FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions
Background
What is The Whole Being Weekend?
Who produces The Whole Being Weekend?
Rates
How are rates determined?
Why did the teen rate change this year?
Can I get a special rate because I can't attend the entire event?
Registration
When does registration begin and end?
Can I just decide to show up and register at the event?
Volunteering
If I'm paying to attend, why do I need to volunteer?
Can I volunteer time in exchange for admission?
Is the WBW entirely run by volunteers?
Workshops, Presenters and Activities
Who determines the workshops?
Can I reserve a workshop space and time slot?
Can I be inside or have electricity for my workshop?
What are the workshop time slots?
Are there children's activities where I can drop my kids while I attend another workshop?
Can I charge for my workshop?
Food
What kind of food is served?
Can you prepare meals that meet my dietary restrictions?
Can I go to town and eat meals there?
Accessibility
What kind of handicapped facilities do you have?
Background
What is The Whole Being Weekend?
The Whole Being Weekend is a yearly gathering in the mountains of Southern California bringing together a diverse group to celebrate our common community, express our joy in connection, and share one big heartspace. The WBW started in 1971 and has operated continuously since then, annually hosting hundreds of loving people for food, friendship, workshops, singing and dancing, renewing old connections and making new ones. There is truly nothing like it in the world.
Who produces The Whole Being Weekend?
The Whole Being Weekend is produced by Whole Being, Inc., a California non-profit organization for the betterment and connection of our community at large. Our goal is to create a dynamic gathering at the lowest possible price. What makes The Whole Being Weekend unique is the active participation of the hundreds of people who attend. With everybody chipping in -- some a little, some a lot -- we are able to create an atmosphere of community, connection and participation, truly making this event yours.
Rates
How are rates deterimined?
We calculate what it costs to produce the event and determine a price per person that will pay this, with enough left over to start it up again next year. Costs include camp rental, purchase of food and supplies, paying our headline entertainment, advertising, rental of equipment, insurance, lifeguarding, and other costs. Costs are kept low because nearly all the effort is done by volunteers. If this event were run as a for-profit enterprise, it would cost three or four times what it does.
Why did the Teen Rate change this year?
Our contract with the camp no longer gives us a break on the cost of teen attendance. All those over 12 years old must pay full price.
Can I get a special rate because I can't attend the entire event?
We have two rates for attendance: Full Weekend (Friday through Sunday), and Partial Weekend (Saturday and Sunday). We do not offer single- or partial-day rates.
Registration
When does registration begin and end?
Online Registration will begin in early June and close August 31, or when we've reached 350 registrations, whichever comes first.
Can I just decide to show up and register at the event?
Not this year. Because of construction at the camp this summer, we must limit the number of attendees to 350 this year. We will have reduced parking, camping and workshop areas because of the construction, so only those who have registered before August 31, or until we've reached the 350 number, whichever comes first, will be allowed to attend. So please don't wait to decide!
Volunteering
If I'm paying to attend, why do I need to volunteer?
This is truly a community-created event. Everyone is asked to volunteer at least two hours during the event for several reasons:
- When we all work together we are co-creating the world we want to live in.
- You get to meet and work with interesting and creative people.
- This is what keeps the price so low.
- It's fun!
Can I volunteer time in exchange for admission?
Yes. We offer a limited number of scholarships to those who agree to devote ten hours or more of service or oversee certain functions. Everyone else is asked to volunteer at least two hours, a small sacrifice for helping create such a fabulous event. If you would like to be considered, please email us at and let us know how you're interested in helping. We're having a volunteer party on Saturday, June 14 in Poway to eat, laugh, and work together to create a fantastic Weekend!
Click here for more details on volunteer opportunities and parties.
Is The WBW entirely run by volunteers?
For the most part, yes. The organizers all have day jobs and do not make a living off of the Weekend. Some key positions -- those that the success of the Weekend are dependent on -- require an extraordinary effort, and a handful of people with these skills are paid a stipend, though not nearly enough to compensate them for their work.
Workshops, Presenters & Activities
Who determines the workshops?
Under the premise that we all have something to share, one piece of a greater puzzle to reveal, all the workshops are determined by the participants. To present, all you have to do is attend and sign up to give a workshop. The WBW creates time slots and has suggested locations throughout the camp. These get posted on a big board. If you want to give a workshop, fill out a card describing it and put it on the board. Throughout the Weekend folks see what's offered and choose where to go.
Can I reserve a workshop space and time slot?
No. Besides a few key WBW-produced workshops that we block out space and time for, all workshop spaces and time slots are first-come, first-serve.
Can I be inside or have electricity for my workshop?
Not reliably. There are a few indoor workshop spaces that get selected early by folks arriving on Friday evening. Most of the locations are outside in a meadow, under a tree, or somewhere amidst natural splendor, but away from power sources. You should tailor your presentation to be done without power or walls.
What are the workshop time slots?
There are four workshop time slots: one on Saturday morning, two on Saturday afternoon, and one on Sunday morning.
Are there children's activities where I can drop my kids while I attend another workshop?
This year we will not be able to have children's workshops with children separate from their parents. Under our contract with the camp, we are no longer permitted to let children be led or watched by anyone other than their parents or guardians. This is a regretful change, but we must honor the terms of our camp contract lest we lose the ability to return next year.
Can I charge for my workshop?
No. All workshops, bodywork, performances and services at The Weekend are free to all participants. You may use this opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge and services to those who attend, letting them know that you do this for a living, but you may not charge anything for doing it at the Weekend.
Food
What kind of food is served?
All meals are vegetarian. Though the kitchen is not vegan, we offer vegan choices at every meal. We do our best to use organic ingredients and are trying to work more locally grown produce into our mix. At all meals we serve something fresh -- a salad or some fruit -- along with something hearty and nourishing. The menu is not decided until just before the Weekend so we can't tell you exactly what is planned, but it is always healthy and delicious!
Can you prepare meals that meet my dietary restrictions?
No. Because of the volume of food we are preparing and the limited time, the size of the kitchen and the necessity of buying items in large quantities, we are unable to prepare specific items for you. However, we will do our best to offer a large range of items to choose from that meet most dietary restrictions. If you have particular dietary needs, please plan on bringing them with you, though our kitchen is not available for personal cooking and cooking is not permitted in the camping areas.
Can I go to town and eat meals there?
Certainly, and some folks choose this. There are a number of quality restaurants with a wide range of choices in Idyllwild, about 15 minutes away. But we will not reduce your fees if you choose to do this.
Accessibility
What kind of handicapped facilities do you have?
The campground has few paved areas and is not level. Activities take place throughout the camp and may require travelling across unpaved areas, through a grassy meadow or up small hills. At night this is done in the dark. If you have limited mobility, please take all this into consideration when attending.
We do have several shared dorm rooms with handicap facilities. If you require them, please let us know on your registration form.