We’ve truly received the beauty of our shared journeys over the past five years.
We’re witnessing our community blossom into vibrant connections through accessible and heartwarming gatherings. It's with immense gratitude and excitement that we announce a pivotal evolution in our journey together. This year, we transition to a more formal community model, a step that signifies not just the growth of Just Love but a deepening of our commitment to one another and the sanctuary we cherish.
Starting this year, becoming a member of Just Love involves an online meet-up with Bala and a monthly contribution, considered at any level. It's important to emphasize that in 2024, we're focusing on the spirit of commitment rather than the amount contributed. We appreciate the support that has brought Just Love to where it is today. Ensuring no one is turned away due to the amount they can contribute, we're laying the foundation for a community where every member's support is valued.
For those who can contribute more, we kindly ask for your support to cover the real costs of running, maintaining, and building our 716-acre nature preserve. Your contributions are a vital show of priorities and support as we take this first step towards creating more access for everyone.
Our intention is to make our forest sanctuary more accessible, fostering deeper connections. We've seen the magic that regular visits and long stays can weave, and we're committed to keeping this sacred space a financially feasible option for all who find solace here.
Our evolution includes continuing to host public retreats, allowing us to share the healing power of the forest with a broad audience. Yet, as community members, you'll gain the unique opportunity to come for day visits on non-event days, stay overnight and even host and participate in intimate private retreats during the quieter weekdays.
Many of us have unique talents and abilities and have expressed a desire to host some of these smaller, more personal gatherings within our community. This aims to create opportunities for us to support and foster each other's growth in these intimate settings, nurturing the truest gifts of love and nature together.
As we embark on this new chapter toward the cooperative that you’ll read more about below, we are filled with hope and anticipation. We look forward to the deeper connections, shared experiences, and countless memories yet to be made.
Thank you for being an integral, heartfelt part of our journey so far. Here's to learning, growing, nurturing our sacred land, and continuing to share the love and magic of nature together.
2025 STEWARD Membership
There are five Core benefits for members:
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Discover the Magic of Monthly Community Retreats (March - November)!
Get ready for days that rejuvenate both body and soul with our community weekend retreats! From Friday to Sunday, dive into a world of relaxation and connection for only $50 per member + food contribution ( Break/Lunch/Din = $10/$15/$20) Normally this is $200+ if you do all of the community weekend gatherings.
- Friday Overnight Meditation and Breathwork: Start your retreat with a tranquil evening, finding peace in the yurt and under the stars.
- Saturday Stewarding & Earth-building Activities: Give back to the earth with activities like earth building, permaculture gardening, and trail maintenance, making Sundays meaningful.
- Evening Drum Circle: Cap off your Saturday with the vibrant energy of our drum circle, a perfect way to connect and celebrate.
- Sunday Full-Day Forest Therapy: Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature with our guided forest therapy sessions.
Join us for weekends like no other, filled with joy, healing, and community.
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Experience the Joy of the Forest with Friends!
As a member, you’ll have the chance to share the beauty of nature with up to two guests, whether you're planning a refreshing day trip or an immersive overnight stay. Delight in specially accessible rates for you and your guests, plus any applicable taxes. These days are generally open on certain weekends monthly and most weeks, Mon- Thurs.
Day Adventure: Just $25 + tax per person per day (only applies if not staying overnight)
- Self-Guided Camping: Dive into the authentic experience for $25 + tax per person per night. This contribution includes your day adventure fee.
- Glamping: Elevate your stay with our glamping option in our canvas bell tents with plush mattresses for $50 + tax per person per night. If you would like sheet and towel service, that is $25 extra per tent. This contribution includes your day adventure fee.
Bring your friends and the magic of the forest together!
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More feasible access to retreats
As a cherished member, you're in for a treat! Enjoy an amazing $300+ tax discounted flat fee per person on up to three specialty retreats each year. Specialty retreats are all retreats listed other than the monthly community weekends (excludes Sacred Sons). This will give you single or double occupancy in our glamping tents, based on availability. We've reserved three special spots just for members like you at this discounted rate for each retreat. It's our way of saying thank you for being part of our community.
Remember, these spots are as sought-after as a hidden forest glade and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. So, keep an eye out and snag your spot early to join in the unforgettable experiences waiting for you.
Don't miss this chance to make memories and dive deep into relaxation and connection. We happily welcome you to more meaningful weekends this year!
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Unlock the Magic of Hosting Your Own Gathering
We're excited to offer our members a unique opportunity: the chance to host your very own weekday or weekend gathering in our sacred space for just $100 per person. We want to support more people in our community to hold healing, sacred and joyful space. Whether you're exploring a new passion, refining your practices, or simply wish to share a meaningful experience with a close-knit group of friends, this is your invitation to create magic in harmony with nature.
These are private intentional gatherings are designed to deepen connections, both with each other and with the forest itself. These are not gatherings that can be advertised to the public. To ensure each gathering resonates with the spirit of our community, we'll collaborate with you to co-create an event that aligns beautifully with the forest's energy.
Approval is given at our discretion, as we're committed to maintaining the purity and intentions of our shared space. Let's work together to create events that not only honor our individual journeys but also contribute to the collective vibrancy and sanctity of our environment.
Embrace this chance to bring your vision to life in a setting that promises inspiration, growth, and connection. Welcome to a world where your gatherings can truly flourish!
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Get Ready to Connect and Create Our Future Together
We're thrilled to announce a new series of regular virtual meetups designed to bring us all closer and co-create the vibrant future of our community. These gatherings are the perfect opportunity for us to stay connected, share our dreams, and engage in meaningful conversations about the community we're passionate about building together.
Let's dive into these discussions with enthusiasm and envision the amazing possibilities ahead. Join us in shaping a place where every voice matters and every idea can bloom. We can't wait to see where our collective imagination will take us!
How membership works
Steward memberships are available on a sliding scale to accommodate your financial situation, ensuring everyone interested can join us and feel welcomed. We strive to maintain affordability for all and kindly encourage those who are able to contribute more to please consider doing so. If you're keen to support our community but find the membership fees beyond your reach, we invite you to apply and set a call and we can chat about how we can support you in a good way to contribute through our volunteer program.
As a member, you'll enjoy access to the forest and its programs from March through November each year. The funds collected are used in part for the full-time caretaking of our space, facilitating and supporting the various activities our members wish to undertake throughout the year.
monthly membership fees + Tax
Founding Steward Membership: $25 to $50*
* must have already attended 3 events before 2024 to apply
Steward Membership: $50 to $100
Sustainer Steward Membership: $100+
Student Monthly Membership: $25+
Children Under 18: Free, when accompanied by a parent or guardian who is a member
As always, you can email me at bala@justloveforest.com with questions and thoughts.
