all arranged for a night in Vancouver before you drive to the ferry boat at 9am on Fri, May 24. Half of you will be driving ALL THE WAY to Cortes Island.. the other will park and join the ferry > school bus > water taxi convoys.
Back that route up for returning home ;) I've printed you all maps!
Vancouver guests: Whoever can.. I recommend you
drive up and park at the ferry terminal in long term parking. Why? Because we're planning on sending 75 of you back on public transportation on May 26 otherwise. I know some of you are planning on driving already... but I'm hoping you can self-arrange to take the stress off of the public transport we'll be relying on for the route home.
Click here for the Translink bus route.
BILLETING
Thanks again to all of you in Vancouver who've offered to host. On the evening of Thursday, May 23 only Emma Pullman, Logan McIntosh and Sean Peters will be hosting Edmonton folks.
On the way home on Sun, May 26 I'd prefer if we arranged that between the people who need a place to stay and couches to crash while we're at the Gathering. Why? SO many plans have changed... and it will be easiest to make connections in person. In Vancouver: Sean, Logan, James G, Heather, Jolan, Lucinda, Rachel and Robyn... I'll confirm everyone's billeting needs and be in touch with you over our Gathering weekend. Cool?
ABOUT CORTES ISLAND & HOLLYHOCKSee map here. There are well-stocked stores on the island. But do bring everything you’ll need. There is also a gift store with small provisions at Hollyhock.
If you are interested in doing a little further reading on your own.. Cortes is home to the
Klahoose people. And the coast of BC is home to a larger grouping of tribes and nations know as
Coast Salish people.
Here is a link to learn a little more about the Hollyhock Retreat centre. It's been a centre of gravity for many progressives out here in the West/Coast for a number of productive and connective years!
Do note that all of your allergies and sensitivities have been noted. All meals at Hollyhock are hearty, delicious vegetarian home cooking. (They're so well known for their cuisine that they even have a best selling cook book!)
AGENDA: BREAKOUT GROUPS & MARKETPLACE OF IDEASOn the attached agenda you'll see two chunks of time (1h45min each) for open space breakouts. Some of you are putting a lot of pre-planning time in and have let me know what you're bringing to the Gathering. Great!
Please note that there WILL be space to offer up a breakout space activity while we're up there if you come up with something between now and then.
On the subject of breakout spaces: a message from Edith (Vancouver) and Leah (Calgary) (POSTER ATTACHED): Hello all! We are excited to offer a breakout session titled, "This is the Moment" at the Next Up National Gathering at the end of this month. The session unites storytelling skills with a the opportunity to get involved and give feedback on a new web-based project to promote the Sylvan Lake Declaration. Please see the attached poster for more details - and don't miss the checklist section!
Marketplace of Ideas: Your turn on the soapbox!
Our Marketplace of Ideas session is on Saturday evening. This is an opportunity for you to share your latest campaign, project, pitch or idea in a short 2-minute creative presentation (no powerpoints, thought!) This is a wonderful profile opportunity for you to share what you're up to! Sign up when you arrive at Hollyhock as space is limited and BE CREATIVE with your 2 minutes! (Costumes, songs, poems, spoken word, encouraged. There will be a music jack and a costume box!)
Alright! Hope that covers it for now! PHEW.
So excited all! See you soon!

ac
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Andrea Curtis
Regional Coordinator, Next Up BC
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778 549 7874