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 one of these areas: maintenance, housekeeping, program/set up, & kitchen/dinning hall. 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 here. 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 COMING SOON....
A Glance at Last Year's Workshops:
THEME SPEAKER: Brilliance in the Collective with Gwendolyn Forrest and Greg Pehrson
Our theme speakers this year will facilitate a series drawing on their experiences as community organizers, people of faith, and folks committed to the collective.
Questions we will explore together include:
Our theme speakers this year will facilitate a series drawing on their experiences as community organizers, people of faith, and folks committed to the collective.
Questions we will explore together include:
- How can we expand from activism to organizing?
- What is our own stake in collective liberation?
- How can we practice compassionate curiosity with folks with whom we don’t agree in a way that helps to shift perspectives?
- What do we know as members of congregations and communities of faith that could help us show up for justice in ways that align with our values?
Morning Workshops:
CONVERSATIONS ON AGING with Jackie Shanti
What a gift to sit with friends, new and old, to listen and learn from one another about our experiences of aging! Each workshop session will ask questions about a particular aspect of our journey:
We’ll explore “10 tips for aging gracefully” and share which ones intrigue us, work for us, or just don’t make our top 10! There will be time to add your own tips to the list!
Beginnings and endings offer an opportunity to begin anew, to review the past, make adjustments and face our continuing journey with renewed vision and hope. What new "beginnings" have you been faced with during the past year? What "endings" have you experienced? Have they been related?
How old is too old? And how are we (elders) changing America? What does it mean as an “elder” to live in a Beloved Community?
What are the challenges of caregiving as we grow older, for ourselves and our loved ones? Have we come up with a game plan, or are we avoiding it? We’ll share where we are and what’s on our minds and hearts!
Jackie Shanti will facilitate our conversations. She is a long-time Ferry Beacher, a retired RN and has a certificate as an End-of-Life Doula.
What a gift to sit with friends, new and old, to listen and learn from one another about our experiences of aging! Each workshop session will ask questions about a particular aspect of our journey:
We’ll explore “10 tips for aging gracefully” and share which ones intrigue us, work for us, or just don’t make our top 10! There will be time to add your own tips to the list!
Beginnings and endings offer an opportunity to begin anew, to review the past, make adjustments and face our continuing journey with renewed vision and hope. What new "beginnings" have you been faced with during the past year? What "endings" have you experienced? Have they been related?
How old is too old? And how are we (elders) changing America? What does it mean as an “elder” to live in a Beloved Community?
What are the challenges of caregiving as we grow older, for ourselves and our loved ones? Have we come up with a game plan, or are we avoiding it? We’ll share where we are and what’s on our minds and hearts!
Jackie Shanti will facilitate our conversations. She is a long-time Ferry Beacher, a retired RN and has a certificate as an End-of-Life Doula.
SMASH ART MOSAIC with Elizabeth Thomas
Learn the history and basics of mosaic art making. Participants may choose to work on a stepping stone, heart mirror or clay flower pot. Just bring an old towel and a willingness to get messy. Everything else provided. No experience necessary, just a creative attitude and desire to learn something new!
Elizabeth has been smashing things and creating mosaic art for about 20 years. She hosts mosaic children’s parties, adult ‘smashed’ parties and potluck home parties with lots of broken things…and wine!
Learn the history and basics of mosaic art making. Participants may choose to work on a stepping stone, heart mirror or clay flower pot. Just bring an old towel and a willingness to get messy. Everything else provided. No experience necessary, just a creative attitude and desire to learn something new!
Elizabeth has been smashing things and creating mosaic art for about 20 years. She hosts mosaic children’s parties, adult ‘smashed’ parties and potluck home parties with lots of broken things…and wine!
DRUMMING with Shirley Riga
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) and I will have drums and percussion instruments to share. Meet daily.
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) and I will have drums and percussion instruments to share. Meet daily.
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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 with Jodi Cohen Hayashida
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
Two trips off campus will be led by different community members.
Two trips off campus will be led by different community members.
- 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
- Second trip TBD, led by Martha Egnal and her three kids, Jay, Sylvia and Rylee.
BOOK DISCUSSIONS- Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler with Jay Egnal
Get together one afternoon to discuss this timely, informative and compelling work of speculative fiction.
Jay Egnal is a young adult who is interested in imagining alternate, community-oriented futures and discussing these ideas with people who can help co-create a world that takes care of all of us.
Get together one afternoon to discuss this timely, informative and compelling work of speculative fiction.
Jay Egnal is a young adult who is interested in imagining alternate, community-oriented futures and discussing these ideas with people who can help co-create a world that takes care of all of us.
GENTLE YOGA with Anne Falkowski
Each afternoon Anne will teach a gentle yoga class to relax your mind and body. All bodies welcome.
Anne has been teaching yoga full time for over 20 years. In 2001, she created Samadhi Yoga Studio of Manchester and was the director of Samadhi Yoga Teacher Training up until Covid. She is passionate about writing and has many essays on yoga and body image which can be found online. Her teaching style is to be as present as possible, to see everyone in the room, and to speak the language of yoga from a place of grace and humility. Her yoga style is a hybrid blend of Kripalu, Forrest, and her own observations from many years of practice and teaching.
Each afternoon Anne will teach a gentle yoga class to relax your mind and body. All bodies welcome.
Anne has been teaching yoga full time for over 20 years. In 2001, she created Samadhi Yoga Studio of Manchester and was the director of Samadhi Yoga Teacher Training up until Covid. She is passionate about writing and has many essays on yoga and body image which can be found online. Her teaching style is to be as present as possible, to see everyone in the room, and to speak the language of yoga from a place of grace and humility. Her yoga style is a hybrid blend of Kripalu, Forrest, and her own observations from many years of practice and teaching.
COMMUNITY KNITTING & FIBER ARTS with Mary Feathers
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.
The following three afternoon workshops are all offered by Thea Iberall
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.
THE SEVEN VALLEYS TOWARD PEACE: LEARNING FROM A SUFI MASTER
12th century Sufi master Attar shares a fable where the wisest of the birds lead the other birds through seven valleys towards enlightenment. Since each of the birds represent a human fault, Attar offers his readers stories as life lessons for each of the valleys. I’ve studied this book for over 30 years and found the valleys a useful way to face problems, pain, and uncertainty. This activity might not bring you enlightenment, but it may provide you a tool for illuminating your way towards peace in your heart and mind.
12th century Sufi master Attar shares a fable where the wisest of the birds lead the other birds through seven valleys towards enlightenment. Since each of the birds represent a human fault, Attar offers his readers stories as life lessons for each of the valleys. I’ve studied this book for over 30 years and found the valleys a useful way to face problems, pain, and uncertainty. This activity might not bring you enlightenment, but it may provide you a tool for illuminating your way towards peace in your heart and mind.
GAMES with Dan Marchessault
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:
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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
Our programming focuses on daily mornings in group, where youth enjoy age specific crafts and activities. Special highlights of the week include the Jetty Walk, preparing for the Talent/ No Talent Show, and the most epic game of Capture the Flag. Each summer, we make new memories to last a lifetime. Opportunities for kids at Circles of Life also include use of the Art Room, and age-appropriate intergenerational activities and afternoon workshops like Games and Field Trippin'.
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Youth Coordinator: Megan Cullinane
Megan is the coordinator of the youth programs for Circles of Life at Ferry Beach. She is a certified K-12 music educator in Philadelphia during the school year, and looks forward to fun and fulfillment each summer at Ferry Beach! |
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Art Room Coordinator: Rylee Myers
Rylee has been coming to Circles of Life at Ferry Beach since she was small. She is currently pursuing her BFA at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM, and has many years of experience in early childhood education- both as an assistant and as a lead guide in a Montessori primary classroom working with 3-6 year olds. |
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.
