Telephone registration is available by calling the Abode Programs Registrar at (518) 794-8095 x114. As the start of the Summer Gathering approaches, the volume of calls can make it difficult to reach the Registrar, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

You can also download a copy of the printed brochure and fax it using the address information listed at the bottom of this page.

The Summer Gathering brochure includes an order form which can be filled in by hand and mailed to the address listed at the bottom of this page. If you haven't received one, you can download a copy, print it, and send in with your check or money order.

MasterCard and Visa are accepted in postal mail and telephone orders. The Programs Office does not currently accept Amercian Express or Discover. We do accept personal checks by postal mail, and cash during in-person transactions.

In addition, Programs Office personnel accept chocolate whenever offered.

Checks in payment for the Summer Gathering 2008 should be made out to 'Sufi Order International'.

Up until two weeks before your arrival, refunds are available, minus a non-refundable registration fee. If you have made reservations for accommodation at the Abode Main Campus, $100 will be non-deductible, since these rooms sell out quickly, and there is a long waiting list. If you have made reservations for the Mountain Conference Center, the non-deductible fee will be $50.

No discounts are available on Housing during the Summer Gathering. One low-cost alternative is Tenting, which is $35/night and includes food. Attendees need to supply their own tent to take advantage of this option. In addition, Dormitory space is available at the main campus at $40/night.

Before June 15th, an Early Registration Discount of 10% applies to all Adult Tuition sessions. During the same period, Sufi Order International Supporting Donors receive an additional 10% discount, a total of 20%. No discounts apply to children's or youth camps, or housing.

After June 15th, Supporting Donors receive a 15% discount on Adult Tuition. No other discounts are available after June 15th.

Yes, there is an application process for Work Exchange. Please contact the Programs Office.

Yes, scholarships available on a limited basis. Please inquire with the Programs Office.

The Commuter Fee supports administration of the Summer Gathering and maintaining facilities at the Abode. All attendees not paying for Accommodation at the Abode are expected to pay the $30 Commuter Fee for every day of attendance.

There is no public transportation available directly to or from the Abode of the Message, so you will have to either drive here, or arrange shuttle service from one of the regional transportation centers.

Online maps are available through this site to direct you by automobile to and from:

• Albany (NY) Airport
• New York City (from the South)
• Boston (from the East)
• Montreal (from the North)
• Toronto (from the West)

From the above pages you can have detailed directions sent to you via email, using your street address, to direct you to and from the Abode.

A local map is available to direct you to the Abode once you've reached New Lebanon.

For information regarding shuttle service from Albany Airport, the Pittsfield (MA) Train & Bus terminal, and other regional transportation centers, please see the Abode Shuttles page.

Free shuttle service between the Abode Main Campus and the Mountain Conference Center is available each day of the Summer Gathering, starting as early as 6 am. Additional runs will be scheduled for evening events at the Main Campus.

Please arrive at the Abode the night before your program begins. Everyone will register at the Registration Tent at the Mountain Conference Center, even those staying down at the Abode Main Campus. Dinner is always served on the mountain the night before a program begins. Please check in at the registration tent upon arrival to get oriented. Usually the tent closes at 8 pm, and you will find additional registration times posted there. For those arriving after the tent has closed, there is a signup sheet. There will be additional registration at breakfast time the next morning.

To reach the Mountain Conference Center, continue straight up the road you arrive on (Darrow Road), past Abode Road, and through the Abode Main Campus, .9 miles sharply uphill to the Mountain Conference Center

During the Summer Gathering, housing is offered (subject to availability) both at he Abode Main Campus and at the Mountain Conference Center. To see descriptions and images, please see the Housing Options Page.

If you prefer, you can arrange accommodation outside the Abode, and pay the daily Commuter Fee. Unless you register early, this will probably be a requirement.

We highly recommend the Inn at Shaker Mill Farm, but capacity is very limited, so reserve well in advance.

A more conventional (though less elegant) option nearby is the Ramada Inn in Pittsfield (MA).

Additional hotel and B & B listings are available on this page.

For additional information about accommodation in Berkshire County (MA) please see Berkshire County accommodation listings.

Meal Times
Breakfast	8 - 9 am
Lunch	12:30 - 1:30 pm
Dinner	6 - 7 pm

Dinner is always served the evening before a program begins (the evening of your arrival).
Meals are served banquet style at the dining hall of the Mountain Conference Center and are self-service. Campers are called to meals when the Camp Director blows through a conch shell.

Before each meal, volunteers are asked to agree to do cleanup.

Though meals are mainly vegetarian, some include chicken and fish. Vegetarian alternatives are always available at every meal. Dairy, eggs and tofu are regularly available as protein sources. Beef and pork are never served at the Abode.

If you have dietary medical requirements, please forward them to the Programs Office with your registration. We will try to accommodate your needs, though please understand that several hundred other attendees also need to be served.

Weather is changeable at the Abode, and you should be prepared for both hot and cool weather. Bring sun block and warm clothes. You can buy linen packets which include pillow and sheets and one blanket for $10, but one blanket may not be warm enough. You should bring rain gear and insect repellent. Bring a flashlight even if you are staying down at the Abode Main Campus.

There is a supermarket in New Lebanon, but the nearest pharmacy is in Pittsfield, more than 20 minutes away.