GAYLA
July 15 - July 22, 2023
A Retreat for Men who Love Men
July 15 - July 22, 2023
A Retreat for Men who Love Men
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GAYLA and Ferry Beach have produced and printed a new brochure about GAYLA. The brochure is full color and is intended as a way for us to tell the story of GAYLA. Brothers have been asking for this kind of material to be able to hand out to other men that might be interested in coming to GAYLA. All you have to do to get copies of the new brochure is to email Chris DiGiorgio at chrisdigiorgio1@gmail.com and tell him you want some brochures. In the e-mail make sure you also give the address you want them sent to. This is another great way to tell the great story that we all have enjoyed.
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Description
Program
Conference Leadership
Pricing
Description
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Imagine a week of escape, discovery and community. Picture yourself at an oceanside retreat center with other Queer men who seek the same world you seek. Embrace joy, understanding and brotherhood.
Bring your curiosity. Bring your talents and passions. Bring your sense of adventure. This is GAYLA. Our Mission: Celebrating men loving men, inspiring individuals to be healthy, caring, spiritual & loving, and to share & nurture our gifts to the human experience.
Dance in a sunrise circle, sip coffee with new friends on a sun-drenched porch, play volleyball, swim, sing, make art, pick from a smorgasbord of daily workshops and evening fun, perform in the Talent/No Talent Show, walk the beach, read or just relax.
Read about the programs at GAYLA 44 in 2022 and GAYLA 43 in 2021 At GAYLA, we celebrate our journey as GBTQ men, honoring the unique gifts that announce us to the world as a vibrant force for good. Our history has taught us strength, resilience and how to come together as a creative source of inspiration for all humanity. We gather as self-identified men who love men. We are single and partnered, young and old, queer, trans, gay, bisexual and curious. We are men of many races, classes and gender identities, and embrace our ongoing exploration of how to become a more just and inclusive community. At GAYLA, we revel in the joy of being who we are without fear of condemnation or harassment. Join us and help create what community is meant to be. GAYLA is held at Ferry Beach, a welcoming retreat and conference center that is home to LGBTQ people all year long. Thirty minutes from both Ogunquit and Portland, Ferry Beach sits at the edge of a sandy beach and includes acres of woods. It’s a magical place to experience the coast of Maine. GAYLA is among the nation's longest-running retreat for men who love men. Join us as we celebrate our unique gifts, sexuality and place in the world as GBTQ men. You are already part of GAYLA’s vibrant fellowship. Stay in Touch
Join GAYLA’s Facebook page to get to know us and receive updates on upcoming events. |
What Men are Saying about GAYLA
“Joy” – Julio Aponte, Retired Physician, Swimmer, Cleveland OH “Loving, new brothers and awesome amount of fun. A week long family reunion, but with brothers who show love for one another.” – Thomas Muise, Saco ME “Sublime. Loving.” – Bill Tregoning, Cleveland OH “A week in joyous, gay Brigadoon.” – Joe E’Leeno, Manchester NJ “It's where the forest hugs the shore, and men bathe in each other's kindness.” – Lawrence Ingalls, Los Angeles CA “A special caring place on the ocean to go and learn about yourself without a lot of everyday distractions.” – Gary Michael Callahan, Shopkeeper, Willoughby OH “What stunned me was joy. What a gift. And what an incredible resource Gayla is, giving us a place to grow and be and heal.” – Perry, Executive Coach/Spiritual Director, Boston MA |
Program
GAYLA Coordinators have an amazing program for our July 2023 gathering. Our theme for GAYLA 45 is “A Million Dreams” to explore what we hope for ourselves and our world - those dreams are for each person's own journey, for our community, and even for the world to be a safer and better place. The theme grew from the movie, The Greatest Showman, which we’ll screen Sunday afternoon. In the movie, we hear about "a million dreams - for the world we're gonna make," and how we must "come alive, dreaming with your eyes wide open." Our Sunday will be filled with themes from the movie - a carnival “Midway” afternoon of fun and frivolity, and an evening show of local talent to entertain and energize our dreams. Throughout the week, we’ll ask you to think about what you would dream and what we collectively can dream for our future and explore ways we can make our dreams into the reality of a better place.
2023 Ministers of the Week for GAYLA and ChoralFest:
We are fortunate to have TWO Ministers of the Week - David Adams and Warren Teachout, Senior Co-Ministers of Unity Church of Independence, Missouri https://www.unityindependence.com/). David and Warren are excited to serve our conference this summer with a focus on the process of creation - they will discuss ways in which we can, through a dedicated practice of prayer, meditation, and tending to our thought habits, literally alter the landscape of our experience. Here’s more about David and Warren:
2023 Ministers of the Week for GAYLA and ChoralFest:
We are fortunate to have TWO Ministers of the Week - David Adams and Warren Teachout, Senior Co-Ministers of Unity Church of Independence, Missouri https://www.unityindependence.com/). David and Warren are excited to serve our conference this summer with a focus on the process of creation - they will discuss ways in which we can, through a dedicated practice of prayer, meditation, and tending to our thought habits, literally alter the landscape of our experience. Here’s more about David and Warren:
Conference Leadership
GAYLA is organized by its members, working in partnership with Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center. We thank our volunteer leaders for their vision, time and ongoing care of GAYLA.
Contact those serving in any of these roles by emailing gayla.at.ferry.beach@gmail.com.
Contact those serving in any of these roles by emailing gayla.at.ferry.beach@gmail.com.
GAYLA Coordinators
Coordinators plan the summer program. They make our week delightful, meaningful and well organized. Coordinators are elected to three-year terms at the GAYLA Town Meeting. For GAYLA 45 in 2023, your coordinators are Rick Smith (lkwdmntr@gmail.com) and Jeff Ingle (jeffingle1@gmail.com).
If you are interested in becoming a coordinator, talk to Rick or Jeff or one of our Elders, many of whom have served as a coordinator in the past.
Learn more about being a GAYLA Coordinator
The GAYLA Planning Guide lists some of what Coordinators are responsible for accomplishing with the help of many volunteers.
If you are interested in becoming a coordinator, talk to Rick or Jeff or one of our Elders, many of whom have served as a coordinator in the past.
Learn more about being a GAYLA Coordinator
The GAYLA Planning Guide lists some of what Coordinators are responsible for accomplishing with the help of many volunteers.
Council of Elders
The GAYLA Council of Elders offers wisdom of experience and love of GAYLA in support of the GAYLA Coordinators and our larger brotherhood. The Council tends to the long-term growth and vision of GAYLA, freeing the Coordinators to focus on organizing our amazing conference. Affectionately known as the Ferry God Mothers, the Council has 5 members who are appointed by the elected Coordinators.
The Council is guided by a charter
The current members of the Council of Elders are:
Mark Koenig, Maynard, MA (July 2022 - July 2027)
Kip Plaistad, Washington, DC (July 2021 - July 2026)
Jerry Knasel, Westlake, OH (July 2020 - July 2025)
David Durkit, Wickliffe, OH (July 2019-July 2024)
Chris DiGiorgio, Tuckahoe, NY (July 2018-July 2023)
Past members of the Council of Elders are:
Tom Konkoly, Oberlin, OH (July 2017-July 2022)
Ron King, Penobscot, ME (July 2016-July 2021)
Bill Mitchell, Lowell, Massachusetts (July 2015-July 2020)
Tom Lucas, Lowell, MA (July 2013-Jul 2014)
David Sumner, Norton, MA (July 2013-July 2015)
Tom Hughes, Westlake, MA (July 2013-July 2016)
Bradley Cohen, Boston, MA (July 2013-July2017)
Robert Walker, Ravenna, OH (July 2013-July 2018)
Troy Liston, Maynard, MA (July 2014-July 2019)
Roger White, Saco, ME (2016)
The Council is guided by a charter
The current members of the Council of Elders are:
Mark Koenig, Maynard, MA (July 2022 - July 2027)
Kip Plaistad, Washington, DC (July 2021 - July 2026)
Jerry Knasel, Westlake, OH (July 2020 - July 2025)
David Durkit, Wickliffe, OH (July 2019-July 2024)
Chris DiGiorgio, Tuckahoe, NY (July 2018-July 2023)
Past members of the Council of Elders are:
Tom Konkoly, Oberlin, OH (July 2017-July 2022)
Ron King, Penobscot, ME (July 2016-July 2021)
Bill Mitchell, Lowell, Massachusetts (July 2015-July 2020)
Tom Lucas, Lowell, MA (July 2013-Jul 2014)
David Sumner, Norton, MA (July 2013-July 2015)
Tom Hughes, Westlake, MA (July 2013-July 2016)
Bradley Cohen, Boston, MA (July 2013-July2017)
Robert Walker, Ravenna, OH (July 2013-July 2018)
Troy Liston, Maynard, MA (July 2014-July 2019)
Roger White, Saco, ME (2016)
Read about the Council of Elders’ accomplishments since it was established in 2013:
GAYLA Town Meeting
GAYLA holds its annual Town Meeting on the Friday of each year’s retreat. Please submit agenda items and written reports to one of the Coordinators by the day before the meeting.
GAYLA Covenant
GAYLA is guided by its covenant, which was first created by the coordinators of GAYLA XXII in 2000 to help guide their work on behalf of GAYLA.
Rise with us, we are GAYLA.
A circle of love, of men loving men.
Together we make this circle sacred.
Between us we make these promises;
With you we make this covenant:
I accept you without condition.
I will be truthful.
When you speak, I will listen so I may understand.
I will care for you. Help me to care for myself.
When I have something to say, I will say it.
When I have tears or fears or laughter, I will share it.
I will hold and shape our community’s vision.
If I betray our covenant, help me.
If I betray myself, accept me,
and love me without condition.
Living our conscience is our goal.
Be with us, we are GAYLA.
A sacred circle; a circle of love, of men loving men.
Enough love to hold us all.
Rise with us, we are GAYLA.
A circle of love, of men loving men.
Together we make this circle sacred.
Between us we make these promises;
With you we make this covenant:
I accept you without condition.
I will be truthful.
When you speak, I will listen so I may understand.
I will care for you. Help me to care for myself.
When I have something to say, I will say it.
When I have tears or fears or laughter, I will share it.
I will hold and shape our community’s vision.
If I betray our covenant, help me.
If I betray myself, accept me,
and love me without condition.
Living our conscience is our goal.
Be with us, we are GAYLA.
A sacred circle; a circle of love, of men loving men.
Enough love to hold us all.
Pricing
Pricing per Person |
Adult: $560.00 (Includes Conference Fees + Meals) Off-Site Daily Fee (Commuter): $60.00 Adult (Includes Lunch Only) Call registration for a $200 newcomer discount. |
Lodging |
Lodging Prices Vary Base on Selection. See our Lodging Page for pricing information. |
Membership |
Membership must be paid to attend any Ferry Beach program and is due annually. Individual Membership: $35.00 Family Membership: $60.00 See our Membership Page to learn more and to purchase or renew a membership or add on to your reservation. |
Register |
Click here to register. For help with your registration, or to register by phone, call the office at 207-282-4489 or email registration@ferrybeach.org |
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David Adams
Rev. David Adams is a Grammy Award-winning tenor that has thrilled audiences in many of our nation's finest venues. A pragmatic optimist, he enjoys meeting real-world challenges head-on. Whether singing or speaking, David's mission is to create a heartfelt connection with the listener. His pastoral work is grounded in this personal Truth, "The lasting way to rise above any circumstance is to move through it with a sense of wonder." His no-nonsense yet compassionate approach to everyday experiences offers practical inspiration. His passion lies in encouraging and supporting others on their individual journeys toward cultivating the extraordinary life of their dreams- which is the birthright of each of us as divine expressions of God. When not engaged in pastoral or musical opportunities, you'll find David either outside enjoying the wonders of nature, curled up with a good book, or writing away in one of his many well-worn journals. |
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Warren Teachout
Warren attended his first Unity service in the summer of 1995. It took his now-husband, David Adams, nearly a year of inviting and persuading before Warren finally went to that first service at Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. By the end of the service, he knew he had found his spiritual home! Warren received guidance to be a prayer chaplain in 2012. His call to ministry came during the "observing silence" part of the weekend training retreat. A little over a year later, he honored that call by enrolling at Unity Urban Ministerial School. He completed his training and was ordained in May 2017. He was co-minister with Rev. Sandra Campbell of the Wednesday Evening service to Renew, Inspire, Support, Evolve! (known as WE - RISE!) at Unity Temple on the Plaza for three years before becoming Senior Co-Minister at Unity of Independence. Warren's vision is a world of peace and plenty for all, where love and its extensions, such as kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, are how all people should treat one another because they are living from Christ's Light. His mission is to provide spiritual principles and tools enabling people to transform their relationships with themselves, others, and God to an awareness of Oneness. Warren and his husband David, a soon-to-be UUMS graduate then intern, live in Kansas City, Missouri, with their cats, Lulu and Elizabeth. Warren loves knitting, reading, jogging, and working out in his spare time. |
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Here’s a short outline for the week. If you’re registered, you’ll get an email with the detailed program booklet and descriptions soon! Remember, every activity at GAYLA is optional and consensual - do as much or as little as what you want, taking care of yourself and each other as we gather in our safe space.
Saturday, July 15
We gather in the afternoon, starting registration at 4:00pm on Quillen Porch. Hugs and love with old friends and new!
After dinner every evening there is a Friendship Circle on the Beach to gather with the men of GAYLA and women of ChoralFest to share our feelings of the day, listen to the waves and feel the sand.
We will have an Opening Circle, bringing together traditions of GAYLA, our covenant with each other, and the beginning of a beautiful week together. Followed by dancing, of course!
Sunday, July 16
Every morning of the week brings an opportunity to have coffee on the porch, dance in a Sunrise Circle, or brave the cold waters in a Polar Bear swim.
Also every morning, there is a Chapel Service in The Grove - an amazing outdoor space amongst towering trees. You can join a pickup choir to sing a few songs, and listen to a message from our Ministers of the Week.
We will get our program started with the Opening of our Midway - with snacks, games, costuming and prizes! Your Ringmasters will usher you through an afternoon of fun!
While the carnival continues, an optional workshop will be offered on A Taste of Body Electric, a way of honoring our bodies and respecting boundaries with sacred touch.
The movie, The Greatest Showman, will be screened with a Sing Along version - follow the bouncing showman’s hat to the words of the songs, with fun audience participation planned.
Dinner will be an outdoor BBQ just to complete your day of indulgences.
And then we’ll have an evening show, bringing in some local talent: hosted by DJ Lady D keeping us moving and featuring Ladonya Lovelace and Shaunna Rai!
Monday, July 17
Morning tracks will start and run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Here are some of the great offerings:
● Our Erotic Selves - William McMeniman
● Shamanic Practices for Insight & Healing - Jay Thomas
● Imaginative Movement - Ron McClellan
● Awakening the Sense: A Sensual Yoga Practice for Mind and Body - Vern Sherrill
● Honoring Who We Are - Richard Barrett
● Queering the Pitch: A Menagerie of Gay Composers - Joe Law
Starting after lunch and continuing all week, we meet in small groups called Check In Circles. You will be assigned to a group, leader and place to meet. It’s a great way to get to know a smaller group of men, share what you’re experiencing with concerned and caring brothers, and check in on the messages or thoughts of the day.
Monday and Tuesday afternoons also offer a variety of shorter Workshops to try out, such as:
● Gay Men’s Health and Why It Matters (Or Does It?) - Ren Morrilll
● Why Porn, Erotica is Important in Our Culture - Julio Aponte
● Finding Your Queer Roots - Tom Malone
● A Million Peak Experiences: Ecological Poetry of Passion Politics - Gerald Dillenbeck
● Scavenger Art - Tom Guzio
And Monday night, we have a fabulous game invented by our brothers of the Greater Boston area, GAYLART. During the pandemic, museums around the world invited people to recreate famous images with things around the house. GAYLART invites you and your Check-In-Circle to create no-talent art based on masterpieces and other images. GAYLA will provide materials, inspiration and snacks. The evening will conclude with a grand celebration.
Tuesday, July 18
Morning Chapel, Tracks, afternoon Check In Circles and Workshops continue.
Tuesday evening is our Remembrance Service and Bonfire. This is a meaningful time when we honor our brothers who have gone before us, and others who have touched our lives. We move together as a group between the beach and the Grove, salute our dear ones, and then share wonderful stories of the lives we lost around a bonfire, mixing tears and laughter with light and s’mores!
Wednesday, July 19
A Free Day! You can venture out to the local communities, grab a bite at a local restaurant, hang out at the beach, whatever you need and want.
The evening will be fun and low key. We will have karaoke to sing and applaud, and table games to amuse and cheer.
Thursday, July 20
Morning Chapel, Tracks, and afternoon Check In Circles continue.
Thursday afternoon features the Big Volleyball game between GAYLA and the Ferry Beach staff - a long tradition of friendly competition to own the “Sea Hag” trophy for the coming year. Whether you play, or cheer, or get decked out in your finest (?!) cheerleader outfit, it’s a rousing time! There are also rehearsals and stage checks for …
The highlight of the week for many is the Talent - No Talent show! Individuals and groups will have signed up during the week for acts that range from singing, dancing, readings, comedy, lip sync and more! This year, in addition to our always wonderful host and emcee, Tedly “Theodorable” Kerecz, we have a celebrity joining him - Christine O’Leary, award winning comedian (see https://christineoleary.com/)! You are sure to laugh and enjoy all evening. We also hold a Silent Auction that can benefit our Helping Hands program to defray costs for some attendees - bring your treasures to sell for a good cause!
Friday, July 21
Morning Chapel, Tracks, and afternoon Check In Circles finish up.
As we begin to wind down the week, we spend some time in a Town Hall, going through business of our independent organization and electing a new coordinator. And there’s more beach time!
We wrap up the evening with our Closing Ceremony to take our “million dreams” to heart and transform our sacred space of a place in Ferry Beach into our selves to carry us home.
Saturday, July 22
Our last coffee time and breakfast together is sad and joyous as we exchange hugs with old and new friends - really brothers for life. And don’t forget to fill out an evaluation to make next year’s GAYLA even better!
To get a feel for what our week together is like, you can also read the programs from GAYLA 44 in 2022 and GAYLA 43 in 2021.
We hope you are looking forward to our week together. And if this sounds like something you would enjoy and grow from, there is still time to register! A newcomer’s discount of $200 is available.
Helping Hands is GAYLA’s way of helping our brothers who may need some financial assistance. If you are interested in attending but may not be able to afford the full registration or lodging costs, please contact our Treasurer, Jason Romer (jromer33@yahoo.com), or one of the Coordinators: Rick Smith (lkwdmntr@gmail.com) and Jeff Ingle (jeffingle1@gmail.com).
Saturday, July 15
We gather in the afternoon, starting registration at 4:00pm on Quillen Porch. Hugs and love with old friends and new!
After dinner every evening there is a Friendship Circle on the Beach to gather with the men of GAYLA and women of ChoralFest to share our feelings of the day, listen to the waves and feel the sand.
We will have an Opening Circle, bringing together traditions of GAYLA, our covenant with each other, and the beginning of a beautiful week together. Followed by dancing, of course!
Sunday, July 16
Every morning of the week brings an opportunity to have coffee on the porch, dance in a Sunrise Circle, or brave the cold waters in a Polar Bear swim.
Also every morning, there is a Chapel Service in The Grove - an amazing outdoor space amongst towering trees. You can join a pickup choir to sing a few songs, and listen to a message from our Ministers of the Week.
We will get our program started with the Opening of our Midway - with snacks, games, costuming and prizes! Your Ringmasters will usher you through an afternoon of fun!
While the carnival continues, an optional workshop will be offered on A Taste of Body Electric, a way of honoring our bodies and respecting boundaries with sacred touch.
The movie, The Greatest Showman, will be screened with a Sing Along version - follow the bouncing showman’s hat to the words of the songs, with fun audience participation planned.
Dinner will be an outdoor BBQ just to complete your day of indulgences.
And then we’ll have an evening show, bringing in some local talent: hosted by DJ Lady D keeping us moving and featuring Ladonya Lovelace and Shaunna Rai!
Monday, July 17
Morning tracks will start and run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Here are some of the great offerings:
● Our Erotic Selves - William McMeniman
● Shamanic Practices for Insight & Healing - Jay Thomas
● Imaginative Movement - Ron McClellan
● Awakening the Sense: A Sensual Yoga Practice for Mind and Body - Vern Sherrill
● Honoring Who We Are - Richard Barrett
● Queering the Pitch: A Menagerie of Gay Composers - Joe Law
Starting after lunch and continuing all week, we meet in small groups called Check In Circles. You will be assigned to a group, leader and place to meet. It’s a great way to get to know a smaller group of men, share what you’re experiencing with concerned and caring brothers, and check in on the messages or thoughts of the day.
Monday and Tuesday afternoons also offer a variety of shorter Workshops to try out, such as:
● Gay Men’s Health and Why It Matters (Or Does It?) - Ren Morrilll
● Why Porn, Erotica is Important in Our Culture - Julio Aponte
● Finding Your Queer Roots - Tom Malone
● A Million Peak Experiences: Ecological Poetry of Passion Politics - Gerald Dillenbeck
● Scavenger Art - Tom Guzio
And Monday night, we have a fabulous game invented by our brothers of the Greater Boston area, GAYLART. During the pandemic, museums around the world invited people to recreate famous images with things around the house. GAYLART invites you and your Check-In-Circle to create no-talent art based on masterpieces and other images. GAYLA will provide materials, inspiration and snacks. The evening will conclude with a grand celebration.
Tuesday, July 18
Morning Chapel, Tracks, afternoon Check In Circles and Workshops continue.
Tuesday evening is our Remembrance Service and Bonfire. This is a meaningful time when we honor our brothers who have gone before us, and others who have touched our lives. We move together as a group between the beach and the Grove, salute our dear ones, and then share wonderful stories of the lives we lost around a bonfire, mixing tears and laughter with light and s’mores!
Wednesday, July 19
A Free Day! You can venture out to the local communities, grab a bite at a local restaurant, hang out at the beach, whatever you need and want.
The evening will be fun and low key. We will have karaoke to sing and applaud, and table games to amuse and cheer.
Thursday, July 20
Morning Chapel, Tracks, and afternoon Check In Circles continue.
Thursday afternoon features the Big Volleyball game between GAYLA and the Ferry Beach staff - a long tradition of friendly competition to own the “Sea Hag” trophy for the coming year. Whether you play, or cheer, or get decked out in your finest (?!) cheerleader outfit, it’s a rousing time! There are also rehearsals and stage checks for …
The highlight of the week for many is the Talent - No Talent show! Individuals and groups will have signed up during the week for acts that range from singing, dancing, readings, comedy, lip sync and more! This year, in addition to our always wonderful host and emcee, Tedly “Theodorable” Kerecz, we have a celebrity joining him - Christine O’Leary, award winning comedian (see https://christineoleary.com/)! You are sure to laugh and enjoy all evening. We also hold a Silent Auction that can benefit our Helping Hands program to defray costs for some attendees - bring your treasures to sell for a good cause!
Friday, July 21
Morning Chapel, Tracks, and afternoon Check In Circles finish up.
As we begin to wind down the week, we spend some time in a Town Hall, going through business of our independent organization and electing a new coordinator. And there’s more beach time!
We wrap up the evening with our Closing Ceremony to take our “million dreams” to heart and transform our sacred space of a place in Ferry Beach into our selves to carry us home.
Saturday, July 22
Our last coffee time and breakfast together is sad and joyous as we exchange hugs with old and new friends - really brothers for life. And don’t forget to fill out an evaluation to make next year’s GAYLA even better!
To get a feel for what our week together is like, you can also read the programs from GAYLA 44 in 2022 and GAYLA 43 in 2021.
We hope you are looking forward to our week together. And if this sounds like something you would enjoy and grow from, there is still time to register! A newcomer’s discount of $200 is available.
Helping Hands is GAYLA’s way of helping our brothers who may need some financial assistance. If you are interested in attending but may not be able to afford the full registration or lodging costs, please contact our Treasurer, Jason Romer (jromer33@yahoo.com), or one of the Coordinators: Rick Smith (lkwdmntr@gmail.com) and Jeff Ingle (jeffingle1@gmail.com).
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.
