One night to put something down.
The Fire Gathering is an intimate overnight retreat for women ready to close a chapter, recover their creative energy and enter winter with greater clarity.
Bring the project you abandoned, the season you survived, the identity you have outgrown or the desire that keeps returning whenever life becomes quiet enough to hear it.
Fire, Art, Dance, Sauna, Hiking, Quiet
Through creative practice, extraordinary food, movement, dancing, sauna, conversation, nature and fire, we will give that old material somewhere to move—and make room for what wants to emerge next.
reserve my spot
Saturday October 31st–
Sunday November 1st
Bemidji, MN
Through creative practice, extraordinary food, movement, dancing, sauna, conversation, nature and fire, we will give that old material somewhere to move—and make room for what wants to emerge next.
reserve my spot
Saturday October 31st–
Sunday November 1st
Bemidji, MN
Early registration closes October 5th, and your place includes lodging, meals, snacks, creative programming, materials and the complete overnight gathering. Regular registration is open October 6th–15t.This is an all-inclusive event and limited places are available.
Want to attend for FREE? Enter The Wild Card contest for an opportunity to win a free ticket. For yourself or a woman who totally deserves to be there.
Winners announced October 12th.
EVERYTHING CHANGES FORM
Our lives can become crowded with unfinished ideas, old identities, abandoned plans, unspoken decisions and creative energy that never had the opportunity to complete its cycle. Fire has always carried the wisdom of transformation, turning what has reached the end of one form into heat, light, ash, nourishment and the beginning of something new. The Fire Gathering offers a beautiful place to meet the old material with attention and imagination, honor what it gave you and discover how its energy might become useful again. You may arrive carrying a project that stopped moving, a version of yourself.
Our lives can become crowded with unfinished ideas, old identities, abandoned plans, unspoken decisions and creative energy that never had the opportunity to complete its cycle. Fire has always carried the wisdom of transformation, turning what has reached the end of one form into heat, light, ash, nourishment and the beginning of something new. The Fire Gathering offers a beautiful place to meet the old material with attention and imagination, honor what it gave you and discover how its energy might become useful again. You may arrive carrying a project that stopped moving, a version of yourself.
“This weekend was so lovely Terese. I’m so grateful for your essence! And for the beautiful things you do I get to participate in! Incredibly special. Refreshing. Recalibrating. Authentic. Brilliant.” —Carin Vagle, artist, musician, homeopath
WHAT ARE YOU READY TO ALCHEMIZE?
You do not need to arrive with a perfectly articulated intention, because the gathering itself will help you listen for what is ready to change form.
Together, we will create enough warmth, movement, beauty and community for the old to loosen its grip and for a more honest direction to begin revealing itself.
send me to the woods
You do not need to arrive with a perfectly articulated intention, because the gathering itself will help you listen for what is ready to change form.
Together, we will create enough warmth, movement, beauty and community for the old to loosen its grip and for a more honest direction to begin revealing itself.
send me to the woods
HOW THE GATHERING WILL UNFOLD
When you arrive, you will have time to settle into your cabin, eat something delicious, explore the grounds and begin meeting the women who will share this temporary world with you.
Throughout the afternoon, guided creative work, reflection and movement will help you gather the ideas, patterns, stories or unfinished material that may be ready for transformation.
As evening arrives, we will share an abundant family-style meal before moving toward dancing, sauna, conversation and fire, allowing the energy of the day to become physical, communal and alive.
The fire ceremony will create a threshold where you can release what has completed its purpose and name what you are now willing to nourish with your attention. The following morning will include breakfast, gentle integration and a final gathering that helps you carry the fire forward as creative momentum, clearer choices and renewed participation in your own life.
When you arrive, you will have time to settle into your cabin, eat something delicious, explore the grounds and begin meeting the women who will share this temporary world with you.
Throughout the afternoon, guided creative work, reflection and movement will help you gather the ideas, patterns, stories or unfinished material that may be ready for transformation.
As evening arrives, we will share an abundant family-style meal before moving toward dancing, sauna, conversation and fire, allowing the energy of the day to become physical, communal and alive.
The fire ceremony will create a threshold where you can release what has completed its purpose and name what you are now willing to nourish with your attention. The following morning will include breakfast, gentle integration and a final gathering that helps you carry the fire forward as creative momentum, clearer choices and renewed participation in your own life.
YOUR PLACE AT THE FIRE INCLUDES
• An overnight stay in a shared rustic Northwoods cabin
• A beautiful family-style dinner created with care and imagination
• Generous snacks, drinks and breakfast the following morning
• Guided creative practices for release, transformation
and renewal
• Movement and dancing that allow the body to participate in the process
• Sauna access and time beside the lake
• A fire ceremony beneath the autumn sky
• Forest trails and spacious time for wandering, reflection or rest
• Creative materials used throughout the gathering
• A small community of thoughtful and wildly interesting women
• An overnight stay in a shared rustic Northwoods cabin
• A beautiful family-style dinner created with care and imagination
• Generous snacks, drinks and breakfast the following morning
• Guided creative practices for release, transformation
and renewal
• Movement and dancing that allow the body to participate in the process
• Sauna access and time beside the lake
• A fire ceremony beneath the autumn sky
• Forest trails and spacious time for wandering, reflection or rest
• Creative materials used throughout the gathering
• A small community of thoughtful and wildly interesting women
THE PLACE
The Fire Gathering takes place at a rustic Northern Minnesota camp where weathered cabins, forest trails, a beautiful lake and an exceptional sauna create the feeling of stepping outside ordinary time. The cabins are shared and simple, and the showers are basic, while the food, creative programming, gathering spaces, music and fires are being created with tremendous warmth and attention. Please arrive ready for elevated camp, autumn weather and a setting whose beauty comes from its history, natural surroundings and genuine Northwoods character.
yes, I need this
The Fire Gathering takes place at a rustic Northern Minnesota camp where weathered cabins, forest trails, a beautiful lake and an exceptional sauna create the feeling of stepping outside ordinary time. The cabins are shared and simple, and the showers are basic, while the food, creative programming, gathering spaces, music and fires are being created with tremendous warmth and attention. Please arrive ready for elevated camp, autumn weather and a setting whose beauty comes from its history, natural surroundings and genuine Northwoods character.
yes, I need this
YOU MAY FEEL AT HOME HERE IF…
• You are carrying an old project, identity or chapter that is ready to change form.
• You feel creatively full and energetically crowded at the same time.
• You have spent more time beginning, gathering and imagining than finishing, releasing or completing.
• You are moving through a transition and want to meet it with intention.
• You miss the version of yourself who made things with curiosity and courage.
• You feel restored by excellent food, cold air, old cabins, big fires and time near water.
• You want to spend meaningful time with women who are also making room for
I’m ready to change form
• You are carrying an old project, identity or chapter that is ready to change form.
• You feel creatively full and energetically crowded at the same time.
• You have spent more time beginning, gathering and imagining than finishing, releasing or completing.
• You are moving through a transition and want to meet it with intention.
• You miss the version of yourself who made things with curiosity and courage.
• You feel restored by excellent food, cold air, old cabins, big fires and time near water.
• You want to spend meaningful time with women who are also making room for
I’m ready to change form
A destination-quality retreat, close to home.
REGISTRATION
An experience that transports you to a Norwegian village. You deserve to experience the feeling of traveling the world without leaving your home, Minnesota!
The Fire Gathering brings a deeply considered, all-inclusive retreat experience without the hidden expense of destination travel.
I’m coming to camp
Early registration: $450 through October 5. Regular registration is $550 from October 6–16.
Registration closes firmly on October 15 because lodging, food, materials and each guest’s gift box are coordinated individually in advance.
“You inspire me to go for it and try to do more. Thank you for being my true life artist action figure, the mild wild woman that I can be! The Mild Wild woman that I AM.”
—Raeme, Santa Cruz, CA
—Raeme, Santa Cruz, CA
Your place includes overnight lodging, all meals and snacks served during the gathering, guided creative programming, materials, movement, dancing, sauna, fire ceremony, access to the surrounding trails and a thoughtfully curated retreat gift box valued at more than $100.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE FIRE GATHERING?
The Fire Gathering is an overnight creative retreat for women who are ready to transform an old project, identity, story or season into fuel for whatever wants to be created next.
Our time together will include guided creative practice, movement, dancing, extraordinary food, sauna, conversation, time in nature and a fire ceremony beneath the autumn sky.
DO I NEED TO BE AN ARTIST OR BRING A CREATIVE PROJECT?
You do not need to identify as an artist or arrive with a defined project, because creativity can include the ways we build our lives, businesses, relationships, communities and next chapters.
You are welcome to bring a project or idea that has been asking for your attention, and you are equally welcome to arrive with a question, a transition or the feeling that something in your life is ready to change form.
CAN I COME BY MYSELF?
Absolutely, and many women will arrive without knowing anyone else at the gathering.
The experience is intentionally small, and the opening activities will help everyone settle in, feel welcomed and begin connecting naturally.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
Guests will stay in shared cabins at a rustic Northern Minnesota camp surrounded by forest, trails and a beautiful lake.
The cabins are simple and weathered, the bathrooms and showers are basic, and the overall experience feels closer to elevated grown-up camp than polished resort lodging. Bedding and towels provided.
See “WHAT TO BRING” section scrolling down on page below.
WILL I HAVE MY OWN ROOM?
Sleeping accommodations are shared, and room assignments will be created thoughtfully before the gathering. Only 2 guests will share a room with 2 bunk beds (top bunk reserved for your items).
If you would like to share a cabin with someone you know or have a sleeping, privacy or accessibility need, please include that information when registering. Accessability accommodations available by request.
WHAT FOOD WILL BE SERVED?
Your registration includes a beautiful family-style lunch & dinner October 31st, generous snacks and breakfast and lunch November 1st.
The food will be abundant, thoughtfully prepared and an important part of the gathering itself.
Please share any allergies or dietary needs during registration so that I can confirm what can be safely accommodated.
Your registration includes a beautiful family-style lunch & dinner October 31st, generous snacks and breakfast and lunch November 1st.
The food will be abundant, thoughtfully prepared and an important part of the gathering itself.
Please share any allergies or dietary needs during registration so that I can confirm what can be safely accommodated.
HOW PHYSICAL WILL THE GATHERING BE?
Movement and dancing will be guided with freedom and flexibility, allowing you to participate in the way that feels supportive for your body.
You may always pause, rest, observe or modify an activity, and no dance, yoga or movement experience is required.
DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN EVERYTHING?
You are invited to follow the rhythm of the gathering while remaining in relationship with your own energy, body and needs.
There will be room for quiet, rest and reflection throughout the experience, and you may choose a gentler form of participation whenever you need it.
WHAT DOES MY REGISTRATION INCLUDE?
Your registration includes shared overnight lodging, dinner, breakfast, snacks, drinks, creative programming, movement, dancing, creative materials, sauna access, fire ceremony and the complete overnight gathering.
Transportation to and from the venue is the responsibility of each guest.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE AND DEPART?
Arrival begins at 11:00 on Ocrober 31st, and our opening gathering will begin at 12:30pm.
Breakfast and our closing gathering will take place the following morning, with departure scheduled for approximately 4:00pm on November 1st.
WHERE IS THE GATHERING?
The Fire Gathering will take place in Northern Minnesota.
The complete address, driving directions, packing reminders and arrival information will be sent to registered guests before the gathering.
IS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE?
Guests are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the venue.
A voluntary carpool connection will be available for registered guests who would like to coordinate rides from the Twin Cities, Duluth, Bemidji or another Minnesota community.
WILL THERE BE PHONE SERVICE OR WI-FI?
You are welcome to use your phone when needed, cell service and wifi is available. This is not a remote wilderness camp. and the gathering will also offer a rare opportunity to step away from everyday noise and become fully present with the experience.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER CHANGES?
Late October in Northern Minnesota may bring cold temperatures, rain, wind or even early snow, and the gathering will continue with a combination of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Please bring warm layers, weather-appropriate shoes and outerwear that will allow you to enjoy the setting comfortably.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
[See below, scroll down on this page.]
Because this is a small gathering with advance commitments for lodging, food and materials, please review the policy carefully before completing your registration.
WHAT IS THE WILD CARD?
The Wild Card is one complimentary place at The Fire Gathering, given in celebration of my birthday to a Minnesota woman who is ready for this experience.
You may nominate yourself or another woman by answering one question: What are you ready to alchemize?
Entering The Wild Card does not reserve a place or preserve the early-registration price, so anyone who already knows she wants to attend is encouraged to register while places remain. Submit your nomination here: https://app.youform.com/forms/4ya2tios
HOW MUCH DOES THE GATHERING COST?
Early registration is $450 through October 5th at 11:59 p.m.
Beginning October 6th, remaining places will be available for $550 until registration closes on October 15th.
COULD THE FIRE GATHERING BE CANCELLED IF REGISTRATION IS TOO LOW?
The Fire Gathering requires at least 15 registered guests to meet the venue’s requirements and create the complete experience being promised.
Registration closes on October 16th, and every registered guest will receive a final confirmation email no later than October 17th.
If minimum enrollment is not reached and the gathering must be cancelled, you will receive a full refund of every registration payment you made.
Because the host cannot reimburse personal travel expenses, guests are encouraged to wait for the October 17th confirmation email before booking nonrefundable transportation or accommodations.
“Whatever the task, Terese’s events meets me right where I'm at. Just being witnessed gives my work momentum - it helps me focus, find flow, and actually enjoy getting things done. It's grounding, energizing, and life-giving—like tapping into a current that keeps me moving forward."
—Emily Beaton, farmer, creative entrepreneur, Duluth, MN
—Emily Beaton, farmer, creative entrepreneur, Duluth, MN
meet me by the fire
THE WILD CARD
For my birthday, one place at the fire is my gift.
On October 12, I’m celebrating by giving one Minnesota woman a complimentary place at The Fire Gathering, October 31–November 1.
If you’ve been carrying a chapter that feels complete, longing to return to your creative life or wondering what might change if you had a little room to hear yourself, I’d love to hear from you. You can nominate yourself or another woman with her permission by answering a few questions, beginning with this one:
What are you ready to make room for?
The Wild Card includes overnight lodging, included meals and retreat programming, with a value of $550. Applications are open to Minnesota women age 18 or older who can attend the full gathering, and no purchase is necessary.
Entries close October 11 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. The recipient will be thoughtfully selected according to the official terms and contacted on or around October 12.
PUT MY NAME BY THE FIRE
For my birthday, one place at the fire is my gift.
On October 12, I’m celebrating by giving one Minnesota woman a complimentary place at The Fire Gathering, October 31–November 1.
If you’ve been carrying a chapter that feels complete, longing to return to your creative life or wondering what might change if you had a little room to hear yourself, I’d love to hear from you. You can nominate yourself or another woman with her permission by answering a few questions, beginning with this one:
What are you ready to make room for?
The Wild Card includes overnight lodging, included meals and retreat programming, with a value of $550. Applications are open to Minnesota women age 18 or older who can attend the full gathering, and no purchase is necessary.
Entries close October 11 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. The recipient will be thoughtfully selected according to the official terms and contacted on or around October 12.
PUT MY NAME BY THE FIRE
CANCELLATION AND TRANSFER POLICY
Because The Fire Gathering is an intimate overnight experience, each registration supports advance commitments for lodging, food, materials and the preparation of the gathering.
CANCELLATIONS RECEIVED BY OCTOBER 5th
If you cancel by October 5th at 11:59 p.m., you will receive a refund of the amount paid, minus a 10% administrative and payment-processing fee.
CANCELLATIONS RECEIVED OCTOBER 6th–16th
If you cancel between October 6th and October 15th, you will receive a 50% refund of the amount you paid.
CANCELLATIONS AFTER OCTOBER 16th
After October 16th, registration payments are nonrefundable because final guest counts and retreat expenses will have been committed.
TRANSFERRING YOUR PLACE
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your entire registration to another eligible guest at no additional cost until 48 hours before the gathering.
Please contact portal.terese@gmail.com with the new guest’s name, email address, phone number, dietary requirements and emergency contact information so that the registration can be updated.
MISSED ARRIVALS AND PARTIAL ATTENDANCE
Refunds cannot be provided for missed arrivals, late arrivals, early departures or portions of the gathering that a guest chooses not to attend.
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your entire registration to another eligible guest at no additional cost until 48 hours before the gathering.
Please contact portal.terese@gmail.com with the new guest’s name, email address, phone number, dietary requirements and emergency contact information so that the registration can be updated.
MISSED ARRIVALS AND PARTIAL ATTENDANCE
Refunds cannot be provided for missed arrivals, late arrivals, early departures or portions of the gathering that a guest chooses not to attend.
SERIOUS OR UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES
If a serious illness, family emergency or unexpected hardship prevents you from attending, please contact me as soon as possible.
Although a refund cannot be guaranteed outside the dates above, I will consider whether a transfer or future event credit is possible after accounting for expenses already committed on your behalf.
If a serious illness, family emergency or unexpected hardship prevents you from attending, please contact me as soon as possible.
Although a refund cannot be guaranteed outside the dates above, I will consider whether a transfer or future event credit is possible after accounting for expenses already committed on your behalf.
WEATHER
The gathering will continue through ordinary autumn weather, including cold temperatures, rain, wind or early snow.
If conditions make travel or the venue unsafe and the gathering must be cancelled or rescheduled, registered guests will receive clear instructions and the choice of attending the rescheduled gathering or receiving a full registration refund.
REFUND TIMING
Approved refunds will be returned to the original payment method and may take approximately 5–10 business days to appear, depending on your bank or card provider.
By completing your registration, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agreed to this cancellation and transfer policy.
The gathering will continue through ordinary autumn weather, including cold temperatures, rain, wind or early snow.
If conditions make travel or the venue unsafe and the gathering must be cancelled or rescheduled, registered guests will receive clear instructions and the choice of attending the rescheduled gathering or receiving a full registration refund.
REFUND TIMING
Approved refunds will be returned to the original payment method and may take approximately 5–10 business days to appear, depending on your bank or card provider.
By completing your registration, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agreed to this cancellation and transfer policy.
HOST CANCELLATION AND MINIMUM ENROLLMENT
The Fire Gathering requires a minimum of 15 registered guests to meet the venue’s requirements and create the complete experience being promised.
Final enrollment will be reviewed after registration closes on October 16th, and registered guests will receive confirmation of the gathering’s status no later than October 17th.
If minimum enrollment is not reached, the host reserves the right to cancel The Fire Gathering. Every registered guest will be notified promptly by email and will receive a full refund of all registration payments made.
Guests may choose to apply their payment toward a future Mild Wild gathering, although accepting a credit will always be optional and a full refund will remain available.
The same full-refund policy applies if the host must cancel because of illness, an emergency, venue unavailability, unsafe conditions or another circumstance that prevents the gathering from being offered as described.
Refunds will be returned to the original payment method and may take approximately 5–10 business days to appear, depending on the guest’s bank or card provider.
The host cannot reimburse transportation, lodging booked elsewhere, missed work or other personal expenses related to attending the gathering. Guests are encouraged to wait for the October 17th confirmation email before making any nonrefundable travel arrangements.
The Fire Gathering requires a minimum of 15 registered guests to meet the venue’s requirements and create the complete experience being promised.
Final enrollment will be reviewed after registration closes on October 16th, and registered guests will receive confirmation of the gathering’s status no later than October 17th.
If minimum enrollment is not reached, the host reserves the right to cancel The Fire Gathering. Every registered guest will be notified promptly by email and will receive a full refund of all registration payments made.
Guests may choose to apply their payment toward a future Mild Wild gathering, although accepting a credit will always be optional and a full refund will remain available.
The same full-refund policy applies if the host must cancel because of illness, an emergency, venue unavailability, unsafe conditions or another circumstance that prevents the gathering from being offered as described.
Refunds will be returned to the original payment method and may take approximately 5–10 business days to appear, depending on the guest’s bank or card provider.
The host cannot reimburse transportation, lodging booked elsewhere, missed work or other personal expenses related to attending the gathering. Guests are encouraged to wait for the October 17th confirmation email before making any nonrefundable travel arrangements.
WHAT TO
BRING
Late October in Northern Minnesota can move through several seasons in a single day, so please pack for warmth, comfort, movement and time outdoors.
FOR THE CABIN
• Comfortable sleepwear and warm socks
• Earplugs and an eye mask if they help you sleep comfortably in shared accommodations
• Personal toiletries, medications and anything else you need for an overnight stay
• A small flashlight or headlamp for moving between buildings after dark
FOR THE WEATHER
• Warm layers that can be added or removed throughout the day
• A winter coat or substantial insulated jacket
• A hat, gloves and warm socks
• Rain gear or a weather-resistant outer layer
• Sturdy shoes or boots suitable for trails, damp ground and uneven terrain
• A second pair of comfortable indoor shoes or slippers
FOR MOVEMENT AND SAUNA
• Comfortable clothing that allows you to move and dance freely
• A swimsuit or other clothing you feel comfortable wearing in the sauna
• A sauna towel or robe
• Sandals or easy slip-on shoes for walking between the sauna, showers and cabins
• A water bottle that can be refilled throughout the gathering
FOR THE CREATIVE WORK
• A notebook or journal you enjoy writing in
• A pen or pencil you love using
• A creative project, unfinished idea or meaningful object if you feel called to bring one
• Any personal art materials that fit within a tote bag, that you especially enjoy, although the materials needed for the guided practices will be provided
I’m ready to go
• A notebook or journal you enjoy writing in
• A pen or pencil you love using
• A creative project, unfinished idea or meaningful object if you feel called to bring one
• Any personal art materials that fit within a tote bag, that you especially enjoy, although the materials needed for the guided practices will be provided
I’m ready to go
FOR YOURSELF
• Whatever helps you feel grounded, comfortable and at home in an unfamiliar place
• A book, knitting, sketchbook or quiet activity for any unstructured, reflective time
• A small bag for carrying your notebook, water bottle and layers around the grounds
• A willingness to meet the old material with curiosity and make room for whatever comes next
PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME
• Strong fragrances that may affect guests with sensitivities
• Anything that would make shared cabin life difficult for another guest
• The expectation that you need to arrive completely prepared, perfectly clear or already transformed