What is Parallel Play?
So, what does “Parallel Play” even mean? Parallel play is when two or more individuals engage in their own independent activities while occupying the same physical space and are enriched by each other’s presence and companionship. The Parallel Play Retreat takes this idea to heart and provides a space for you to do whatever it is that most calls to you. If you want to rest, rest. If you want to practice, practice. All the while, be supported and inspired by the people around you doing whatever it is they feel called to do.
The Day to Day of Parallel Play
One of the most important aspects of a Parallel Play Retreat is that each day’s schedule is co-created by everyone attending the retreat. Because of this, we can’t tell you exactly what to expect, but here’s what that might look like…
Every morning, we will gather around our giant banquet table to eat breakfast and make our agenda together. Anyone is welcome to request or offer anything they would like! We’ll gauge interest and decide on any group outings or activities. Here are some examples of things folks have offered in the past to give you an idea: restorative yoga, guided meditation, guided hikes to nearby swimming holes/viewpoints, free improv workshops/jams, tarot reading, basic sewing skills, and overtone singing… anything is game!
Aside from that, there’s a few things we can tell you exactly what to expect… We’ll have three delicious home cooked meals a day, time to rest during a daily dedicated silent hour, you can opt in to an individual bodywork session with LMT and horn player Ray Randol, there will probably be a lot of Catan, and definitely a lot of music.
We love to share skills, knowledge, and new experiences, but above all, we want everyone to feel safe to be themselves, be supported by a welcoming community, and have an awesome time.
Accommodations
For your sleeping accommodation, you can either tent camp or request a bed in our bunk room in the lodge. We recommend tent camping for the most privacy.
Tent camping: We have a designated large flat, grassy area for you to pitch a small 2-4 person tent. Plan to bring your own sleep system including sleeping bag, pad/cot, and anything else you need to rest comfortably. If you would like to tent camp but bringing your own gear is a barrier to you, please reach out to us and we may be able to loan you a tent, sleeping pad, and/or sleeping bag.
Staying in the lodge: There is a bunk room in the lodge with beds available on request. If you would like to sleep in the lodge, please let us know on your registration form. We can provide you with a pillow and sheets and blankets, or you can bring your own. Be aware that this is a shared space with limited privacy. It is upstairs without climate control and may be quite warm if the weather is hot.
Bathrooms: There are three spacious, private bathrooms with showers inside the lodge. We clean them daily and ask everyone to use good etiquette for these shared spaces.
Food and Dietary Restrictions
We cook all three meals on site every day. We can accommodate any dietary restriction or allergy you might have, just let us know on your registration form.
We take turns cooking and cleaning up each meal, and we invite everyone to help out with prep or clean up. Many hands make light work! If there is a meal you love to cook and would specifically like to prepare for the group, just let us know and we can try to get the ingredients for you!
If you’d like to bring your own snacks, outside food and drink is welcome but not necessary.
Staying for multiple sessions?
You’re a real Parallel Player! If you would like to attend two or more consecutive Parallel Play sessions, please fill out separate registration and payment forms for each retreat you would like to attend. The registration forms may seem redundant, but it helps us be organized. You are more than welcome to stay on site during the “transition day” between retreats, but please note that meals will not necessarily be provided as they are during the retreat and we may ask you to help with chores as we turn over camp, pretty please!
More Questions?
If there’s anything we missed, just send us an email at lgbtubenquintet@gmail.com !
