2025 Ohio River Valley Christian Intentional Community, Nurturing Communities Network & Catholic Worker Gathering
Invitation & Info Packet
Sisters! Brothers!
We give thanks to our God for the chance to gather together, share our lives and stories, sing, dance, and learn from one another. Come join this celebration of mutual aid, clarification of thought, and communal life. - The Bloomington (IN) Christian Radical Catholic Worker
DATES:
Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25, 2024
(See complete schedule below)
LOCATION:
Camp Bedford
33 Church Camp Road, Bedford, IN 47421
Camp Phone: 812-329-1222
WHAT IS THE OHIO RIVER VALLEY?
It is the land area that serves as the drainage basin feeding the Ohio River. For our purposes it means folks living in or near Indiana, Ohio & Kentucky (plus Chicago and Michigan and from wherever else folks come).
COST:
The whole kit’n’kaboodle cost of hosting the Gathering runs the Bloomington Catholic Worker about $2800. (This works out to a cost of ~$23 per adult, per night.) Please contribute according to your ability. DO NOT LET THE COST PROHIBIT ANYONE FROM YOUR COMMUNITY FROM ATTENDING.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
There are a total of 10 cabins that fit 10 campers each in bunk beds. There is a central bath house for the cabins. We will also be able to tent camp in specific areas. Please plan to clean up after your own sleeping area. OR you can reserve an RV hook-up site if you add $50/night to your donation.
ARRIVAL & PARKING:
Check-in time is Friday at 4p. Members of the Bloomington Catholic Worker will be around to welcome you and orient you to the new space.
ACCESSIBILITY:
We are eager to accommodate all people with all needs. If you have questions about the space and want to be sure it will work for you, please do give Andrea a call at 812-679-2454 (cell); we would be eager to figure things out.
CHILDREN:
Children are strongly welcomed and encouraged to attend. There will be times set aside for childcare, always with multiple adults watching the children. Older kids will be split from the younger ones to enable more age-appropriate play.
THE POOL:
The pool is only accessible for swimming and playing when a lifeguard is on duty. We plan for this to be on Saturday afternoon as well as another time. Stay tuned!
RSVPs/REGISTRATION:
Call or email Andrea Martinie Eiler at 812-679-2454, amartinieeiler@gmail.com to RSVP. Please do reach out in advance if you need to reserve a cabin for your own family/group or want to offer an activity/addition to the schedule.
ALCOHOL POLICY:
Camp Bedford will allow us to have self-served (grab it from the fridge yourself) wine and beer. Please also bring delicious non-alcoholic alternatives. Do not bring hard liquor.
PET POLICY:
Pets are not allowed at Camp Bedford.
CATHOLIC & CHRISTIAN STUFF:
There will be an ecumenical Christian worship service on Sunday morning as part of our gathering.
THE SCHEDULE:
Friday 24 May
Arrival anytime after 2:00pm
6:00pm - Dinner
7:30pm - Evening Prayer & Singing
8:30pm – Fireside Music Jam and Ice Cream
10:00 – Compline
Saturday 25 May
7:15-8:30am - Breakfast
8:30 - Morning Prayer & Singing
9:15-10:15 - Introductions, chore assignments & day planning
10:15-11:10 - Roundtable Discussions (With Childcare)
...
10:00 – Compline
Sunday 26 May
7:30-9:00am - Breakfast
9:30 – Ecumenical Worship in the Lodge
10:30-11:30 - Retreat Center Clean-up
12:00 – Lunch with Leftovers & Farewells
2:00 - Depart
Please feel free to come by the Bloomington Catholic Worker after departing from Camp Bedford. 821 N. Blair Ave., Bloomington, IN 47404. We will unpack and then rest/be introverted in the afternoon. Then we will offer a simple dinner, a campfire if weather permits, and even breakfast on Monday if you end up sleeping in a tent or on our living room floor.