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Harbin Hot Springs For many years, people have enjoyed both giving and taking workshops here, not only because of the attractive space and excellent service we provide, but also because of the powerful energy inherent in the land and springs, themselves. For centuries, before Harbin became a hot springs resort in the late 1800’s, the Native Americans of the area considered the land and waters sacred. Today, many who come here for relaxation and healing are touched by this same feeling. Harbin is run by a conscious and loving community of people, dedicated to stewarding the land and to providing a restful atmosphere for those who visit here. The easy mingling and socializing among residents and guests is another part of Harbin’s charm. Please look over the Harbin web site http://www.harbin.org for photos and more detail. If you want to stay in a regular hotel room or book a massage or water session etc, then please do this through the Harbin website, or when you are there. There is a very hot pool at Harbin, (around 114 F or 45 C, with a cold pool next to it). It’s an invigorating experience to go back and forth between the hot and cold several times (health permitting). There are various other large warm pools, and the general vibe is slow and quiet. We will have our own private pools at the conference center, where we can make a bit more noise, and play, as we like. You are welcome (encouraged!) to use the whole of the Harbin facilities as part of the Jam. They have asked that we don’t bring our hoops into the public pool areas, as they may disturb the general serious and quiet atmosphere there....Ha!. Harbin is a clothing optional retreat center, but I believe clothes are required in eating areas, and I think we will be doing most of our hooping with some clothes on. Nudity is not required, but it very soon feels natural, especially in the water. The Conference Center
On a couple nights (Tuesday and Thursday) we would like to open the Jam up, and have residents and visitors at Harbin come and dance and hoop with us. In the afternoons we hope to have an outdoor jam (weather at that time of year will most likely support this) in the meadow, where others are free to come. Harbin does not want us to have anyone who is not signed up for the jam come to the Conference Center at other times. If you have friends who are staying at Harbin during this week, please visit with them in the “public” areas outside the Conference Center. The Conference Center has its own parking, its own kitchens and bathrooms, its own pools and deck and its own camping areas surrounding it. You may want to bed down indoors, and there is a huge long carpeted and covered room next to the main hall, where you can put down your bedding. (If you want to be super comfortable you may bring an inflatable mattress, pillows or whatever you like.) Or you can set up your tent right next to the conference center or camp in the general camping areas, either in the meadow or along the river. The river has many campsites with their own flat wooden decks. It is beautiful. If you are hiking, especially off the trails, you should be aware that there might be poison oak, which could make it uncomfortable to hoop. I haven’t personally been bothered by that or by mosquitoes or other bugs in the many times I have been to Harbin, but no guarantees.
Extending your stay. The facilitators intend to stay for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday following the Jam, and to put on a hooping Jam in the meadow each afternoon. So if you want to extend your stay, we would love you to do so. You can either continue camping, (though if you are camped at the Conference Center you will have to shift to the river or meadow ), or book into a room or dormitory at Harbin. Harbin has a restaurant and store and a “public” kitchen where you can make your own meals.
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This cathedral-like space has a high, arched ceiling and a very large room (40’x65’ or 2600 sq ft) that can accommodate 45 to 150 participants. The beautiful wood floor is ideal for dancing and movement; the Conference Center can also be rented with carpeting in sections, as desired. The sound and lighting are particularly good and flexible. Note the high ceilings, which will allow us full range of hoop motion! 
The Conference Center has two outdoor pools, which can be set for different temperatures, making one perfect for play or Watsu (water massage) and another for social or meditative soaking.