Winter Solstice Communibration

Sunday, December 21 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Camp Lake of the Woods (Hogan), Swope Park
7332 Oakwood Dr., Kansas City, MO 64132

As the longest night invites stillness, we’ll gather to honor winter’s quiet gifts—connection, reflection, and community care. In a season often centered on buying more, we’re choosing to experience more: more presence in nature, more togetherness, more meaning.

Come As You Are

This is a come-and-go gathering. Supervised children are welcome. (Please let pets stay cozy at home.)

Community Yule Log Ritual

Together we’ll co-create a community Yule Log as a symbol of returning light and shared intentions.

Add sprigs of evergreen, dried herbs, and a ribbon or twine.
Write a word, prayer, or intention and tuck it into the greenery.
We’ll bless the log as a circle, then place it by the Hogan hearth as our communal centerpiece for the afternoon (weather and site conditions permitting).
(Optional: bring a small evergreen clipping, ribbon, or a short written intention to contribute.)

Flow of the Afternoon

1:00–2:00 PM — Guided winter trail walk around the Hogan with TRA volunteers
2:00 PM — Solstice meditation led by Amy Schonhoff
2:15–3:00 PM — Community Yule Log creation & blessing
3:00–4:00 PM — Warm up by the Hogan fire with wintry storytelling, s’mores, and cider; optional simmer-pot craft to take home

What to Know / Bring

Dress for the weather and unpaved trails (layers, warm hat/gloves, sturdy shoes/boots).
We’ll provide s’mores and cider; feel free to bring a reusable mug or thermos.
Optional contributions: small evergreen clipping, ribbon/twine, or a written intention for the Yule Log.
Accessibility note: trails are natural surface and may be uneven. Cozy fireside space is available at the Hogan for those who prefer to remain near the lodge.
Fire/placement of the Yule Log will follow site guidelines and weather/safety conditions.