New Culture Northern California

Come home to the beautiful retreat space of Saratoga Springs‍Where you'll be held in love and connection by the best of what New Culture offers: Living and Loving in Community

When: Friday, September 18 @ 1pm – Wednesday, September 23 @ 3pm
(Plus an optional Soft Start onThursday September 17 @ 11am)
Where: Saratoga Springs Retreat Center, Upper Lake, CA
Who: New and returning campers are warmly welcomed. Attendance is limited to 85 people for an abundant and connected experience.

This beautiful gathering is lovingly supported by an experienced and enthusiastic team: Alara Tiernan, Kestrel/Myztery, Maui Rich, and Deborah Bice. It’s our honor to create a nourishing container for you to fill with your own goodness, growth, and connection.
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Program Highlights
🩷 Morning Community Gathering — Inviting a new day of love, connection, and exploration
🧡 Zegg Forum — Sharing what’s authentic, alive, and true as we weave community from the heart
💛 Love Pods — Small, intimate groups meeting regularly for deeper connection
💚 Community-led Workshops & Playshops — Learn, play, practice, and contribute
💙 All-Community Gatherings — Authentic Games, Variety Show & Auction
💜 Evening Sensual Spaces — Programs for consensual, nurturing touch
❤️ Temple — A space for consensual erotic connection
🌟 Joyful Roles — Opportunities to co-hold camp with your Caring Contribution
🕊️ Spaciousness — Time to rest, explore, connect, and simply be
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Nitty Gritty
Dates & Times
• Soft Start: Thursday, September 17th, anytime after 11am. Light evening program, optional catered dinner. Continental breakfast & lunch provided Friday.
• Day 1: Friday, September 18. Arrive as early as 1pm. Please arrive by Camp Opening/Orientation @ 4 pm.
• Day 6: Wednesday, September 23. Strike Camp 1:45–3 pm. Feel free to linger until 4 pm.

Location
Saratoga Springs Retreat Center
10243 Saratoga Springs Rd, Upper Lake, CA 95485
A private 260-acre pristine valley in the rolling hills of Northern California, reserved exclusively for our group.

Amenities include:
• Large Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
• Stone Labyrinth
• Numerous Hiking Trails

Accessibility
• Flat but graveled terrain.  Shuttle care for those going to the second yurt (5 minute walk).
• Accessible main spaces, showers, bathrooms
• Ramp into the dining area
• Dorm rooms are upstairs (2 flights)

Camp Fees
• $900 – $2,500 sliding scale
• Under 40 and/or BIPoC sliding scale starts at $650.
• Includes 6 days/5 nights + meals and snacks.
• Soft Start Thursday: +$110 Includes extra day/night, Thursday dinner, Friday Continental Breakfast & Sandwich Bar Lunch.

Lodging Options:
• Car Camping or Tent (no extra charge)
• Shared Upstairs Dorm Rooms (twin bunk beds - no extra charge)
• RV ($25 per day up-charge from Saratoga if you connect to Electric)
• Private room or Cabin (shared bath- prices range from $225 - $375 per room for entire stay)

Scholarships & Work Trade:
‍Requests can be made on the application. We hope you can join us and we will do our best to support everyone who wants to attend -- especially younger participants and those from marginalized communities.

Cancellation Policy*:
• Before August 15: Full refund
• After August 15: Refund minus $100 if filled, minus $250 if not filled
• After September 1: Refund minus $500 (& any private room lodging fees) if not filled
* Any transaction fees are nonrefundable
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FooD
‍To keep camp fees from rising, while still nourishing our bodies and spirits, we’re trying something new this year:
• Continental breakfast, dinner, and mid-day & evening snacks will be community-prepped. We’ll share the fun (and the labor) of simple, nourishing meals together.
• Lunches will be catered so you can relax and enjoy a hearty early afternoon meal without lifting a finger.

What’s on the Menu?
‍ • Mostly plant-based meals with vegan and vegetarian options
• Meat available on side table at least once per day for those who choose the carnivore option
• Snacks to keep you fueled

Particular dietary needs?
‍We’ll do our best to accommodate special diets with advance notice. Kestrel/Myztery is coordinating meals with care and creativity. As always, we’re committed to nourishing you well — body and soul.

Personal Food Kitchen (PFK)
This year, we’ll need more space for shared community food, which means there will be virtually no room for storing personal items in the fridge. If you have personal refrigerated food, please bring a cooler with refreezable ice packs. If you need to supplement by making food, we ask that you prepare as much as you can in advance and use the kitchen only as needed.
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Wellness
• Our current Wellness Policy • If you're experiencing anything potentially contagious, we ask that you prioritize community wellness and opt out. We’ll refund as much as possible for wellness-related cancellations, with gratitude for your care.
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We can’t wait to gather in love, connection, and community with you!