Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is this called the Great Mother Conference?
- What happens at this conference?
- What is a typical day’s schedule is like?
- What are the accommodations like?
- Is transportation available to and from Portland?
- When should I arrive?
- How do I get there?
- Do I have to come to the whole conference?
- What is the food like?
- Are vegetarian options available?
- I have special dietary needs. Can I still come?
- Will alcohol be present at the Conference?
- I have a medical condition that requires special arrangements. Can I still attend?
- Is financial assistance available for those seeking to take part in the Conference at a lower cost?
- Can I bring my children to the Conference?
- Do I have to be a poet, musician, or creative genius to come?
- What is the weather in Maine like at that time of year?
- What should I pack?
- Can I bring my cell phone?
- Is there wireless service at Camp Kieve?
- Are there copying and printing services at Camp Kieve?
- Can I bring musical instruments or artwork of my own?
1. Why is this called the Great Mother Conference?
Robert Bly started the Conference in 1975, seeking to explore and discuss matters concerning the idea of the divine feminine, or "Great Mother" as she has been known throughout human history. From this beginning the Conference has developed toward considering and exploring a wider range of topics, generally from the starting point of humanity's rich and enduring traditions of creative expression.
The Conference History Page addresses this question in greater detail.
2. What happens at this conference?
Any day at the Conference could include such things as Sufi chanting, a lecture on the Alhambra, dancing, the telling of Celtic myth, quiet time by the lake, a poetry reading, sitar music, or a simple campfire. The week tends to be a mixture of both large- and small-group activities. One of the goals of the Conference is to nourish the heart, the body, the mind, and the soul, and to do so in community.
3. What is a typical day’s schedule is like?
Generally speaking, each day begins with an opportunity for early-morning singing which is followed by breakfast. Mornings are spent in a large-group activity usually involving poetry, story, or lecture (or all three!). After lunch we meet in smaller groups for about an hour. The afternoons are a combination of workshops taught by our guest teachers and free time. There's usually a performance of some kind in the evening. Throughout the week there are numerous opportunities to get involved in poetry, art, music, dance, and story, either as an audience member or as a participant. No activities are scheduled on Wednesday afternoon. You can use this time for writing, going for a walk, carpooling with others for a trip to the beach or other site, or however you like. The week is bookended by opening and closing ceremonies to bring participants together and to create a beautiful container for the week’s festivities.
4. What are the accommodations like?
This year the Conference will be held once again in Maine at Camp Kieve. Please see the Facilities Page for a detailed answer to this question and photos of the site.
5-7. Is transportation available to and from Portland? /
When should I arrive? / How do I get there?
Please view our Travel Info Page for detailed answers to questions
5 through 7. You should be able to find all the information you need there.
8. Do I have to come to the whole conference?
Part of the magic of this particular conference is the long-standing sense of community which it has, and this is broken if participants choose to come and go throughout the week. So we strongly discourage people from coming late and/or leaving early. If you have an extremely compelling reason to leave, such as a wedding or a graduation, it might be possible to make an exception. But generally we think you’ll find that staying the whole week is the best option, and the way to get the most out of the conference.
9. What is the food like?
All meals are served cafeteria-style, with a wide variety of choices available. The staff at Camp Kieve serve hearty breakfasts (eggs, meat, oatmeal) and always offer cereal, fruit, yogurt, and bagels/english muffins/toast as well. Lunch usually features a variety of salads, soups, and sandwiches. Dinner is generally a meat selection along with vegetables, a green salad, and dessert.
10. Are vegetarian options available?
Yes. Alternatives to meat dishes, such as tofu and tempeh, are available to those who sign up for the vegetarian option in advance. Simply indicate this on your registration form, so that the camp staff can plan ahead.
11. I have special dietary needs. Can I still come?
Absolutely! If your diet is restricted in any way, simply make that clear on your registration form. The staff will do its best to accommodate dietary restrictions. If there is some unusual food that you need, you can bring it with you and store in the kitchen area.
12. Will alcohol be present at the Conference?
Wine will be served at the Art Gallery opening and at the Saturday banquet at the end of the week. Outside of these two occasions, no liquor is served. A wide variety of juices plus coffee, tea, and herbal tea are available at meals.
13. I have a medical condition which requires special arrangements. Can I still attend?
Yes. Simply make your needs clear on your registration form, and we will be happy to work with you in order to make it possible for you to attend.
14. Is financial assistance available for those seeking to take part in the Conference at a lower cost?
Yes! Please view our Scholarships Page for full details and instructions on how to apply.
15. Can I bring my children to the Conference?
The Conference offers a Children’s Program. The program is designed for children from age 5 to 15. The Conference fee per child aged 3 to 12 is $510 (or $475 by check). You will receive a follow-up notice about who will be in charge of the program this year, with assistance from other conference participants and teachers.
16. Do I have to be a poet, musician, or creative genius to come?
Absolutely not! One of the goals of the Conference is to nourish our creative souls, but that is simply a part of the larger goal of building a playful, creative, and collaborative atmosphere that enriches both ourselves and the larger world of which we are a part. Artistic expertise is definitely not required.
17. What is the weather in Maine like at that time of year?
It's a beautiful time of year to be outdoors in Maine; loons will be singing on the lake, the trees are fully leafed out, and wildflowers and ferns carpet the forest floor. However, Maine is a northern state, so bouts of cold weather and rain are possible. The average high and low temperatures in Maine in the month of June are 72 and 52 degrees, but occasionally the temperature can descend into the 40s. Be prepared for a variety of weather; bring clothing that can be worn in layers, a sturdy rain coat, and umbrella. Black fly season is over by June, but there are often mosquitoes around after dark.
18. What should I pack?
A good start would be a sleeping bag, a flashlight, raingear, good walking shoes, a journal to write in, a sense of adventure, a good sense of humor, and an openness to the mysterious and the unforeseen. Bring towels, toiletries, and a pillow if you want one. Sunglasses, insect repellant, sunscreen, a bathing suit, and a mug or water bottle might also be useful. It’s likely that you’ll want to bring some "festive" clothes to wear for our banquet at the end of the week, and perhaps for the opening of the Art Gallery as well.
19. Can I bring my cell phone?
Cell phones work in some locations (depending on where you are standing and the strength of your provider's network). We're out in the woods, and that's a good thing! There is a telephone at the camp, but it is restricted to emergencies, so please don't plan on using it for making or receiving calls.
20. Is there wireless service at Camp Kieve?
The major buildings at Camp Kieve do have wireless service, but service in the cabins and other areas of the camp is intermittent. However, we highly recommend unplugging from the Internet and accessing instead the beauty of nature!
21. Are there copying and printing services at Camp Kieve?
There is a camp business office on site but it is not available for conference participants. There is a copy/print shop in nearby Damariscotta. Plan ahead; bring copies with you of whatever you will need during the week of the conference.
22. Can I bring musical instruments or artwork of my own?
Yes! There will be a communal Art Gallery at the Conference, and an opening to celebrate it. Visit our Images Page to view some photos of the Art Gallery in previous years. If you wish to bring work to exhibit in the gallery, please contact Marilyn Zimmerman, the Gallery Curator, at aa4212@wayne.edu or zimmerwoman@wayne.edu. You will need to fill out the gallery form enclosed in the confirmation letter, which is sent to those who register.
Musical instruments are also most welcome, as music jams are known to develop in the evenings, or in some of the workshops. We would love to have another minstrel, drummer, horn player or any other kind of musician among us!
