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 are planning an amazing program for July 2023. Our theme for GAYLA 45 in 2023 is “A Million Dreams” to help us explore and build hope for the future, whether those dreams are of each person's own journey or for our community, even to hope for making the world a better place. We're basing this on a few songs/phrases from the movie, The Greatest Showman: "A million dreams - for the world we're gonna make," and "Come alive, dreaming with your eyes wide open." While we’re still planning all the activities for the week, we want to create a big top atmosphere for our opening day - DAYLA, on Sunday - with hopefully some circus-like or carnival acts. And throughout the week, we’ll ask you to think about what you would dream and what we collectively can dream for our future.
2023 Ministers of the Week for GAYLA and ChoralFest:
David Adams and Warren Teachout, Senior Co-Ministers of Unity Church of Independence, Missouri (https://www.unityindependence.com/)
For GAYLA, expect the usual highlights, plus some special activities (all activities are optional). The week will include:
To get a feel for what our week together is like, you can read the programs from GAYLA 44 in 2022 and GAYLA 43 in 2021.
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).
2023 Ministers of the Week for GAYLA and ChoralFest:
David Adams and Warren Teachout, Senior Co-Ministers of Unity Church of Independence, Missouri (https://www.unityindependence.com/)
For GAYLA, expect the usual highlights, plus some special activities (all activities are optional). The week will include:
- Welcome Reception and Newcomer Orientation
- Opening Ceremony
- Sunrise Circle
- Polar Bear Swim
- Daily Chapel
- Workshops and Tracks
- Daily Check In Circles
- Volleyball Tournament
- Beach Time
- Daily Open 12 Step Meeting
- Evening Friendship Circle on the Beach
- Remembrance Service
- Talent/No Talent Show
- Free Day
To get a feel for what our week together is like, you can read the programs from GAYLA 44 in 2022 and GAYLA 43 in 2021.
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).
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) |
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 |
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.
