Event Rules
Conduct The purpose of this event is to foster a sense of community, acceptance, and belonging. In order to support that goal, the staff of Fertile Ground Gathering reserves the right to remove people from the event if they are behaving in a way that is harmful to others, to the site, or to the smooth operation of the event itself. Guests who are asked to leave as a result of disruptive behavior will not be refunded.
Alcohol No alcohol is allowed anywhere at Fertile Ground Gathering. This includes cabins. This is a park regulation.
Drugs Illegal drugs will not be tolerated and will be grounds for removal from Fertile Ground Gathering. Even though cannabis products may be legal in Virginia, the event takes place at a National Park and is subject to Federal law, which still prohibits cannabis use of any kind. Please do not bring cannabis products of any kind to the Gathering.
Weapons Weapons are prohibited at Fertile Ground Gathering in accordance with National Park Service regulations and Federal law.
Clothing Clothing is not optional. Please keep your clothes on at all times. This is a family event being held on federal property and nudity is not permitted.
ID Wristbands Must be worn and visible at all times.
Trash and Recycling Containers are provided throughout the entire site. Please make use of them.
Children's Safety Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Please do not leave your child unattended anywhere in the park. This includes all designated Family Activities. Children ages 13 and up may attend the general workshops without a parent or guardian as long as they are capable of behaving in a mature manner.
Family Activities All Family Activities are intended for children and their guardians to participate in together. Fertile Ground Gathering does not offer child care, therefore any children participating in these activities must follow the Children's Safety rules as stated above.
Smoking and Vaping There are designated smoking/vaping sections at all main areas of the campsite, and we ask that smokers and vapers please use them. Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside all buildings at Fertile Ground Gathering. This is a park rule. Smoking/vaping immediately outside the entrance to lodges and halls is prohibited because it forces others to enter and leave through a cloud of smoke/vapor. Please be courteous. Smokers must field-strip their cigarette butts if no designated ash-cans are available. Butts being thrown on the ground are not only a fire hazard, but are a sign of disrespect to park staff and the Earth itself.
Incense and Smudging Yes, these all count as smoke. So, although you are welcome to use these outdoors (as long as they remaim attended), you may not smudge or burn incense inside your cabin or anywhere else indoors.
Fire No open flames are allowed, except as designated by Fertile Ground Staff. This includes, but is not limited to, candles, torches, kerosene flames. (We all love our candles, but this rule is non-negotiable.)
No Swimming Please no swimming in the lake! We do not have a lifeguard on staff, but the large population of snapping turtles guards the lake well and will not tolerate your presence in their home! (Plus, you really don't want that kind of injury.)
Kitchen The kitchen is off limits to everyone except kitchen staff and volunteers. The only exception is after mealtimes when guests are permitted to enter the kitchen to wash their feast gear in the designated area.
Respect the Forest The park prohibits the hanging and/or attaching of any items including lanterns, faerie lights, etc. from trees or other vegetation in any manner.
Your Cabin You are responsible for cleaning your cabin before you leave the park. Please be considerate and leave the area in the condition (or better than!) it was when you arrived. Each cabin must be swept at the end of your stay. Brooms are available in each cabin.
Noise Restrictions Please be respectful of your neighbors. We all want to have fun but we need to be mindful of the noise we make. With the exception of the nightly bonfire in the designated area, there is an official noise curfew of 12:00 midnight in and around the public areas of the campsite because sound carries throughout the park. So please don't sing, chant, yell, or play any instruments after this time. The noise curfew for the cabin areas is 10:00pm. Please remember that some folks like to go to sleep early; so be respectful and keep your noise level down in these areas.
No Pets Sorry... no critters, pets, familiars and the like will be permitted into the campsite. Only certified service animals will be permitted. This is a National Park Service regulation.
All Rights Reserved In order to ensure a safe and sacred space for all our guests, we reserve the right to deny entry to anyone for any reason.
Safety For your safety and the safety of other guests, all instructions from staff members regarding off-limits park areas and paths must be obeyed without exception.
We reserve the right to revise these policies without notice.