CO June Queer Quest

Linetransparent

Jun 4th, 2024 - Jun 16th, 2024 | Wild Mountain, Colorado | Pedro McMillan, “Roo” Ruth Wharton

For over the last decade at the Queer Quest, groups of people from every part of the queer community have gathered on the land to celebrate our stories and step into the fullness of our queer bodies and selves. This safe and healing space has been a refuge and a reminder to all that being queer is a reflection and celebration of nature’s true diversity. Showing up as who we are, and with our many gifts, brings wholeness to the world!

Queer people have always been edge walkers who are a source of deep connection between the community, nature and the mystery, and now is the time to fully own our place. With all the challenges facing the queer community in the world today, now is the time to come back to our roots and the gifts that the queer community brings to the world. Connecting deeply to yourself, and fully accepting all of who you are, is both a radical act of rebellion against forces of hate and division, and a radical act of communion with all living things!

Join us in this inclusive and supportive circle surrounded by the tallest peaks in Colorado for this ceremonial rite of passage designed specifically for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Coming together, to step all the way in to the multifaceted person you are and being witnessed by the community, is healing for everyone and the land.

If you are feeling the call to be on the land in queer community to do deep, personal work for yourself, your community and the earth, then this program is right and the time has come. To secure your place, the first steps are to enroll by clicking the ‘enroll’ button and sending a deposit by clicking the ‘pay deposit/tuition’ button. If you are unable to pay a deposit, write to [email protected] about a scholarship. No one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay. Taking these steps will save your spot in the program. You can also send a check to the School of Lost Borders but you will still need to enroll through the website. This program has a long waitlist every year so enrolling and paying or working out the deposit as early as you can is a good idea. You will then receive more information about the next steps in the process.

Program overview: The program is divided into three sections; severance, threshold time, and incorporation. The first days are a time of ‘severance’ or separation from your daily life, leaving behind what no longer serves, and a time where you will be wholly seen and witness each other’s unique queer stories while setting an intention for your solo. The ‘threshold time’ is your solo time of four days and nights out in a vast and beautiful Colorado wilderness area. Base camp will be held not far from your solo spot and you will have a ‘buddy’ nearby who will check a sign from you each day to ensure your wellbeing. Finally, the days spent after the solo time are the first days of your ‘incorporation’ experience. During the incorporation time you will share the story of your solo. The guides will reflect or ‘mirror’ your story back to you in order to bring it into the world in a concrete way. The witnessing by the group will ensure there is no doubt about the amazing queer person you are and the gifts you bring to the world. Finally, we will prepare you to carry your story and yourself back into the world where the incorporation will continue to unfold over the year ahead.

Program Questions Contact: Pedro McMillan at [email protected]

EnrollButton

TUITION: $1000 - $3,000
DEPOSIT: $300

Sliding Scale: To honor the vast difference of financial resources among us, all of our program tuition is based on a sliding scale. We set forth no criteria and ask that you pay what is appropriate for your circumstances and access to financial resources. You can see recommendations on using the sliding scale here. If the low end of the sliding scale is still too much, scholarship assistance is available , please reach out to the office for more info.

Cancellations: Cancellations are hard on the participant, the School, and the guides. We respect the unpredictability of life, and we are diligent about running an organization sustainably.

-If you cancel 60 or more days prior to the start date of your program, you will receive a full refund of any tuition paid, minus any deposits.

-If you cancel 59 days or less prior to the start date of your program, and we can fill your spot, then you will receive a full refund of any tuition paid, minus any deposits.

-If we cannot fill your spot, and you cancel within 59 days of the start of your program, then we hold you accountable for paying the tuition at the lowest end of the sliding scale.

Submit enrollment form

 Please fill out and submit the enrollment form and then pay the program deposit below. Before you pay the deposit, please read deposit section below, all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. After your enrollment form is complete, please submit all health and liability forms.

Pay program deposit

Deposits: This deposit signifies your commitment to the program and is deducted from the tuition balance. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. They cover the work of the specific course you signed up for, including all communication involved as well as the fee that guides pay to the school administration for the course accounting. 

Additional Deposit: Some programs require a second deposit to help us affirm commitments. Last minute cancellations make it hard to fill openings and incur a loss of income to the School and the guides.

Tuition Balance: Balance of tuition can be paid before or upon arrival. Simply deduct any deposits made from the amount you’ve chosen on the sliding scale.

Submit Waitlist form

This program is full; however, you may add your name to the Waitlist by clicking the Waitlist button below.

Additional course details & Materials

Linetransparent

Please plan to arrive at 4:00pm on the afternoon of June 3rd. There will be an orientation and time to settle in before we meet the next morning. The ceremony will end by mid-afternoon on June 16th. Before making travel plans, please communicate with Pedro so you won’t miss any important time on the land or with the group. More logistical information will be sent once you register for the program..

ADDITIONAL FEES: Camping Fee $120. All additional fees will be collected at the time of the program.

You will be responsible for bringing your own food and equipment, though we can provide some gear if needed. We ask everyone to come prepared to live self-sufficiently. You will need to bring shelter and clothing suitable for a full range of inclement weather. 

To address safety concerns during the pandemic, please contact us regarding our current Coronavirus protocols as well as any current travel restrictions. These protocols may affect how you are able to travel to the program. Please note: As of May 2023 there are no longer any vaccination requirements for international travellers seeking entry to the USA.

All participants must submit the required health questionnaire and liability form.

If you have questions about the enrollment process contact us at [email protected] or call 760-938-3333.

Wild Mountain is land of the Tabeguache Ute people and other Indigenous tribes who traveled through this area of the Colorado Rockies. The Ute lived and hunted in this abundant land of elk, buffalo, deer, and bear before white settlers came and forced them onto reservations in southwest Colorado and Utah.

To learn more about our commitment to regenerative relationships please visit Cultural Relations.