Let's Get Together, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

[zvi]

Have you ever gone to a UU conference or camp? Was it a working conference/camp, e.g. racial justice or environmentalism or religious education, or a multi-use, UU in general gathering? Did you like it? Would you recommend it to other people? What spiritual needs did it fulfill that aren't met by a congregation, if you have a congregation available to you? What spiritual needs does it fulfill that might have been met by a congregation, but you don't attend one?

Comments

[dragonfly]

I went to choir camp at deBenneville Pines, once. Nature, living in cabins, eating communally, and SINGING. Doesn't get much better than that.

[lovepeaceohana]

I've been to PSWD Young Adult Camp at de Benneville Pines twice, which is a little bit of everything - there are usually a handful social justice "streams" to choose from (they're basically two 2hr workshops over the weekend), some "funshops" and workshops ("workship," if you're attending the worship workshop). And there are services, and covenant groups, other activities (a stargazing hike, archery, canoeing) and plenty of social time. ...I don't think I go to camp for the right reasons, so that I do not particularly enjoy it except as a weekend getaway with meal service and a bottomless coffeepot says more about me than about camp. It keeps growing every year, and I've had several friends go and really enjoy themselves.

I've also been to a handful of working conferences. I really enjoyed the Mosaic Makers Conference in Washington, D.C., which was held at All Souls and focused on growing a truly multicultural congregation - I felt spiritual there in a way I do not often feel, through a combination of very well-chosen music and powerful, poignant preachers with a message that really resonated with me. I had a negative experience of the Multicultural Leadership School, a youth and young adult program that aims to teach leadership skills for a multicultural world, though I know others have had really positive things to say about it.

I've been to a DRUUMM regional conference that was so invigorating and amazing that I began regularly attending at my local congregation. It feels obvious but I will say it anyway: the presence and understanding of that many other POC met a spiritual need that I cannot often meet at my current congregation.

With the exception of the Multicultural Leadership School, I would absolutely recommend these conferences/camp to interested parties. And frankly, while I'd be willing to share my reservations, I'd still probably encourage folks to attend the MLS - it can't get better otherwise, and given the truly excellent folks participating, I have faith that it can and it will.