Schedule

The schedule for Phoenix Fire 2010 has not yet been finalized, but the following will give you a general idea of the flow of activities.  Please check back here again for the official schedule closer to the event, as any times provided below are still subject to change:

Last year, we asked those who were registered for early arrival on Wednesday to arrive between noon and 6:00 pm, and those with standard registration to arrive between noon and 6:00 pm on Thursday, with the gates closing for the event around 7:00 pm Thursday evening.  Please check back here for this year's cut-off times, to be posted shortly, and be sure you are on site before the gates are closed on the day of your arrival.

Mealtimes have not been finalized but in past years have been around 8:00-900 am for Breakfast, 1:00-2:00 pm for Lunch, and 6:00-7:00 pm for Dinner.

Nightly fire circles in past years have most often started around 10:15 pm for smudging and meditation, with fire lighting ceremony promptly at 11:00 pm.  Fire circles continue until dawn. 

Mornings after breakfast are normally a quiet time in camp, allowing those who have stayed up all night the opportunity to get some sleep.  We also create a shady Oasis each year within a pavilion lined with oriental rugs and soft, decorative pillows.  Open throughout the gathering, this is a favorite spot for folks who want to nap in a social setting within earshot of the fire circle.

Phoenix Fire is held in a beautiful wooded setting with large Redwoods.  There are many hiking trails for the more adventurous and fit, and a few nice walks on fairly terrain (including a loop around the lake, a favorite haunt for colorful dragonflies).   Don't be surprised if you turn a corner and run into a faery grove, labyrinth, or altar.  We encourage the creation of both planned and spontaneous expressions of sacred art throughout the gathering and grounds.  If you would like to create an altar or art installation, please email info@firefamilygathering.org.

There is a swimming pool on site which will be opened only when a volunteer lifeguard is available.  If you are qualified and would like to volunteer as a lifeguard, please contact info@firefamilygathering.org.

All attendees participate in one or two community service shifts (depending on the number of attendees) during our gathering.  Community work shifts are an important part of how Phoenix Fire operates.  You will have an opportunity to sign up for your shift(s) when you check-in upon arrival.

Other activities that will take place this year include Affinity Group Meetings, and our Annual Community Vision Council, which are normally scheduled during the day.  We also provide times for people to share their songs, stories, and performance art, and sometimes schedule a Fire Circle Council to discuss what did and didn't work at the previous night's fire.  Affinity Groups may choose to meet at additional times to collaborate or share knowledge.  Activities for children are organized collaboratively by their families as part of the Families Affinity Group, but contributions in this area from other community members are also warmly welcomed.

One of the best parts of Phoenix Fire outside of the fire circle is the opportunity to meet kindred spirits and make new friends.  We try not to schedule too many activities during the day, so that people have time to connect with one another, talk, and hang out.  A great place to run into folks is at the Village Circle. where Merchant Tents surround a circle of hay bales, nestled in a tree-shaded clearing.  Our Merchants are all members of the Fire Family community, many of whom fund their attendance through sales of the goods they bring to share.  Magical offerings in past years have included musical instruments, masks, incenses and oils, ritual tools, affordable and exotic clothing, jewelry, and services such as body art, divination, massage and other body work.

On Sunday morning after our final sunrise ceremony, we share a hearty brunch, then take a nap for several hours, followed by closing circle around 1:00 pm.  Cleanup is a major effort and we welcome all hands!  However, if you are not able to assist with the organized cleanup effort under the direction of a Team Leader, we ask that you please break camp and exit the premises immediately after closing circle.