Giving Back

November 2017

Dear Friends of The Woods,
  
Sonoma County and other areas of the North Bay are just starting to recover from last month’s devastating wildfires, which will have wide, long-lasting effects. We are extremely grateful that Westminster Woods was spared from any fire damage and all of our staff members are safe.  
  
This crisis has impacted so many in our area, and we have been reminded of the role we can fill in helping people deal with loss. In response to the fires, we opened our beautiful campus to members of the affected community for Free Open Space Play Days while the fires were still active. Several hundred liberated kids and their grateful parents came to play outside and enjoy a respite from the toxic air closer to the fires.   
  
Our School Programs department proudly serves over 15 schools from the Santa Rosa area, but many of those have had to cancel their annual outdoor education trips due to the fires. As a result, we are now offering any available space to other schools in the areas affected by the fires as a place to gather and spend time in nature. We are blessed to be able to support our community during this unprecedented, challenging time.
   
We know that many of you have already made significant contributions toward helping those in need during this time. While The Woods has lost significant income as a result of the fires, we are confident that, with the support of our community, we will finish the year strong and have our best year yet in 2018. Please consider making a donation to help us continue to provide a sanctuary for transformative experiences to our guests.  
  
If you would like to make an online donation, visit our Give Back page. If you prefer to send a donation by check, our address is:

Westminster Woods
6510 Bohemian Hwy.
Occidental, CA 95465

Thank you for your support of The Woods. 
  
In Faith,

Chris Rhodes, Executive Director
 

Post-Fire Community Gathering Space

Post-Fire Community Gathering Space
Monday – Thursday
10:00 – 4:00
October 25 – December 14

Westminster Woods
6510 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, California 95465
logistics@westminsterwoods.org 
707-874-2426 x623

School communities that were affected by 2017 wildfires are invited to come together at Westminster Woods.

We welcome groups of up to 120 people to meet on our beautiful campus in Occidental. Your space will include one indoor meeting room as well as access to our outdoor playground, grass field, and redwood picnic grove. We are excited to share our space with as many schools as possible, but unfortunately reservations will be subject to availability.

Teachers can inquire by emailing the following information to Paige (logistics@westminsterwooods.org):

• Coordinating teacher name and email
• School name
• Expected number of participants
• Desired date range (if any)

Please note that this offer is available 10:00 – 4:00, Monday – Thursday through December 14, 2017. Groups must bring their own food (as needed), and are asked to help clean up their area before departure.

Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center is nestled amid a forest of coastal redwoods and offers year-round opportunities for connection, reflection, discovery, and growth. Learn more at www.westminsterwoods.org.

Westminster Woods Open Space Play Days

Westminster Woods Open Space Play Days
Friday 10/13 – Friday 10/20
9 am – 4 pm

Westminster Woods is offering free Open Space Play Days through Friday 10/20.  Though we are typically closed to the public, in response to the wildfires, we welcome our community to come to play and rest on our beautiful campus in the redwoods. 

We are located at 6510 Bohemian Hwy, between Occidental and Monte Rio – see our driving directions on our website. When you arrive, proceed across the bridge and follow signs to parking. Please check in at the Main Office; all guests will be required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival. RSVPs are not needed.

Dogs on leashes are welcome. Please feel free to bring your own picnic or snacks (there are several food options in Occidental). Please check the air quality forecast and make the best decision for your family based on the current conditions. 

Learn more about Westminster Woods at www.westminsterwoods.org

Driving directions: https://www.westminsterwoods.org/directions/

Westminster Woods
6510 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, California 95465
info@westminsterwoods.org
707-874-2426
 

Upgrading Our Online Presence!

Westminster Woods is honored to host thousands of guests every year, through School Programs (environmental education and character development programs), Christian Ministries (summer camp, youth & adult weekends), and Guest Services (facility rentals for a variety of groups).

In an effort to provide more information to new friends of Westminster Woods and keep our community connected throughout the year, we are upgrading and increasing our online presence! We are doing this in a variety of ways, including a new website and this blog, to keep you up to date on all of the exciting things happening at The Woods.

You may have noticed the website you are currently viewing has gotten a complete makeover. Our new site makes it easier to find the information you are looking for and provides a resource to help spread your love and appreciation of this incredible place. Let us know what you think of the new look!

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! If you visit Westminster Woods and post any photos, you can add our hashtag (#welcometothewoods) or even tag us!

By sharing more information online, our goal is to increase access for those who have not been here before, and keep returning guests connected throughout the whole year. Hopefully, you can find the information you are looking for and use our posts to share with friends and family what Westminster Woods means to you.

By the way, if you think of a good name for this Westminster Woods Blog, by all means share it with us – a special prize from our camp store awaits the person who comes up with the best name for our blog!  Email info@westminsterwoods.org or leave a comment with your suggestion!