camping is not optional

camping is not optional: {$conference->name}

:: registration costs

  • Camping: $10 per night
  • Adult: $100
  • Student: $75
  • Child (ages 5-15): $15

See FAQ for more information and then register online!

:: kid's information

Since the conference organizers would like families to feel welcome at the Practicing Resurrection conference, we've outlined some ways to accommodate children for the week.

  1. There are no camping or conference fees for children age four and under.  Parents of children this age will need to coordinate child care during workshop sessions and keynote addresses.
  2. Up to four children can camp for free with paying parent(s).
  3. During each workshop session, there will be an activity that will be appropriate for children ranging from five to fifteen years old.  Please register these children for the conference at the $15 children's rate.  Older children in this age range are free to attend adult workshops that interest them.
  4. Children who are sixteen years of age and older should pay the student rate if they wish to attend workshops.
  5. Please be aware that Russet House Farm is a working farm with live animals.  This feature will be no doubt be thrilling to younger children, but we ask you to caution them against getting too close without supervision to avoid injury.

In addition to special fees and arrangements for children, a range of leisure activities will be available that are family friendly, so don't worry about finding a sitter; bring the kids along!

:: about the organizers

Russet House Farm, formerly Sun Run Farm & Sustainable Living Centre, is a farm and education centre in Cameron, Ontario.  Four households from the greater Toronto area are involved in cultivating a right relationship with the land by raising organic livestock and produce, using renewable energy sources, living in intentional community and networking with farm neighbors.

*culture is not optional is a non-profit organization established to cultivate a community of faith practice that is responsive, joyful and comprehensive. Through maintaining a bi-weekly online magazine, engaging in social networking and planning gatherings, *cino builds relationships among people and resources to inspire active redemption that touches all parts of life, rooted in individual households and local communities. *cino is based in Three Rivers, Michigan, but has contributors and site visitors spread over five continents. Founding partners Rob and Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma have the privilege of overseeing *cino's day-to-day operations from their home and from their fair trade store.

:: frequently asked questions

Where should I stay?
Camping for up to fifty people will be available Monday night through Saturday night at Russet House Farm.  The facilities will include a water source and composting toilets, as well as some use of an outdoor kitchen. Farm campers will be able to bathe in nearby Balsam Lake (please bring biodegradable soap and a swim suit).

Once the Russet House Farm camping has reached capacity, registrants are asked to seek accommodations at nearby campgrounds.  Other suggestion in order of proximity include

And for those who aren't interested in camping, there is an online resource for bed and breakfasts in the Fenelon Falls area.

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What should I plan for meals while I'm there?
Except for the Saturday evening meal, individuals will be responsible for their own food preparation.  However, groups are free to work together on meals and the organizers are exploring the possibility of having a local farmer's market on the grounds a couple of times during the week. Please remember that there may be some restrictions about taking produce across the border.

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Will this conference be relevant to someone from the city?
We're hoping to include a range of workshops that will be of interest to people from diverse backgrounds with various interests.  Many of the workshops will focus on rural issues by virtue of the setting available to us.  However, all of us are connected to the land simply by eating.  We hope to raise awareness among both rural and urban dwellers about how to make consumer choices that put us in good relationship with the sources of our food and with our planet.

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What will the weather be like?
Though the mosquitoes and heat are rampant in June and July, August cools off and the bugs settle down, which is why we chose the week we did.  Come prepared for rain and heat, but we are hoping for a temperate, sunny week.

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What are the costs involved?
We've tried to establish fair fees for the conference that will make it accessible to students, families and everyone in between.  Here is a summary of costs in U.S. dollars:

  • Camping at Russet Farm:                                    $10 per night (the sixth night is free)
  • Adult Conference Registration:                            $100
  • Student Conference Registration:                        $75
  • Child Conference Registration (ages 5-15):        $15

A Saturday evening meal is included in the conference fee. Registrants are responsible for their own meals and transportation.

We also have Day Pass options for local folks who would like to come for the day on Friday or Saturday:

  • Friday Day Pass (Adult):                                     $45
  • Saturday Day Pass (Adult):                                 $45
  • Saturday night meal (w/ Day Pass)                     $15

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What if I'd like to bring my family?
Kids are welcome to attend the conference.  Please see the Kids Information page for information on camping, conference registration and activities.  For the purposes of the conference, individuals who are age 15 and younger will be considered "children."

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What if I'd really like to attend but can't afford the fees?
We certainly understand financial strain and don't want anyone to miss out because they don't have enough money.  Please contact us so we can talk about making a special arrangement.

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How should I prepare for the trip?
We're attempting to make the conference flexible enough to accommodate a variety of needs. If you need rest and quiet time, do some research on what activities in the area might provide that for you; bring a comfy chair and good books.  If you're looking for social interaction and intellectual stimulation, prepare to network and share your story.  Check out the speaker page to access resources connected with specific workshops you think you might like to attend.

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What should I bring with me to the conference?
If you will be coming from the U.S., be sure to bring your passport or a birth certificate.  All attendees will want to be sure they're adequately supplied with gear for cooking and sleeping, as well as clothing for hot weather and for rain.  As you will be washing in Balsam Lake, please bring biodegradable soap (plan to use it sparingly) and a swim suit.  Other suggestions include a journal, a camera, healthy snacks, water, binoculars, a chair and field guides.  You may also wish to bring cash for purchasing items from local farmers.

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If I will be crossing the border from the U.S., what should I consider?
REMEMBER: Be sure to bring your passport or birth certificate.  Also, there are limitations on fresh produce, cigarettes and alcohol.  You will be able to exchange cash at the border on your way in and your way out.

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What if I register, but then find out I won't be able to attend?
If something arises that will prohibit you from attending after you've registered, the refund schedule is as follows:

On or before June 7                        Full refund of conference and camping fees
On or before June 28                        75% refund of conference and camping fees
On or before July 19                        50% refund of conference and camping fees
On or before August 1                        25% refund of conference and camping fees

No refunds will be given after August 1.

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How do I get to Russet House Farm?
The address for Russet House Farm is 459 Country Lane, Cameron, Ontario.  The following directions will get you to the farm from the 401 west of Toronto.

  1. About forty-five minutes east of Toronto is exit 436, which is Hwy 115/35 to Lindsay and Peterborough. Be careful here as there are two exits very close together. Take 35/115 north for about 20 km (12.5 miles).
  2. Follow the 35 toward Lindsay when it splits from 115.
  3. When you get to Lindsay pay attention to the signs as 35 skirts the city. It's all well-marked.
  4. Follow 35 about 15 km (10 miles) to the village of Cameron. Continue on 35 through Cameron.
  5. The first left past the village of Cameron is Chambers Road and the second left is Country Lane. Turn left on Country Lane and go about a mile. The Russet House Farm driveway is on the left, marked with a green sign that says "459". It's a long lane; just keep going.

If you get lost, the phone number at the farm is (705) 887-9783.

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