The Fall 2022 Gathering of Blue River Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for September 16–18 at the DuBois Center near Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Registration form (click here)

Theme: Borders Don’t Stop Dreams

Adult/Intergenerational Program:

We will be watching and then discussing the film Ay Mariposa, a film that tells a story of three characters in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas whose lives are upended by plans to build a US-Mexico border wall. As the director of the National Butterfly Center, Marianna Trevino Wright has become a leader of wall resistance in the Valley, a position that has resulted in violent threats from pro-wall factions and an emotional odyssey as she tries to navigate the ever-shifting sands of border policy. Zulema Hernandez, a life-long migrant worker, immigrant and great grandmother, has been a dedicated advocate for all migrants, both wild and human-kind. Meanwhile the butterfly, la mariposa, fights its own daily battle for survival in a landscape where more than 95 percent of its habitat is long gone and much of what remains lies directly in the path of the wall.
Younger children will attend the movie, but will have hands-on activities they can do as well during that time to hold their attention.

High School Friends will attend adult programming.

Children’s Program: Wee Friends through middle school ages will attend intergenerational program and will do activities related to the theme at children’s program times. Some activities will be butterfly-related crafts, books related to immigration and/or butterflies, outdoor walks to search for butterfly habitats, and more.

Volunteers to help with the children’s program will be appreciated. There will be a signup sheet at registration.

Facilities and Housing: DuBois Center resides on over 300 acres of woods and two lakes. There is boating, hiking, a labyrinth, and a playground. Adult programming will take place in Oak Lodge and/or Hickory Lodge. Hickory Lodge will be the location for registration, sleeping, fellowship, and most children’s programs.

There are also dormitory-style cottages. Camping tent sites are available but there is no electricity and no shower access nearby. Linens are provided for Hickory Lodge (extras are available for a $4 fee). People staying in cottages or camping should bring their own linens and pillows. Bathrooms accommodate multiple users. Rooms may be shared depending on attendance.

Please register in a timely manner and indicate any needs you have when sharing spaces.

Meal Costs: All meals are $12 each. BRQ absorbs all costs of participants under age 19. Please donate as you can to cover them. All meals will be in the Oak Lodge.

Alternative Meals: If anyone wishes to prepare their own meals in Hickory Lodge, we have use of the small kitchenette with microwave, fridge, and dishes.

Registration: Please send by September 2 to Margie Haworth-Davis,
margiehd8@hotmail.com, OR 43 CR 2150N, Mahomet, IL 61853
Make checks payable to Blue River Quarterly.
Bring or send a medical emergency form for each person under 18!
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*Registration is $15 to 30 per adult on a sliding scale. No one should hesitate to attend because of financial reasons. Please just pay the amount you can afford, and join us.

Schedule

Friday, September 16th

5:00 – 7:30 Registration/Brown Bag Supper
7:30 – 9:00 Informal program/discussion time

Saturday, September 17th

7:15 – Early Worship
8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 11:00 Intergenerational Program (video and discussion) (Hickory)
11:00 – 11:45 – Children’s program (Hickory)
11:15 – 11:45 – ILYM Planning (Hickory)
Noon – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – 3:00 – Free Time
3:00 – 5:00 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
3:15 – 4:45 – BRQ Business (Oak)
5:00 – 5:30 – Young Friends will come to share their experiences (Oak)
5:30 – Dinner (Please arrive on time)
7:00 – 8:00 –Intergenerational activity (Location TBA)
8:00 – Bonfire with singing & S’mores

Sunday, September 18th

8:00 – Breakfast (Please arrive on time)
9:00 – 10:15 – TBA
10:15 – 11:15 – Children’s Program (Hickory)
10:30 – 11:30 – Meeting for Worship (Oak)
11:15 – Younger Children join Worship
12:00 – Lunch (Please arrive on time)
1:00 – Clean up and goodbyes

Parents are responsible for their children at all times other than during adult programs.

Volunteer Signup: Friends who are able are encouraged to sign up for volunteer activities (assisting children’s program, Sunday cleanup, etc.) at on-site registration.

Possible Things to Bring: Snacks to share, flashlights, hiking shoes, towel, fishing pole & tackle, organization displays, games and toys, musical instruments, and copies of music (especially Rise Up Singing), a sense of humor, a modicum of patience, and love to share.