QuakerSpring

The last 2 Junes, over 100 Friends from 17 yearly meetings have gathered together in Barnesville, Ohio, to explore what Spirit-led Quakerism is about at its core - and to experience it together. These were truly "gatherings with a difference" - with most of the week left unplanned and open to the leading of the Spirit.

Young adult and older Friends together spent time listening to ways the winds of the Spirit were blowing through their lives. You can get a sense of what took place by reading the Epistle from QuakerCamp at Stillwater and a Friends Journal article calledQuakercamp at Barnesville - blessed by the witness of God

There is much more information about the 2007 gathering including talks by Susan & Jack Smith of Ohio Yearly Meeting, other accounts of the gathering, a typical day's schedule, & a list of the attenders at

Quakercamp 2007.

In the fall of 2008, a decision was made to continue holding these gatherings under the name "QuakerSpring".  (same type gathering - new name!)  We are considering holding these gatherings in other regions (would Friends in your area be drawn to this?) but for now...

The next QuakerSpring will be held again in Barnesvile on June 9-14, 2009.

Gathering costs are very low (around $20/day for campers and under $30/day for a dorm room). Scholarship & travel assistance may be available for those with limited income, so that we hope that no one will stay away for this reason. We will provide for children if we know well in advance that they are going to be with us.

For more information on this June's gathering, click on:

QuakerSpring 2009.

QuakerSpring Planning. Our planning/discerning group currently includes; Ann Armstrong (NEYM), Susan Bailey (Ohio YM), Peter Blood-Patterson (NEYM), Ellen Deacon (Phila. YM), Andrew Esser-Haines (Phila. YM), Rebecka Haines Rosenberg (Baltimore YM), Deborah Haines (Baltimore YM), Katharine & Ken Jacobsen (Ohio YM), Shawna & Kevin Roberts (Ohio YM), Susan Zeichner (NEYM).  We welcome others joining us, especially Young Adult Friends & Friends from other branches!

One of the most exciting things about these gatherings has been the powerful sharing across generational lines between Young Adult and older Friends. Many in both groups have spoken of how powerful and unusual this experience has been. To see more about this, go to YAFs at QuakerSpring.

You can email the QuakerSpring planning group if you have questions or ideas about this summer's gathering. If you prefer, you may also write Ann Armstrong, PO Box 1401, Shirley MA 01464 or call her at (978) 425-4620.

We hope you will join us this June!