WELCOME!
From June 11-14, we are inviting a group of young women from the Outer Cape and beyond to explore what it means to become a modern-day water keeper.
In our time together, we will:
Walk the waterways of the Outer Cape with local biologists, ecologists, writers, and activists
Learn traditional crafts using local resources including willow coppicing and basket making
Forage for edible and medicinal plants
Cook meals over fire
Swim, surf, and walk under the full moon
Co-create water and fire ceremonies to deepen our connections to the elements and to one another
Sleep in a tent and spend our days in the woods
Create a community that will nurture young commoners beyond the gathering
Our inaugural gathering takes place in Wellfleet, MA from June 11-14 on four acres abutting the Cape Cod National Seashore. Participants will sleep in a tent or shared sleeping space. Accomodations are rustic, with a shared bathroom and outdoor shower. We will cook and eat over fire and spend most of our time outdoors.
Schedule:
Wednesday June 11:
3 PM: Arrive and Swim
6 PM: Dinner
7 PM: Opening Circle
9-Midnight: Full Moon Walk
Thursday, June 12:
8 AM: Morning Walk and Swim
9 AM: Breakfast & Morning Circle
10 AM: Medicinal and edible foraging walk with herbalist and forager Sarah Naciri
1 PM: Lunch
3 PM: Water ceremony, underwater filmmaking and photography
6 PM: Fire ceremony
Friday, June 13:
8 AM: Morning Walk and Swim
9 AM: Breakfast & Morning Circle
10 AM: Herring River restoration walk with biologist John Portnoy
1 PM: Lunch
3 PM: Willow basket making, wild willow coppice conversation
6 PM: Foraged Dinner with water keeper guests
9 PM: Circle
Saturday, June 14:
8 AM Low tide bay walk and shellfishing
11 AM Brunch
1 PM Pack up, site care
2 PM: Closing Circle
You are welcome to stay on and enjoy the beaches and woods through the weekend.
Water Keepers: June 11-14, 2025
Wellfleet, MA
Suggested Contribution: $250.
We are in the process of seeking non-profit status; if you are interested in sponsoring a Commoner, please reach out.
To reserve your spot, email us at jaye@suejaye.com or elspeth.hay@gmail.com.
Why we are beginning with a circle for young women:
Women have been primary stewards of common resources worldwide, developing sustainable practices that worked in harmony with their communities' needs. Yet today, women remain underrepresented in many environmental fields and ceremony and ritual have been left out of many practices. We are seeking to create a space for young women to explore what it means to be a modern day keeper of the commons by introducing possible career paths that weave together environmental stewardship, creative practices and deep connections to nature and ritual.
We invite all interested girls and young women (cis, trans) and non-binary youth to join us.
