Gaea Retreat Center
FAQs
General Questions
Camping at Gaea
Events Questions
Please choose a question on the left.
Q:What does Gaea mean?
Gaea is the ancient Greek name for Mother Earth, or Earth Mother. She is the wife of Chaos and joined with him to produce all of known reality. The sanctuary that is Gaea honors Mother Earth.
Q:Who is Earth Rising, Inc.?
Earth Rising Inc., is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization that owns and operates Gaea Retreat Center. There is a board of directors that meets on a monthly basis. The date, time and location of the next board meeting is posted on the calendar page.
Q:Is Gaea Retreat Center a Nudist Camp?
No, Gaea is designed as a recreational retreat center for the purpose of cultural and spiritual education. As such, the camp promotes tolerance, acceptance and respect between groups and individuals. We neither promote nor discourage nudity as it is a personal and spiritual choice.
However, clothing is required in many places, such as in public buildings, on or along the main access roads, and open areas adjacent to property fence lines. If you are walking nude and enjoying Gaea, you should have suitable clothing to cover when in areas where required as well as provide some clothing or material to sit on.
Q:Who is welcome at Gaea Retreat Center?
Gaea Retreat Center is private property and permission to be on the property is governed by the Earth Rising, Inc. Board of Directors and implemented by caretakers of the property. Under normal circumstances anyone who abides by the rules is welcome on the property, except during scheduled exclusive events when the entire facility has been reserved by a private organization. Permission to be on the property can be rescinded due to flagrant violation of the rules or the Respect Agreement.
Q:Is Gaea a Singles Spot, Swingers Hangout or Pickup Place?
No, no, and no. If this is what you are after when you come out to Gaea, then you will probably be unhappy with us and we may end up very unhappy with you. “Cruising for a pick-up" is behavior that is unwelcome and discouraged.
Q:Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome at camp. You are required to keep your dog on a leash and attend it at all times. You are also required to pick up after your pet. For sanitation reasons, pets are not allowed in the shower house, dining hall or kitchen.
Q:Can I Tent-Camp out in the trees?
There are many trails and tent-camping sites on the camp property and you are welcome to set up your tent in most areas. Do NOT tie ropes or wires to the trees in any way that will injure or damage them, and take them down when you leave. Please do not block established trails and please do NOT "Bush-Whack". You may remove small weeds from a tent-camp site but do NOT cut any trees or bushes that are larger in diameter than your thumb, and try not to disturb the numerous berry patches, flower areas, or planted trees. Also, be aware that there are many sacred and ritual areas around Gaea. These may be well-tended, marked areas or may be a simple pile of rocks or a cleared area. If in doubt, show the area respect.
Q:May I cut firewood?
Do NOT cut firewood except for downed, dead trees. Collecting downed branches is acceptable. Don’t go into the wood corral by the sheds without explicit permission - much of the wood in this area has been specifically gathered for special purposes.
Q:Where can I build a fire?
Do NOT build your own fire-ring - please use only the established and maintained fire pits. You may bring and use a portable barbeque or fire hearth, but please do not dump ashes from them on the ground - take the ashes with you when you leave or put them in an established fire pit. Please do not dump anything in the Main Ritual fire circle or in the Bardic fire circle on Sunset Ridge. These are considered ritual sites by many people.
Q:What amenities do the cabins have?
Cabins offer electricity but no plumbing. Cabin bunks are single mattresses on a frame. You will need to bring your own bedding (pillow, sheets, blankets, sleeping bag, etc.). Just like a campsite, you are expected to leave the cabin in better shape than you found it.
Q:Is there an extended stay policy?
Extended Stay Policy (festivals excluded)
Effective January 15th, 2018, camping stays lasting more than 14 days in a rolling 30 day period will require approval of the Board of Directors. Approval must be obtained at a board meeting prior to your arrival. Requests can be submitted in person, via a Caretaker, or can be emailed to camp (https://gaearetreat.org/
Q:What does “Exclusive Event” mean?
An exclusive event means the camp is rented exclusively for group use. Camp is closed to the public during the exclusive rental. It is advisable to always check the calendar before heading out to Gaea.
Q:What does “Non-exclusive Event” mean?
Small group activities in reserved areas of camp are considered non-exclusive. The areas that are reserved are not open for use, be it camping, sunbathing, driving, walking, etc. It is advisable to always check the calendar before heading out to Gaea.