The Goodenough Community
 The Goodenough Community is a long-term experiment in community formation and
 development sponsored by the American Association for the Furtherance of Community.

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Human Relations  Lab
August 10 -16, 2008

Compassion is the radicalism of our time.
His Holiness, the Dalai Lama

 

Event Details   

Human Relations Laboratory
Experiencing Compassionate Community


"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 is an unfolding experience, based on a combination of the Lab theme, the issues and 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 because of its theme, a typical day for adults might start with optional stretching and meditation sessions, or morning nature walk, followed by a healthful breakfast

After breakfast is the morning Plenary session, which takes place in the large tent in the meadow. Singing, dancing and working with a theme are part of this session.

Lunch is followed by quiet time. Early afternoon options include participation in small groups with 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. Following dinner is the evening Plenary. Children are invited to share from their day, and after children leave adults continue with conversation, and reflections of what was learned and felt and shared 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, story etc. Refreshments and snacks, games, and music are all available to enjoy.

Family and Youth Program

Lab is a wonderful opportunity for learning about your family.  Through compassionate relationship you can ask for all kinds of conversations and even craft experiments for a week that help you learn about yourself as a parent and about your children from an objective and supportive viewpoint. 

Imagine having a conversation with others who see how you and your children are with each other.  Having a good talk with other parents about the challenges of raising children these days and asking others how they approach those challenges can be very helpful.  Imagine adopting or intentionally observing another child for a week to learn how to objectively and compassionately observe.  Or consider adopting a surrogate grandparent or uncle for your child for the week. 

In addition to what families can experience, children are offered a program of activities and learning experiences all week.  Each day will have time focused on working together, crafts and skills such as leatherwork and archery , learning about nature, building friendships, journaling, helping others, laughing, singing and exploring the beautiful land.  It is our custom to have older children looking after anyone younger to encourage loving responsibility and to maximize socialization.

All these creative possibilities are available to you and your family at Lab and Irene Perler would love to talk with you about your specific needs.  She enjoys customizing your Lab experience. 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 special 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.  A family rate is also available.   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.
 
Adults  $700
Youths (13-18) $350
Children (4 to 12) $250
Toddlers (under 4) $150

 

OVERVIEW
Welcome

REGISTER NOW
Download a  Registration Form

PRESENTERS
Presenter Bios

EVENT DETAILS
A typical day
Youth Program
Food/Lodging
Fees

BROCHURE
Download a Brochure

LAB LOCATION
Sahale  Center

 

 

  

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Last modified: June 03, 2008