Circles of Life
Saturday, August 8 - Friday, August 14, 2026
Description
Workshops
Conference Leadership
Kids Program
Pricing
Description
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Welcome to Circles of Life!
We welcome people and families of all kinds. We welcome singles, children, teens, elders, young adults and you - however you identify and define yourself! We have something for everyone, with morning workshops and activities for adults and children, along with plenty of multigenerational activities in the afternoons and evenings. Come off the beach in the late afternoon, join friends for social hour, then dine in the DeWolfe Dining Hall or out on the Gitchell Porch. After dinner, join the friendship circle or grab an ice cream at the Ferry Beach Store. Join in the inclusive dancing each night, (including international folk dance and more) led by skilled instructors.
Mornings Each morning begins with a short chapel for all led by our Minister of the Week, Rev. Mark Robel. Music is an integral part of our worship, led by Verne McArthur, our Musician of the Week. On Sunday morning, we have a full-length multigenerational service. Adult Workshops Following chapel each morning, adults gather for the Theme Talk. After a short break, there are a variety of workshops for adults. Find details in the "Workshops" and “Conference Leadership” tabs above. Children/ Youth programming During the week while their adults are in their morning workshops, children spend time with their peers. Groups are organized by age (age cutoffs shift based on enrollment.) Each is led by 2 (or more) adults attending Circles of Life, who have completed a background check. Kids will play games, create art and music, and explore local ecology. Intergenerational Activities
Each evening and most afternoons, there are scheduled activities for all ages. Some favorites include:
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Ferry Beach is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year (2026). Join us for an incredible year of celebration!
Young Adults Work Play Program:
The young adults work/play program is intended for those aged 18-25 to learn the values of work while enjoying fun during their stay. **Program participants will work 3 hours a day in the dining hall/kitchen. In compensation program participants lodging and conference fee is waived. Participants just pay for meals during their stay. Want to be part of this program? Please fill out the form here and afterwards register for your conference and put in the note section "young adults program participant". Photos from previous years of Circle of Life..
UUFAF—Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Fun – has now joined the ranks of our other historical names (CVD and CBD). We have chosen our new name to more accurately reflect the nature of our welcoming and inclusive conference. We will continue to focus on our Unitarian Universalist heritage. Our goal of having FUN remains at the heart of our conference!
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Our week is a special time-shared with others on the beautiful Southern Maine coastline. There’s time for laughter and reflection, long beach walks and quick swims, new friendships and family togetherness, sandcastles and sunrises. As a Circles of Life conferee, you are welcome to participate as you choose. We hope that you come as you are, that you find what you need, and that you return home feeling a little richer for the magic and joy you’ve shared in our Circle at the Beach.
Workshops
2026 WORKSHOPS:
THEME TALK
Theme Talk Discussion led by Robi Altimari. We'll discuss spiritual practice (and pop-psychology) tools that help us amplify universal love in our lives, homes, communities, etc. in honor of the 125th anniversary of Ferry Beach.
During the week there may also be an additional pop-up after-talk discussion if participants are interested.
Theme Talk Discussion led by Robi Altimari. We'll discuss spiritual practice (and pop-psychology) tools that help us amplify universal love in our lives, homes, communities, etc. in honor of the 125th anniversary of Ferry Beach.
During the week there may also be an additional pop-up after-talk discussion if participants are interested.
Morning Workshops:
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QI GONG FOR EVERYONE
Developed in China thousands of years ago, qi gong involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit, with the goal of improving and maintaining health and well-being. Join Thea Iberall and Shirley Riga on the beach at 7am every morning for 20 minutes of guided Qi Gong. |
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POETRY IN MANY VOICES
A single, 2-hour creative writing workshop to create collaborative poetry. We’ll generate new writing together that lends itself to multiple voices. No experience necessary, just a desire to be heard out loud and in sync.
Elizabeth Thomas is a published writer and educator who designs and teaches creative writing and oral history programs for all ages. These workshops promote literacy and the power of written and spoken word. As a writer in residence, she has taught in schools throughout the country, as well as teaching poetry as theater in United Arab Emirates. Her current focus is helping to build writing communities among older adults.
A single, 2-hour creative writing workshop to create collaborative poetry. We’ll generate new writing together that lends itself to multiple voices. No experience necessary, just a desire to be heard out loud and in sync.
Elizabeth Thomas is a published writer and educator who designs and teaches creative writing and oral history programs for all ages. These workshops promote literacy and the power of written and spoken word. As a writer in residence, she has taught in schools throughout the country, as well as teaching poetry as theater in United Arab Emirates. Her current focus is helping to build writing communities among older adults.
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MOSAIC MADNESS
Learn the history and basics of mosaics in this smash art workshop. Create a beautiful stepping stone, hot plate or picture frame using broken tile, china and other odd bits. No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm to be creative and learn something new. Materials and tools will be provided. Just bring an old towel, any chipped or cracked dishes you’d like to smash, and be prepared to get messy. Special- this year....we are planning to make a garden totem or two (maybe some stepping stones) to gift to Ferry Beach in celebration of their 125th birthday. Elizabeth Thomas is the owner of Art Break. She’s been smashing things and creating mosaic art for 20+ years. She hosts children’s parties, adult ‘smashed’ nights and potluck home parties with lots of broken things, and sometimes wine. |
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RESISTANCE SINGING
Happening during one day only! Verne MacArthur will host a one hour workshop to talk about the Resistance Singing movement that has grown out of Minneapolis and work up a song to share at Talent No Talent show.
Happening during one day only! Verne MacArthur will host a one hour workshop to talk about the Resistance Singing movement that has grown out of Minneapolis and work up a song to share at Talent No Talent show.
DRUMMING
Let’s get together and drum while learning rhythms, chants, singing all culminating with a final performance at the end of the week. Bring a drum(s), there will also be drums and percussion instruments available. We will meet daily. Open to all!
Let’s get together and drum while learning rhythms, chants, singing all culminating with a final performance at the end of the week. Bring a drum(s), there will also be drums and percussion instruments available. We will meet daily. Open to all!
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Shirley Riga found drumming in the mid 90’s, having studied with Ubaka Hill at a women’s retreat. She is the percussionist with the Larger Circle Band, an international folk band. She formed Chrone Drummers and performed at the Heron Music Festival, and is a member of the Upbeat Drummers. She does drumming for empowerment, drumming for healing, drumming for dancing and drumming in workshops. Shirley has a collection of Djembes, Ashikos and frame drums, along with other sound instruments including crystal singing bowls and is currently learning to play a Shruti box, similar to a harmonium, using it to augment her spiritual practice in meditation.
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Afternoon Workshops:
Some of these workshops are daily, and some are single offerings or happen a few times- see descriptions for details!
THE THREE FACES OF POWER
In this moment, every one of us is needed to hold the line and push forward to create a safe, just, and loving society. Join us as we explore three interlocking forms of power- narrative power, people power, and legislative power, that together give us both the strength we need and a path forward to get the work done. This workshop is planned for Tuesday afternoon.
Jodi's bio: Firmly rooted in the call to work towards the creation of a community of fierce hope and radical love, Rev. Dr. Jodi Cohen Hayashida (she/her) served as the settled minister in Auburn, Maine for more than 20 yrs before moving into a justice-based community ministry in 2023. She now develops and organizes Multifaith Justice Maine under the auspices of the Maine People’s Alliance. Jodi also serves on the board of the Maine Council of Churches and its public policy committee, works with the harm reduction community, and is a tri-chair of the Maine Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.
In this moment, every one of us is needed to hold the line and push forward to create a safe, just, and loving society. Join us as we explore three interlocking forms of power- narrative power, people power, and legislative power, that together give us both the strength we need and a path forward to get the work done. This workshop is planned for Tuesday afternoon.
Jodi's bio: Firmly rooted in the call to work towards the creation of a community of fierce hope and radical love, Rev. Dr. Jodi Cohen Hayashida (she/her) served as the settled minister in Auburn, Maine for more than 20 yrs before moving into a justice-based community ministry in 2023. She now develops and organizes Multifaith Justice Maine under the auspices of the Maine People’s Alliance. Jodi also serves on the board of the Maine Council of Churches and its public policy committee, works with the harm reduction community, and is a tri-chair of the Maine Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival.
DAY TRIPPIN with friends
During the week there will be various trip opportunities for adventure off campus.
During the week there will be various trip opportunities for adventure off campus.
- A trip to Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center for kayaking on the Scarborough river. Rentals will be available at the center, so you do not need to bring your own kayak. The date/time of the trip will depend on the tides. Organized by Dave Kassay
- Ferry Beach State Park Adventure- hike & tree walk
GENTLE YOGA
COMMUNITY KNITTING & FIBER ARTS
Community Crafting Invitation. Work on your own project or get basic instruction in knitting from Mary. For folks who know the basics of casting on, knit and purl. Gather together and have the opportunity to use your talents to create warm and useful items for others. Beginning knitters are welcome, of course, but the emphasis is on what to do with the basic skills. The group will decide the recipients of the knitted gifts. Patterns and some materials will be available and ideas to beneficially use those leftover bits we all accumulate.
Community Crafting Invitation. Work on your own project or get basic instruction in knitting from Mary. For folks who know the basics of casting on, knit and purl. Gather together and have the opportunity to use your talents to create warm and useful items for others. Beginning knitters are welcome, of course, but the emphasis is on what to do with the basic skills. The group will decide the recipients of the knitted gifts. Patterns and some materials will be available and ideas to beneficially use those leftover bits we all accumulate.
TURN YOUR MEMORIES INTO STORIES
Have you ever wondered how to turn your memories into stories that people want to hear or read? Have you watched a storyteller and thought “I’d sure like to do that.” Now’s your chance. Storyteller and novelist Thea will teach you how.
Dr. Thea Iberall is a poet, playwright, and scientist. Iberall has had over 50 poems published in anthologies and journals including in Blood to Remember: American Poets on the Holocaust. She is featured in the documentary “Poets, Passion and Poetry.” Her book of contextual poems, The Sanctuary of Artemis, explores the roots of patriarchal domination. Her musical We Did It For You! Women’s Journey Through History has been seen by thousands including the California Women’s Suffrage Centennial Celebration. In her novel, The Swallow and the Nightingale, a modern scientist is guided by a 12th century Sufi poet to realize the real moral issue of today: disrespect of the Earth and its inhabitants. The author of three scientific textbooks, Iberall has a Master's Degree in Writing (USC) and a Ph.D. in Computational Neuroscience (UMass). In 2015, she was inducted into the International Educators' Hall of Fame. Plus, she was a clown for 20 years and studied, juggling with circus clowns.
Have you ever wondered how to turn your memories into stories that people want to hear or read? Have you watched a storyteller and thought “I’d sure like to do that.” Now’s your chance. Storyteller and novelist Thea will teach you how.
Dr. Thea Iberall is a poet, playwright, and scientist. Iberall has had over 50 poems published in anthologies and journals including in Blood to Remember: American Poets on the Holocaust. She is featured in the documentary “Poets, Passion and Poetry.” Her book of contextual poems, The Sanctuary of Artemis, explores the roots of patriarchal domination. Her musical We Did It For You! Women’s Journey Through History has been seen by thousands including the California Women’s Suffrage Centennial Celebration. In her novel, The Swallow and the Nightingale, a modern scientist is guided by a 12th century Sufi poet to realize the real moral issue of today: disrespect of the Earth and its inhabitants. The author of three scientific textbooks, Iberall has a Master's Degree in Writing (USC) and a Ph.D. in Computational Neuroscience (UMass). In 2015, she was inducted into the International Educators' Hall of Fame. Plus, she was a clown for 20 years and studied, juggling with circus clowns.
LEARN TO JUGGLE
Join Thea to learn the basics of three-ball juggling. Whether you are a master juggler or just a beginner, come do some juggling. Bring your own equipment or use the balls, clubs, and rings that Thea will have.
Join Thea to learn the basics of three-ball juggling. Whether you are a master juggler or just a beginner, come do some juggling. Bring your own equipment or use the balls, clubs, and rings that Thea will have.
SAND CASTLE COMPETITION
GAMES
Dan has been coming to Ferry Beach since before he can remember. He is a big board game enthusiast with an even bigger board game collection, and is looking forward to running this workshop. We will be playing games of all kinds- lots of One Night Ultimate Werewolf as well as some other, longer, more complex board games, party games, and card games. He is very much looking forward to seeing everyone this year and having lots of fun at his workshop!
Dan has been coming to Ferry Beach since before he can remember. He is a big board game enthusiast with an even bigger board game collection, and is looking forward to running this workshop. We will be playing games of all kinds- lots of One Night Ultimate Werewolf as well as some other, longer, more complex board games, party games, and card games. He is very much looking forward to seeing everyone this year and having lots of fun at his workshop!
Our mission at Ferry Beach is to awaken hearts to explore, grow and renew the spirit of universal love.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
Conference Leadership
Conference Coordinators:
David Kassay & David Egan
Children's Program Leader:
Jesse Greist
David Kassay & David Egan
Children's Program Leader:
Jesse Greist
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Musician of the Week: Verne McArthur
Verne McArthur is a retired college teacher, non-retired activist, workshop leader, song-leader, and long-time member of the Springfield, MA, UU congregation. He periodically leads Sunday services at UU congregations in New England. He also offers workshops on environmental awareness and on using singing in community work. Verne uses singing to inspire collaboration and to make activism fun! He has been Musician of the Week at Ferry Beach several times. |
Our mission at Ferry Beach is to awaken hearts to explore, grow and renew the spirit of universal love.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
Kids Program
The children and youth program will begin each day with music and non-competitive group games and short chapel services for young people. There will be plenty of opportunities to access and nourish both our inner and outward silliness, play with our food (fake food, that is), tell stories, explore Ferry Beach's outdoor spaces, and create art together. We will decide as a group whether or not to prepare a group skit or song for the talent show, but either way, a good time will be had by all!
This year's children program leader is Jesse Greist, longtime DRE at the UU church in New Haven.
This year's children program leader is Jesse Greist, longtime DRE at the UU church in New Haven.
Our mission at Ferry Beach is to awaken hearts to explore, grow and renew the spirit of universal love.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
Pricing
Conference Package (Pricing per Person) |
Conference Package for Lodgers: (Includes conference fee/access to all programming, plus daily meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner for the entirety of Circles of Life). Adult: $564 Youth: $450 Meals are included, there is no way to separate meals from the package price. Note: Lodging is not included in the conference package price, it's added on, the price varies depending on your desired lodging accommodation, see below. |
Lodging |
Lodging Prices Vary Base on Selection. View our Lodging Page HERE for more information/photos of lodging options. Cottages/Cabins Morris Cottage: $550 per night Kelley Cottage: $515 per night Claflin Cottage: $515 per night Metz Cabins: $250 per night Cross Rooms: $205 per night Dorms: Quillen Family: $170 per night Ocean Queen: $165 per night Ocean Twin: $155 per night Queen Dorms: $145 per night Standard Dorms: $130 per night Camping: $45-55 depending on site *NEW* - LINENS are now INCLUDED in your stay, for ALL lodging spaces in 2026! |
Membership |
Membership must be paid to attend any Ferry Beach program and is due annually. Individual Membership: $40 Family Membership: $65 See our Membership Page to learn more and to purchase or renew a membership. You can also renew your membership on your reservation. |
Register |
To register online click here, or call the office at 207-282-4489. You can also email [email protected]. |
Our mission at Ferry Beach is to awaken hearts to explore, grow and renew the spirit of universal love.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
We work by creating programing and events in the areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Spirituality, Sustainability, Personal Growth and Justice & Action.
