Dear @FirstName,

Congratulations on booking yourself into a weekend of reclaiming your wildness and wisdom!

This email contains information which will help you navigate your journey with maximum safety and wellbeing, as well as get the best harvest from this commitment of time and energy that you have chosen to make.

VENUE: The Grove, Webb's Creek Mountain Road, near Wiseman's Ferry. Travel time is approximately 2 hours from Sydney and Gosford, and 3 hours from Newcastle and Wollongong.

Please note that there is very little mobile reception in the area, so please download the directions before you travel.

Location link here: Grove Gatherings - Google Maps

The Grove is a venue equipped with compost toilets and showers, plus a fully - equipped kitchen and several covered communal spaces where we will gather at various times. Accommodation is camping only. You are required to bring your own tent and bedding, plus other useful gear listed below under "What to bring".

Because there is very little phone reception at the Grove, you will need to prepare to be out of communication range from family, work, etc. during this time. This will also help you be fully present for your journey and create a strong container for the group.

TIMINGS: Please arrive between 12.00 and 1.00p.m. on Friday 13th June 2025. You will need to register and set up your tent and camping gear before the opening circle, which is at 2.00 p.m.

The retreat will end at 2.00 p.m. after lunch on Sunday 15th. You will then have until 3.00 to pack up your camp and leave the venue.

During the retreat, you will not need to keep track of time. This will be held by the facilitators and service team. Audible signals will be given to notify you of things that are happening which require your presence.

FOOD: Your ticket includes all meals during the retreat and we will cater according to the 'dietary requirements' you stated during the booking process. If you have any queries or need to give us extra information about food allergies or medical conditions related to food, please contact the host. Healthy snacks and drinks will also be available on arrival and at various times during the retreat.

SAFETY AND WELLBEING

In the process of re-awakening and reclaiming your own inner wildness and wisdom, you may find some of the activities challenging and at the edge of your comfort zone. It is therefore important that we look after ourselves and each other.
This retreat is created, organised and run with the physical, mental and emotional safety of all men in mind. During the weekend, you will be invited into agreements of confidentiality, respect and self-responsibility in order to create a safe retreat 'container' for yourself and your fellow men. Before the event, the 'Participant Information and Consent Form' will be emailed to you. This includes a medical questionnaire which will help us understand any needs or limitations which may need to be addressed in relation to the activities and processes which are part of the retreat schedule. You will need to return this to on or before Tuesday 10th June.

After the event, a WhatsApp group will be created so you can connect with your fellow men and support each other's integration of your journey back into daily life. In this group, there will be an invitation to a Zoom call of participants, facilitated by Alasdair to 'debrief' and support the integration process. This will take place at 7.00 - 8.30 p.m. on Sunday 22nd June. It is strongly recommended that you commit to attending this call and schedule it in your calendar now.

WHAT TO BRING

Tent
Sleeping bag/bedding with two blankets.
Warm clothing including beanie, jumper, thick socks and gloves - night-time temperatures can be in low single figures at this time of year.
Waterproof jacket
A sarong or towel for the sweat lodge
Towels for showering and drying off after lodge.
Sturdy footwear for bushland tracks.
Hat and sunscreen
All necessary toiletries
A flask insulated cup for hot drinks
A water bottle for personal use
A torch or head torch for night-time use - don't rely on your phone!
Drums and percussion instruments if you have them
Notebook and pen
Any regular prescribed medication you need

PLEASE DO NOT BRING

Alcohol, unprescribed drugs or psychoactive plant medicines of any kind. Your attendance at this retreat is conditional on your being free of these at all times.
Tobacco products or vapes if you have any alternative. If you can't go without them, then these can only be used outside the event site. The carpark is an acceptable area for smoking.
Bluetooth speakers or any other noisy electrical devices.
Sugary snacks and junk food. These undermine the process and value of your retreat experience. Healthy, hearty snacks and drinks (including tea and coffee) will be available from the time you arrive and regularly throughout the retreat.

If you have any queries arising from this email or the retreat in general, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Yours in Wildness,

Alasdair