On Friendship

From the inspiration of Kahlil Gibran

Your friend is your needs answered,
your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving,
your board and your fireside,
Where you come with your hunger, seeking peace.

Human Relations Laboratory 2011

Freedom + Love = Friendship
August 7 to 13, 2011

A Typical Day, Fees, Lodging

"Lab was definitely a key experience for me; I feel that I went through a healing journey and overcame  personal weaknesses that had held me back for a long time. And it was a thoroughly enjoyable week, like living life to the fullest."   Gordon Hogenson

A Human Relations Laboratory  experience unfolds based on the Lab theme, the interests participants bring, and the skills and experience of the program staff and presenters.  We call this emergent design and consider this a compassionate approach to learning.

A Typical Day

While each Lab is unique, a typical day for adults might look like this:

- Optional stretching and meditation sessions or a nature walk.

- A healthful breakfast.

- The morning plenary session - includes singing, dancing and working with the theme in the large tent in the meadow.

- Lunch is followed by a quiet time.

- Small group options include a focus on topics from the plenary session, art work, creative writing, play at the river, sports, work on the land, or free time.

- Dinner offers many opportunities to meet new friends and enjoy nourishing, healthful food.

- The evening plenary session for all ages includes singing or dancing and children are invited to share from their day.

- Conversation among the adults continues after the young children leave with reflections on what was learned and felt, throughout the day.

- No day would be complete without relaxing at the “Swamp” – an informal gathering with an open mike for anyone to share a song, poem, or story on stage. Refreshments and snacks, games, and music are all available to enjoy.

For Families:

•   Imagine having a good talk with other parents about the challenges of raising children these days and asking others how they approach those challenges.
   

•   Imagine adopting or intentionally observing another child for a week to learn how to objectively and compassionately observe. 
   

•   Imagine adopting a surrogate grandparent or uncle for your child for the week. 

Lab is a wonderful opportunity for learning about your family.  You can ask for all kinds of conversations and craft experiments that help you learn about yourself as a parent and about your children. 

For Children:

Children are offered learning experiences all week.  It is our custom to have older children looking after anyone younger to encourage loving responsibility. Each day will have time focused on working together and helping others, crafts and skills such as leatherwork and archery , learning about nature, building friendships, journaling, laughing, singing and exploring the beautiful land. 

Many creative possibilities are available to you and your family at Lab and Irene Perler would love to customize your Lab experience based on your specific needs.  You may contact Irene at irene_perler@hotmail.com.

Food and Lodging

At lab you can expect healthful, fresh foods, lovingly prepared.  Whether you are an omnivore, vegan, vegetarian, or have other food requirements, the staff of Sahale is here to support your dietary needs.

"Meal times were great, the food was amazingly plentiful and so good.  I am a vegetarian and so often, when I go to events it is so hard for me to find anything that I can eat."  Samantha Wickham

A variety of housing options are available for individuals and families, including camping.  Please take a tour of Sahale Learning Center. 

Fees

Cost includes room and board at Sahale Learning Center, and all learning materials.  Contact us for further information.

A family rate is also available.  

Welcome

Register Online

or
Download Registration Form

EVENT DETAILS
A typical day, youth program, lodging, fees.

PRESENTERS
Short Bios

LAB LOCATION
Sahale  Center

ARTICLES

Carl Rogers on Laboratory Learning
By John L. Hoff

A Social History of the T-Group
By Steve Potter

Benefiting from the Presence of Children in Community
By Marjorie Gray