Work Camps

Beginning with Labor Day weekend, we will be offering scheduled work camps throughout the fall.  Some are for men, some for women, and one camp will be a co-ed offering.  The four-day offerings (long weekends normally) will allow for you to:

• Experience the awesome beauty and mystery of Red Mesa
• Physically work (we need all kinds of skills, including cooks, massage therapists, etc)
• Create community
• Pray and be spiritually nourished
• Create something that is bigger than all of us and that is important for generations to come

Work Camps will carry a minimal tuition fee (suggested donation of $125) to help cover expenses related to transportation from Albuquerque to Red Mesa (gathering spot is at the Albuquerque airport), meals, lodging, and materials.

Eventually we want to make such offerings intergenerational (inclusive of children and grandchildren). However, in these initial work camps the minimum age is 18.  There is no maximum age.

We have some space for lodging but until the house is completely ready most participants will need to be prepared for tent camping.

While we want to see many men attend who have made the Rites of Passage, the work camps are open to anyone who is inspired by and supportive of the MALEs and CAC’s vision and mission. Please share with the women in your lives the opportunity to join us for the women’s work camps included in our offerings.

Work Camp Dates

Sept. 2 (Thursday) – Sept. 6 (Monday/Labor Day) – Men’s
Sept. 9 (Thursday) – Sept. 12 (Sunday) – Men’s
Sept. 16 (Thursday) – Sept. 19 (Sunday) – Women’s
Sept. 19 (Sunday) – Sept. 24 (Friday) – Co-Ed (Special Offering at conclusion)

Oct. 14 (Thursday) – Oct. 17 (Sunday) – Men’s
Oct. 21 (Thursday) – Oct. 24 (Sunday) – Women’s
Oct. 28 (Thursday) – Oct. 31 (Sunday) – Men’s

Note:  Camps begin at 3 p.m. on the start date and conclude at noon on the end date.

If you have any interest in signing up for one of these scheduled camps, or if you have questions, please contact Jen Nelson at jnelson@cacradicalgrace.org. If you are unable to attend during the dates listed, but you may be able to come during some other window of time in the fall, please contact Barry to explore an alternative arrangement.

 

SPECIAL PROJECTS

If you or someone you know are interested in contributing to any of the projects outlined below, please contact Stephen at director@cacradicalgrace.org unless the project specifies otherwise.

Shepherd Assistants
Before and after the sheep arrive, we will need the help of two or three people to assist the shepherd in caring for the Churro and for the property.  Ideally, we are looking for a commitment of several weeks/months (coverage needed this fall and winter).  Room and board will be provided, and possibly a stipend.  No experience is needed, just an openness to be taught and to work.

Anthropology/Archeology
On our site, we have discovered petroglyphs and pottery chards that are in the range of 800 years old.  We are looking to connect with the university here in Albuquerque to learn more about them but please let us know if you or someone you know has a background/interest in such matters.

Historical Research
Red Mesa is ancient land that has a rich history.  A bit of this we know, most we don’t.  We recognize that there are people who know how to dig into history.

Photography
We want to capture so much of the beauty of this land and its inhabitants through photography.

Kitchen Remodeling
Prior to the scheduled work camps, a special one has been slotted to deal with the necessary kitchen renovation.  Dan Davis, an Initiated Man from Kentucky, is coming to take lead on this project and we need about six other men who are skilled in construction to join him. Dates of this project are Sunday, August 22nd to Saturday, August 28th. If you want to join this crew, contact Barry Duncan at bfduncan@swbell.net.

 

TOOLS AND MATERIALS SUPPORT

We are starting from scratch in building our collection tools and materials.  Recently, Richard received a visit from a friend whose husband died last April. She realized that all of his tools would find a wonderful home at Red Mesa. Her generous gift will allow us to get a good start in outfitting our workshop, but there will be more ongoing need for tools and equipment.

If you are downsizing or know of someone who is and would like to contribute in this manner, please let Barry know at bfduncan@swbell.net.

If you would rather make a monetary donation to support such necessary purchases, we would also be very grateful. Online donations can be made here

 

PRAYER

If you can’t participate in one of the many offerings communicated above, please take the time and drop us a prayer.  Your prayer intentions will be read during the weeks of the different work camps by those in attendance. Please send your prayer intention to menswork@cacradicalgrace.org.