ABOUT US
Dreams become reality... and we flow with inevitable change. Continuity, stability, grounding, order, presence, structure, community, family, belonging, growth....
We are a group of humans who have been touched by Compassionate Communication (NVC), have seen or felt it make such a deep difference in ourselves, those that we care about (and even folks we don't know), so much that we are compelled and inspired to carry the torch forward offering this kind of learning, integration, and community opportunity to others and ourselves.
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These NVC family camps are branches from a much greater tree, first planted in 2004 at the initiation of the original founders, Doug Dolstad, Maren Metke & Elana Sabajon on Vashon Island, WA. Their dream was to bring NVC skills, energy, learning and support to families eager to integrate a deeper sense of connectivity between and within themselves. to create a create space in the beauty of nature to gather, build rhythm, community and spaces for learning play and integration. Soon we were joined over time by Barbara Larson, George Kirkwood, Johnny Colden, Ingrid Bauer and more ton help hold the Bones of organizing and programing. In 2006 we moved onto the Cedar Springs Farmstad, which nurtured us with its farm, creek, pond, forest fields and fresh ripe blackberries, outdoor showers, unique outbuildings, tree forts and endless piles of hay. The community of families got to return to this beautiful space for many years, being raised and revisiting this space like a family reunion, building & investing upon what was left off the year before.
Many of the youth who grew up going to camp over those 15 years have often been heard saying things such as "this is place I feel the most known/seen/self-connected/heard/safe in the world. Many of those kiddos have grown into adults who now help run and lead camp.
When Covid entered our reality, the Farmstad underwent a new purpose of providing precious housing, growing food and taking a rest from the busy imprint & activity of Summer Camp life.
With the support of Maren Metke, Marcia Christen & Jeremy Barnes (and many more), NVC Family camp has since been traveling across the lovely Washington State trying out new camp spaces for our families and crew, from fort Flagler/Port Townsend, to Sequim, and now to Southern Wa near Goldendale.
If you have or know of a lovely gathering camp space with a solid kitchen, gathering spaces and source of water for playing or recreation, please let us know, a we are seeking our next long term home. <3
OFFERINGS
CAMPS & WORKSHOPS
Share in an adventure together. Community Building, Family Fun, Youth Activities, Intergenerational Activities, Adult Workshops, Trainings, Delicious Healthy Food, Nature Immersion, Individual Support and More.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Get to know other people who love this stuff! Enjoy a range of community building and tending activities, including nonviolent communication, restorative justice and conflict resolution trainings. Our experienced facilitators create a safe and supportive environment for all participants to learn and grow.
Access a community of experienced facilitators who are here to support community, individual and family needs as we navigate this road of life.
