Lighting the Heart Path - Spring 2025

This gathering is planned and led by men seasoned in facilitating rites of passage experiences and men’s retreats.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

     The weekend will include large group gatherings with stories and poems, small group sessions, and opportunities to participate in workshops involving music, song, poetry, a rite of passage experience for the young men, and enough free time to explore the beautiful camp and lake. Sign in will be from 5 to 7 PM on Friday April 11th (dinner from 5:00-6:00). If arriving after 6:00, please handle dinner on your own. The program will begin promptly at 7PM. The closing will be at 2 PM on Sunday, April 13th.

CAMP CHESTNUT RIDGE:

     The camp is located just off of I-40 between Burlington and Durham. It is situated among 340 acres of beautiful wooded hills, wetlands, and a 9 acre lake. Cabins are dormitory style with bunks, toilets, and showers.  Or, bring a tent and camp out! Please bring your own bedding. Link to Camp Chestnut Ridge https://www.campchestnutridge.org 

MEALS:

     Meals will be provided from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. Fruit will be available for snacking. We will try to accommodate special diets. 

SPREAD THE WORD: 

     We rely on networking to get the word out. If you know of other men (especially young men) who would enjoy and benefit from this weekend, let them know about it. Print flier can be mailed upon request.

YOUNG MEN:

     Ages 13 and up are encouraged to attend. We are asking that young men 17 and under be accompanied by a male parent or guardian or a male sponsor. There is a separate form for young men that includes a permission and waiver of liability section for those under age 18. Contact the registrar or check online if you'd like more information.

WORKSHOPS:

     This year we will have wonderful workshops to choose from including yoga, poetry, drumming, and more. Our workshops are led by the extraordinary talent of our participants. If you have idea for a workshop you'd like to organize, please contact:

Jarod Brown   jarodebrown@gmail.com 704-650-4740

Rio Sawhill     riosawhill@gmail.com      828-406-7767

Evan Nash     nashman41@gmail.com      980-446-4875

COST FOR THE WEEKEND:

     Adult men 18 years old and older—$200 Young men ages 13-18—$150 (Scholarships available)

Refund Policy:

    Cancel by the registration cutoff date, midnight April 4th – registration fee refunded less 10% for administrative costs. Cancellations after the cutoff date, and through April 9th – a nonrefundable credit of the registration fee can, on a case by case basis, be applied to the next year’s Gathering if you decide to attend. Less than 24 hours in advance, no shows, or early departure – registration fee forfeited. 

FINANCIAL AID:

     Financial aid is available. No one will be excluded due to financial need. Register at jp4men.org  our web site registration page. After you register you will automatically receive instructions and directions by email. When we receive your registration, we will send updated information using your email address. 

Caveats for Registration: 

    Space is limited. The cutoff for registration is midnight April 4th. No registrations will be accepted after that time and you must be registered by that date to attend the 2025 Gathering. We ask that all participants arrange their schedules to be present from the opening ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday until the closing ceremony at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The quality of experience of the gathering is highly dependent on the “container” created over the course of the weekend.