WORK CAMPS

In last month's Drumbeat, we invited initiated men to volunteer their time to help us get Red Mesa off the ground in an exciting new chapter in the CAC’s history. While we have been blessed to have several men participate in the July 29-31 and August 22-28 work camps, the overall turnout so far falls considerably short of what we had hoped for. 

Your energy and enthusiasm are sorely needed at Red Mesa—energy and enthusiasm to help create the facilities for experiential programs like men’s and women’s rites of passage, the Navaho Churro sheep program, and other initiatives under development.

 The experience of living and working Red Mesa is deeply rewarding. Our work camps are organized to allow time for group and individual spiritual formation, including contemplative prayer, hiking/wandering, drumming, and participating in sweat lodges. And you don’t need to be an initiated man to participate! Anyone recommended by or accompanying an initiated man is welcome. The ranch house is improving daily and can now accommodate up to five people sleeping inside in sleeping bags. We have two bathrooms with toilets and showers. Work camp participants are also, of course, very welcome to bring their RV/camper or camp in tents. Meals for the duration of the camp are provided for a $25 donation. Temperatures range from 75-90 degrees during the day and 40-60 at night. 

In addition, we are now very pleased to invite work camp participants to bring their families to Red Mesa if they choose. Families will be able to bring their RV/camper, tent camp, or stay at one of several motels in nearby Grants, New Mexico. Unfortunately, our facilities are not set up yet to provide enough food, lodging or special activities for family members, but all are welcome, of course, to explore Red Mesa for themselves, join in our spiritual activities, and help with projects if they choose to. 

We will send out a revised list of work camp projects soon, but please let us know even if you have a preliminary interest in joining us! Groups of initiated men are especially encouraged to step up and take ownership of a given project. If you have cooking skills, you are also needed! Contact Jen Nelson at jnelson@cacradicalgrace.org or 830-832-2065 to discuss possibilities, scheduling, and arrangements. 

This is an exciting time at Red Mesa and we hope you are inspired to be part of the “action” in “Action & Contemplation”—critical work that will make possible our vision for a wide range of new, nature-based programs. Please encourage the brothers and sisters in your region to get involved! Click here to sign up for a work camp, or contact Jen Nelson at the information listed above if you have questions.