Theme for Convergence 2011-12 is:-
Living It
Abundance Donation
Those of us who met at the mini-gathering during the year urge you all to tune into ‘abundance’ – for yourselves and for Convergence. Last year we ran at a loss and so we invite people this year to have an abundance mentality when paying the Convergence entry fee – to give whatever they feel abundant to give above the base fee.
Things to Bring
Possible Things You will need:
- Eating bowls, plates, cups, cutlery, water bottle, tea towel and a carry bag for these.
- Sleeping gear, mattresses, rugs, groundsheets, cushions, torch, chair
- Breakfast, drinks, snacks (No refrigeration available)
- Sun-block, insect repellent, first aid kit, toilet gear sunglasses, towels; gumboots, swimsuit (optional)
- Love, lightness and laughter!
You may also want to bring (we would all enjoy it if you do!!):
- For Music and Dance: guitar, drums, flute, voice…or whatever you play
- For Creative Nature Space: bio-degradable craft resources, newspapers, dress-up clothes, string, hemp, glue, egg cartons, corrugated cardboard, cane, feathers, seashells, fine copper wire, balloons, end rolls of newsprint, poster paint, brushes, old sheets
- For Main Marquee, Nurture Space, Kitchen/Cuddle Cafe, Chapel etc: big cushions, incense, candles and holders, wall hangings, music, tissues, towels, sacred objects, icons, plants, flowers
- For the Cabaret or New Years Celebration: Your favourite elegant clothes or costume. Rainbow colours for New Years Eve
Site Facilities
There are large designated camping areas suitable for tents, buses, house-trucks, teepees, etc. The West End area is designated for vehicle free camping.
Due to the possibility of strong to gale force winds, only sturdy and well-anchored tents are suitable.
A communal sleeping marquee is available you’ll need a ground sheet, air mattress, sleeping bag or similar.
Showers, toilets, port-a-loos and composting toilets on site.
Safety
Fire Risk Please be aware that we are in a High Fire Risk area and Fire Services are 30mins away. Please take extra care when using camping cookers and candles, etc.
River is unfenced and borders two-thirds of the campsite. Ensure children have an adult accompany them to the swimming areas.
Swimming It is important that all children are actively supervised while swimming in the river. The main swimming hole is very deep and visibility can be impaired.
Remind children not to throw stones/rocks into the swimming areas.
Baths there are outside baths available for use, please be aware that baths could have water left in them.
Bikes please leave bikes at home, for the safety of everyone.
Cliffs there are several high cliffs on the campsite – most are fenced. Please ensure children stay away from the fenced areas.
First Aid please provide your own first aid kit. In the case of emergency Rangiora Medical Centre is located at 36 Victoria Street, Rangiora. Phone 03 313 7197
Smoking Convergence is a Smoke Free event. For those that wish to smoke please smoke outside the campsite boundary.
Kitchen due to open gas cookers, all children must be accompanied by an adult in the kitchen area.
Cell phones due to limited reception cell phones may or may not work on site. In case of emergency please go back down the road until reception is available.
Photography please ensure you have permission of those you are photographing.
Personal Safety Convergence endeavours to create a safe event. Please ensure you take responsibility for your own safety and well-being.
Meals
Vegetarian and vegan buffet lunches and dinners will be provided every day during the event from 29th December until the 3rd January. Please note the meals are strictly vegetarian and do include a lot of vegan, soy free, nut free, gluten free dishes to cater for the majority. If you have special dietary requirements, health issues or allergies, you are advised to bring some supplies of your own to supplement what is available. As much as possible, the food will be organic and GE Free. Everyone is encouraged to help with preparation and clean-up after meals.
Please bring your own breakfast foods, snacks and drinks. Hot water is available in the ‘Cuddle Cafe’ area of the kitchen for hot beverages.
The first community meal will be lunch on 29th December. An evening meal will be available on 28th December for all those who assist with the set-up.
Mealtimes may vary during the event. Please ensure that you bring snacks for your children for between meals.
Helpful Tips for Parents
As primary caregivers you are responsible for the children in your care at Convergence. While childcare can be arranged with other participants, no creche facility is available.
Creative Kids Space This is an area that has paint, paper, books, dress-up clothes etc supplied for you to use with your children. Feel free to bring other items with you.
There will be opportunities to meet other parents and organise/assist with activities for the children to participate in.
Snacks Bring snacks as meals aren’t necessarily when your child will want food
Cuddle café please respect that this is a space to quietly relax and chat to others.
Safety refer to safety items above.
Personal Property
Please take care of your personal property.
During the event check the Found Property table for any missing items.
After the event if your property is still missing please email info@convergence.net.nz with details of the item.
Site Availability
The Journeys End site is available for Convergence from 27th December (allowing 2 days for setting up) until 7th January (allowing 2-3 days pack down and a couple of days of hanging out).
Please ensure you bring food prior to 29th Dec. Evening meal will be provided on 28th for those who participate in set-up.
Please be prepared for possibilty of catering for yourself following 4th January.