Kids at Rainbow Gatherings

Im new here and just learning about Rainbow Gatherings. It sounds so awesome, I would love to go and take my kids but Im not sure if thats a good idea or not. What's it like generally for kids? My kids are 6, 4, and 1. Also, my 6 year old is in a wheelchair. How difficult would it be for me to get him around? Would it be a better idea for me to go to one on my own first and then take the kids the next year after I have experienced it myself?

I have lots of questions, Im just getting started!

 

i have been taking my children to rainbow gatherings for six years now, they are 12,7,and 5. the biggest problem is there is usally about a mile or more hike into most places. the bigger gatherings such as ocalia and the national have a kiddie village where ther are other children to play with, alot of smaller regionals that we have been to there isnt to many kids.we have been to a couple where my children were the only ones there.if i was you i would maybe check it out before i took my children, and see if it is a place you would want to bring your children. about your son being in a wheel chair all i have to say is there are alot of big strong rainbow brothers there to help get him in, dont be afraid to ask, i know i would be willing to help on a mission like that.

 

Thanks for the info papa. I can't wait to experience a gathering. I loved your web site, by the way.

 

i had my baby at the nationals this year and had my two year old along. she did wonderfully and probably had more fun than i did because i was pretty much tethered to my camp area. but there is so much fun for kids at gathering, esp. if they are older and potty trained. that would have been my only complaint but the birth went well and it was very spiritual to have my whole family there. just remember there are things at a gathering that might shock you at first, like naked men wandering around and drugs. people are very open becuase the gathering is like home to them
hope this helps
lovin you

 

chill mama, I read your baby rainbow story and cried. Its so beautiful. How is she doing? Thanks for responding to my question. I think this coming national I will just take my middle kiddo, she'll be 5 then. My other two will still be in diapers and I just don't want to deal with that! Im so looking forward to it. My sister is going to come with me, too. I would like to meet some people who will be there before its time to go. I live in Texas and am having a hard time finding info online about rainbow family here. Any rainbow texans out there?

 

Where are you from MamaKooKoo? I live in west Texas. And I would also like to take my 5 yr old daughter to a gathering in the future. I've never been to one myself, but have family/friends who have.

 

Alright, you might want to sit down for this one, Im from Midland, Bush's home town. Not many friendly faces around here. I saw you live in El paso, I have lots of family there, I was actually born in El Paso.

 

Hey folks, we live east of Austin, outside the town of Smithville. Hello iSiS!!! There's a message for you on myspace. There's a lot of Texas Rainbows.

We're planning a Thanksgiving Rainbow get together at the hippiestead. Y'all are welcome to come. Let us know if you want an e-mail invite sent.

 

How many folks do you think will be at your Thanksgiving Rainbow get together? Will it be on Thanksgiving day? It sounds like fun, hippiestead looks like a great place to hang out. I might be interested in going, though, Im not sure if I'll be able to make it, Im hoping on having surgery sometime in November.


Any more Texan Rainbows?

 

It's hard to tell how many folks will show up. We know some folks in Austin that will come for sure; it's hard to tell if any of the road crew will be in Austin then. We'll probally do a big dinner thing and a camp-out through the weekend.

Surgery?

Texas is a really big state; there are drum circles around Dallas & there's some family that hangs out in Amarillo; there are a couple of Rainbow farms here & there. If you want to hook up with more Texas Rainbows on HipForums, you might try starting a 'Texas Rainbows' thread.

 

I was thinking just that. Thanks.

 

the nurse who helped me in the delivery of the baby at the gathering lives in texas on an intentional community (commune)
she was an RN too
she has children whom she brought to the gathering as well

for those who live near Austin? A good friend of mine is moving there next week, can you tell me what she needs to know before going there? BTW she has a one year old son and will be attending school to be an accupuncturist.
Thanks

 

The Quebec Rainbow Gatheirng I just attended saw quite a few children -- Rainbow's third generation -- ranging from in age from infants to 12 years.

Ironically, I was one of only a handful of the 200-or-so Rainbows there who was over 40 years old (At 52, I may even have been the oldest person there). I didn't mind a bit; in fact, I formed a fairly close father/son-like bond with a fellow New Englander from Connecticut, who was pleasantly surprised when his Vermont girlfriend showed up.

I don't have any kids of my own -- and by now, I'm old enough to be a grandpa -- but for the first time in my life, I felt like a proud and loving papa as my Rainbow "son" and his girlfriend bonded.

So yes, I can tell you that in Quebec, the Rainbow Family there really IS a family -- a great extended family.

-- Skeeter

P.S.: Notice my new avatar on the upper left-hand corner? After two weeks of not shaving, I chose to keep my beard. Everyone at the gathering said I looked sexier with it. So I decided to change my avatar to more accurately reflect my appearance.

 

Right on! Email me the info & I'll try my best to make it! (depending on my budget situation to travel when the time comes). Its great meeting you all & I hope to meet in person in Colorado next July =)

-iSiS

 

when I went with my mom I was 16 and my little brother was 3 so I'm sure it's totally fine, we had a blast! there were alot of other kids there when we went.
hope you have fun!! even though I know you will!!!

 

I always took my kids to Rainbow, and camped near kid village. There were lots of other kids to play with and they had a great time. One was even potty trained there. She watched folks at the shitter and figured it out. They lost interest as teenagers, but now, with kids of their own, are beginning to get interested again. Their biggest concern is the hassle and extra work involved in taking small kids... So, does this new generation worry more than the old, or are they just lazier?

 

Earth mother, I would say we are lazier.

 

Im in San Antonio and would love to go to a rainbow gathering~ Anything going on around my parts???

 

Yellowbelly, I think there may be some drum circles where you live. You might be able to find them at welcomehome.org. Im definitely taking my kids to the gathering this year in Colorado. It will be our first. There are some drum circles in Dallas that have a monthly rainbow potluck, Im planning on going next weekend to meet some rainbow family. Are you going to the national gathering? Come on, it'll be fun!!!!!

 

To Mama-koo-koo. Don't let the diapers and wheelchair thing stand in the way. I traveled with rainbow families in my earlier years, and the kids who were still wearing diapers were always running around in nothing but cloth diapers and rubber pants 24/7. Never seen a baby in anything but cloth diapers in all those years, and regardless of whether or not the babies were yours or not, you helped out changing all the babies diapers when needed. As for your wheelchair child, the interaction will be great for your child! Just enjoy yourself and do it! Have fun!