MEADOW MUSINGS
Fall 2025
Welcome to Meadow Musings! As Indralaya is greeting a beautiful fall, with bountiful harvests picked and processed, trees turning to winter colors, we look back on a season filled with engaging programs, committed participants, joyful work, and beautiful engagement with nature, people, and spirit.
Table of Contents
Announcements and Opportunities
- Indralaya 100 – Mark Your Calendars!
- Preview of 2026 Program Season
- Schedule and programs
Board Transitions-
Camp News
2025 Friends of Indralaya Meeting
2025 Friends of Indralaya Meeting
September 7, 2025 online
The Friends meeting opened with a video of young campers ringing the camp bell. Approximately two dozen members attended as well as board members.
Current Members Representative Marilynne Gardner highlighted the ‘state of Indralaya’ this year including:
Personnel and Volunteers
- Facilities Manager: Christopher Barry, an island resident, was hired in late March as our new Facilities and Maintenance Manager. He is personable, skillful, and an excellent problem-solver. He has been an anchor for interim managers, program leads, and stewards during the general manager transition. Camp neighbor Rolf Eriksen was contracted to provide training and on-site mentoring through Sept 2025. He has worked with Christopher to review the Fire Suppression System, the camp’s water and septic systems, the Winterization Process and has collaborated on various maintenance projects.
- General Manager Transition – To allow for a robust recruitment process, Board members have served as interim camp managers since May (Michael Van Gelder for the May, August and November Work Parties and Family Camp 2; Marilynne Gardner for the Astrology/Tarot, Theosophy Week, Leveys, Connections, and Silent Meditation progams and the October work party; Lin Bauer for the TT Programs, Andrie Levey-Bates for Connections, Deep Singing, and Family Camp 1; Victoria Fonseca-Bennett for Qi Gong, and Merry Bullock for Art in Nature), as well as continuing their roles as assistant managers. Treasurer Merry Bullock also assumed the Registrar role and managed the camp’s email communications, while overseeing the camp’s finances. Nancy Lehwalder maintained her careful attention to bookkeeping and mail. The Board contracted with islander Kari Van Gelder to provide Kitchen Coordinator services from May-November. Kari trained and scheduled cooks and ordered food and supplies. She organized the kitchen, walk-in, freezer, and basement storage to make it easier to access supplies and prepare food at the quantities needed. The on-the-ground experiences have been invaluable for board members and others, and will help inform expectations for the general manager’s job responsibilities.
- General Manager Hiring Process – A Recruitment Committee was established comprised of board and community members chaired by Victoria Fonseca-Bennett. Screening interviews are underway. The Board anticipates the start date for the new general manager will be in Spring 2026.
- Volunteers, Stewardship Program, and Daily Staff – Indralaya continues to rely on volunteers, stewards, and daily staff to cover daily operations. Twenty-four short and longer-term stewards made restoring the garden possible, as well as assisting with hospitality, maintenance, and meal prep and often participating in programs. The steward schedule was modified this summer to 5 hours/day, 5 days per week with 2 days off to align with policies of programs where we recruit. Work parties continued to provide volunteers for many seasonal maintenance tasks as well as construction of the Bathhouse. The spirit of volunteerism that founded Indralaya continues to be a strong binding element of the camp community.
2025 Work Parties and Programs
Over 240 people have registered for work parties for the year (see the article below “Work is Fun!”). The first three were larger than previous years, giving us more capacity to clear winter debris and prepare camp for the spring program. The fruit trees have been bountiful this year. A large quantity of plums were picked and processed at the September work party with still more to pick plus pears and apples at the October Harvest work party.
The Programs Committee adjusted the schedule in 2025 to provide 3 days off between programs. This change provided staff relief between the large summer programs. Ten programs held so far were all well-received. So far, 461 people have registered. The variety of programs drew diverse and cross-generational participants, each with some connection to our theosophical values and each forming a caring community – see more in “Highlights from 2025 Programs.”
The Programs Committee considers program throughout the year. They always welcome hearing your ideas!
Lower Bathhouse/Solarium
This project replaced the Solarium constructed in the late 1950’s largely by volunteers. Construction substantially began in 2022. The Bathhouse received a temporary certification of occupancy from San Juan County on July 3 before the start of the big Summer Programs; a certificate of completion was issued August 25. A celebratory toilet paper-cutting ceremony was held.
The Bathhouse loan program enabled the completion of the project this summer.
In 2021, the Board approved a budget of $230,000 assuming the existing solarium septic system and drainfield could serve the new facility. This proved not possible. By March 2022, rapidly escalating construction costs resulted in reviewing all elements to identify potential cost savings. The Board created a designated Bathhouse capital donation fund and established a committee to coordinate fundraising. In October 2022, the Board approved a revised budget of $371,000 an estimate that did not include the cost of a new septic system and drainfield. A rough estimate was that the total project cost would be $440,000. Ultimately the project has cost over $600,000. Of this amount, $132,000 (22%) was donated. The board plans to post a yearend narrative and financial report on the members’ website.
This project crossed a number of volunteer boards that have stayed focused on staging resources/construction over multiple years. Volunteers have been involved in many aspects of construction. The Board is planning to look at ‘lessons learned’ to help inform future major capital projects. Expanded regulatory and permitting requirements will impact future projects. We may not have the skills of a camp member to successfully involve volunteers. Future projects will need to be carefully considered. To all those who contributed financially and to those who worked on this project, thank you for seeing it through. May it last for more than 50 years!
Garden Restoration
Indralaya has had a productive garden since the early 1960s. During the Covid closure and partial shutdown, the garden fell into disrepair. Long-time camper and steward Laurie Rotecki asked the board in Oct 2024 to support renovation of the garden with a lead person to guide building biodynamic beds. We were fortunate to be able to dedicate a steward, Sharon James, to this project from Jan-May, followed by other stewards whose main responsibility has been to care for the garden in consultation with Laurie. Six new beds were built using metal siding and metal mesh on the bottom as barriers to voles with a trim of fir on the top edge of the bed and mesh covers to protect young seedlings. Several temporary beds were re-established as well. Seeds and starts resulted in an abundance of snow and snap peas, lettuce, arugula, parsnips, kale, onions, cucumbers, zucchini and tomatoes. There was regular consultation with the kitchen regarding use in menu planning. Our goal is to sustain the progress made and continue the development of the garden, increasing its productivity and beauty as a special place within camp.
2025 Budget Status
Board Treasurer Merry Bullock reviewed a summary spreadsheet of camp’s 2025 budget highlighting revenue and expenses for the first parts of the year. Projections are that 2025 will end with at least a balanced expenses to revenue, if not a small positive balance. Kudos are owed to all those who have participated in programs, contributed their work and ideas, volunteered to maintain and freshen up camp, and donated their cash, work, and spirits to keep us thriving.
2026 Program Preview and 100th Anniversary Planning
Board Programs Committee chair Andrie Levey-Bates highlighted the programs planned for 2026. Members previously brainstormed ideas for the 100th Anniversary Celebration planned for 2027. Andrie encouraged members to continue to send in their ideas including suggestions for event merchandise (see article below “Indralaya Turns 100.”)
Farewell
Current Board Chair Michael Van Gelder briefly summarized his experiences after six years on the Board and his hopes for the camp’s future.
The meeting closed with an opportunity for members to ask questions of the board.
Orcas Island Foundation Board – Members Rep Election
Members of Friends of Indralaya who are also members of a national Theosophical Society elected Leonie Van Gelder as the 2026 Members Representative. The Board appointed Josh Anderson to the other board vacancy. Both Leonie and Josh will begin three-year terms in January 2026.
Indralaya has always been part of Leonie’s life. She was a manager at camp for 17 years and deeply values our wonderful history. “I do believe we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before, and I will also recognize that change is a constant in life. I would like this opportunity to tend to Indralaya in this new role, as a member of the Board. I love Indralaya.”
Josh is relatively new to Indralaya but strongly connected to Theosophy in his role as librarian and director of programming at the Theosophical Society lodge in Seattle. “I have a deep commitment to the sustainability and preservation of unique organizations like Indralaya and the Orcas Island Foundation, and am well-suited to work with a wide variety of constituencies to ensure … the continuity of shared tradition and the dream of deeper and more sustainable growth.”
We encourage members to become voting members. Of the approximately 310 Friends members, only 25% are members of the Theosophical Society and thereby able to vote or serve on the Board. We need to involve the diverse talent of our community in camp leadership and policymaking!
Friends of Indralaya
Friends of Indralaya is the support membership for all of Indralaya’s activities. The membership period is annual – January 1-December 31 of each year. It is not too early to join or renew your membership for next year! You can do that here. Please be sure to take note of the 5% Friends’ discount on Indralaya program fees.
For more information about the Friends program see https://www.indralaya.org/home/about/friends-of-indralaya/
2025 Program Season Highlights
As many of you know, this year’s program season was unusual in that board members filled in as Interim Camp Managers or cooks for each program. They could not have done this without the rest of the Indralaya team. During every!program and work party, Kari Van Gelder, kitchen manager, and head cooks, breakfast cooks, and kitchen crews were warmly applauded for the sustenance they provided. Facilities Manager Christopher Barry was the glue that held things together – figuratively and literally, especially when there was a gap in the hand-off between interim managers. He is always responsive, cheerful and a great problem-solver. The 24 stewards over the season, especially the longer-term volunteers, contributed to all aspects of operations as well as often participated in programming.
Each program and work party formed a unique community yet shared a common appreciation for Indralaya, and its values and traditions. It was fun and rewarding to experience the programmatic range that camp offers. Newcomers consistently applaud the experience of being at Indralaya. Managing requires a focus on supporting daily operations and volunteers, as well as supporting planned program activities, and adapting to emerging issues including:
- the failure and repair of the basement walk-in freezer
- an accidental fall that showed the excellent 911 response on Orcas and Indralaya’s caring community who supported the 3-month recovery process at camp
- scheduling installation of the new Bathhouse’s septic field during a program
- mitigating the intrusion of an otter under one of the larger cabins
- removing fire-starters and posting no fire signs in all cabins when the fire danger became high
- finding a rotating group of young men to be breakfast cooks for Connections when a vacancy arose – may they go on to become head cooks!
Here are some short highlights from some of the many programs this summer.
Astrology and Tarot – Tools for Transformative Times – new in 2025
Stephanie Austin and Callie French led a unified new program with two tracks. They made the content accessible and interesting to beginners and more advanced students. Seventeen campers and stewards participated. The program had three sessions – morning and afternoon (library and pavilion tracts) and after dinner (lounge). Most of the participants expressed interest in returning for this program, which is scheduled for May, 2026.
Practical Theosophy – Finding our Purpose in the Confusion: National Theosophical Society President Doug Keene led a thoughtful, interactive discussion with a lively group of fourteen participants in the library. Doug and his partner Risa happily volunteered to be on the chore board. This was their first time at camp – they loved the community experience and promised to come back. Another theosophical program is scheduled for May, 2026.
Family Camp One was an outstandingly organized, fun and productive week in July. Seventy-eight participants sang, played games, danced, did lots of art projects, and met daily in their age groups doing writing, drama, art, and having discussions. During this program, the bath house was officially opened to the delight of everyone, as it had been challenging with only a few bathrooms for the past two summers. One of the outstanding features of this program, is the group’s hour and a half contribution each day to helping with projects around Indralaya. During FC1, 16 year old Sully designed a delightful sandbox and then built it along with Willy Stark with a top to last 20 years. Later a water table was added.
Cultivating Presence in Uncertain Times: Michelle and Joel Levey returned to guide a contemplative program for 48 participants, focused on finding insight and resilience. New and returning participants delighted in Indralaya’s spiritual and natural environment, moving meditations in the meadow, and a day hike to Cascade Lake. This program will return in mid-July 2026.
Family Camp Two
Family Camp Two was the largest of the summer programs with 82 participants. It was a week of building intentional community across generations, packed with fun activities and plenty of time to rest and enjoy the beauty of Orcas Island. Participants of all aes played hard, laughed lots, sang loud, danced with joy, ate well, made beautiful art and new friends, connected and shared deeply, and celebrated the wisdom of the many generations that gathered.
The leadership team included Katie and Cindy Guertin- Anderson and three young men in their twenties, Cameron Nielsen, Gabe Rush, Skye Whitley, each of whom who grew up coming to family camp. Together, they did an amazing job of orchestrating, organizing and simplifying the logistics of this busy camp.
Art and Nature – New in 2025
There were 13 participants and stewards in this first-time program that combined nature walks, and lessons in two art media – cyanotypes created with natural materials and the sun, and water colors. The program returns in 2026 to applause.
Qi Gong for Health new in 2025
This program engaged fifteen participants in daily practices in Qi Gong movements, focusing on energy, harmony, and synchrony. The entire program had a joyous feel, as participants moved together, did after dinner chores together, and engaged in lively discussions and late night Qi Gong in the meadow. The program returns in 2026.
Connections – Reflections on Indralaya’s History and Future: Approximately 50 people participated, including about a dozen 10 years or under. Almost everyone who registered participated in maintenance projects in the morning, including work on the new Bathhouse, managed by Rolf Eriksen and facilities manager, Christopher Barry. The new bath house was winterized, with installation of the last wood panels, and a final stain on the whole building. After lunch, David Toren facilitated reflections and discussions regarding the founding purpose and sustainability of Indralaya in anticipation of our 100th anniversary in 2027. Andrie Levey-Bates and Michaela Toren led children’s programming during the morning projects session. They transformed the Pavilion into a creative play space. The children worked on creating a Children’s Corner in the garden with a new sand box, table and chairs, and wood chips.
On the last evening a local music group, Minnow Creek, gave a lively performance on the grove stage. While we missed some of our usual Canadian Connections participants, this year’s program was a wonderful mix of young children, young adults, mids and seniors, with long-time campers and new participants. Our future looks promising, seeing the kids eagerly volunteering to be on chores. The 2026 Connections is scheduled for August, 2026.
The Deep Singing September program had 51 enthusiastic participators under the leadership of Barbary Bellamy and Tiffany Stokes. People were so happy as they filled their souls and hearts with chants, songs from around the world and sharing the magic of being with one another.
Opening to Stillness: Silent Meditation Retreat – new in 2025
Leonie Van Gelder and Tama Recker guided a diverse mix of 25 younger to older participants in meditation and stillness within themselves and nature. The program was held in the library, a long term meditation place. Within the quiet, participants connected, leading to networking and information exchange on the last day. This program will return in late September 2026.
A Recap of 2025 Therapeutic Touch Programs
About February each year we begin to feel the call from Indralaya to return for TT.
Dee Krieger and Dora Kunz began teaching TT in the early 70’s at Indralaya on the west coast and at Pumpkin Hollow on the east coast. Dora’s last year at Indralaya was 1995 and Dee’s last year was 2009. Since then, the Therapeutic Touch Teachers Collective has continued to support “TT Camp” which takes place over two weeks each year.
In 2025 The Foundations of Therapeutic Touch Program was taught by Peggy Frank from Victoria, BC, Canada and Sandy Revesz from Ridgefield, WA, USA. This year we had 10 participants, three of whom were also Stewards.
The Therapeutic Touch Mentorship program overlaps with the Foundations Class, promoting connections between folks new to TT and those who are more experienced. Mentorship included four groups, 1) the traditional mentorship group led by Kathy Arquette, 2) the Transpersonal Nature of TT, led by Chery Ann Hoffmeyer and Cordy Anderson, 3) the Beyond the Inner Processes of TT led by Lin Bauer, and 4) the Healing Partner group led by Tama Recker.
The second week of TT is evolving. The format is similar to the Mentorship program, in that we have Healing Partners as part of the program. In addition to TT Sessions in the morning and debriefing using TT Carer Notes, the second week explored multiple aspects of the ethical principles of Therapeutic Touch. The Healing partner facilitator was Suzanne Engerberg and the TT Teachers Collective led the practitioner group.
“Work is Fun” – This was the mantra I grew up on. Coined by the first Resident Manager, John Abbenhouse, it exemplified the spirit of the “Building Generation.” The Building Generation refers to those that built the facilities that still exist, in one form or another, from the 50’s through to the 80’s. While most of the “work” was what we would now term boring – pulling nails out of used lumber so that it could be used again – it was essential to the times.
This spirit continues with Work Parties. The work parties are the essence – the core – of Indralaya, truly giving service to our community. From small and boring tasks to huge and complex tasks, we give to Indralaya. From the kitchen to the garden, from the cleaning of facilities to chopping wood, from mopping the floors to skilled (or not) carpentry. Work parties bring together both family and friends, turning strangers into friends and enhancing and expanding the Indralaya Community. Below are some photo examples from this year’s many successful Work Parties.
Recap of the Labor Day work party
This weekend work party drew 21 campers and two local volunteers Melanie and Anna Van Gelder who helped process plums on Sunday. The weather was beautiful and mostly dry – a brief thunder and lightning storm did nothing to dampen the ground or spirits. The mix of experienced and new campers proved to be a remarkably hardworking group! The first night’s orientation and introductions were warm and intimate and set a lovely tone for the work party. Garden steward Sharon James returned and worked with Laurie Rotecki to guide volunteers in sowing beds with cover crops, late summer cleanup, and continued harvest of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and more. The bountiful plum crop was processed and yielded many gallon bags for storage in the freezer. Apples and pears were just as prolific and were ripening fast. Christopher worked with campers to install soffits, and organized bathhouse staining, including most of the exterior, the privacy fence, some of the high access areas, and the portico roof. Christopher also led re-organizing the wood outside the shop to make it more accessible and secure.
More News
2025 Maintenance Report
By Christopher Barry AKA CB REAL
What a year it has been! ! We covered so much ground in the maintenance department, from the freezer crisis early in the season, to learning about the genetic make up of our beautiful apple orchard just in time for the harvest party in October. The opportunities to learn and grow are abundant, just like our apples and deer.
This year it has been my goal to create a tranquil environment for all community members, mind, body, and soul. Through that journey I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most wonderful individuals and have engaged in countless fascinating conversations I will not soon forget. Creating a place of peace and tranquility does not come about in the absence of hard work and adaptability.
Maintaining this beautiful 70-plus acre property has been my absolute pleasure and at times my biggest headache. It’s difficult for me to think back and do a fair remembrance of the year that has passed me by so quickly. I find myself remembering the family camp programs where we split wood for the late season and winter months, took down a 30 foot widow maker tree, sharpened axes, painted doors, and worked to improve the safety of the beach trail by adding a rock barrier. Or to connections made during the time my team stained the Lower bath house and privacy screen (built at a work party by myself and wonderful volunteers) and finished the soffit work. With the help of the stewards we have maintained the property by planting new grass, continual upkeep of the meadow, clearing trails, painting cabins, and other countless behind-the-scenes projects that keep the magic of this place alive. It has been a pleasure getting to know the stewards this year, the program is a way for me to make deeper connections with people and create relationships that will last a lifetime.
As the season comes to a close I find my focuses shifting between individual projects and the five-year capital plan. On the project level, I have been like a freight train chugging away at all the minute details that come with winterizing such a large property. I have also recently started and almost completed a wheelchair ramp handrail to improve the safety and accessibility of our ADA cabin, Apple. At the same time, Michael and I have been discussing the capital plan to ensure the longevity of Indralaya. From tearing down uninhabitable cabins to adding drainage along the main drive, this focus brings excited anticipation about the future. I want to help ensure that at its 150th anniversary, Indralaya is thriving and better than ever!
Maintaining the large property of Indralaya requires a many resources and tools, many of which I already have, but some of which I hope for, like a leaf blower to keep the trails in pristine condition, an excavator for capital and road projects, a new table saw for the abundant building projects, a tool storage box for the truck to transport and properly store material to help with longevity, a proper lumber supply as the supply that I have now has seen its fair share of wear and tear just through improper storage.
I hope you all have a fantastic winter, the trees are starting to slow down and remind us all that it is okay to let go and settle down for a bit, I hope you all plan to do the same. I can’t wait to see you all refreshed and ready to go in the spring and summer seasons.
Camp Notes
Stewards
2025 Stewardship Stats and Experiences
With love and gratitude for Abbe, Alice, Angie, Annie, Aung, Florence, Gabriel, Jack, Jacob, Jim, Joe, Justin, Kara, Katie, Laurie, Manon, Marge, Marshall, Patti, Sharon, Stephanie, Susan, Tyler, Xiao.
- 3 international visitors (1 Canada; 2 France)
- 10 states represented: AR, CA, FL, MA, NJ, NY, OR, PA, UT, WA
- Ages – early 20s to late 70’s
- 15 new stewards; 9 returning
- 2 weeks stay or less – 14; 2 weeks to @4.5 months – 10
- Approximately 2,530 volunteer hours contributed!
“My experience WWOOFing in the garden was truly extraordinary. The setting was magical – lush, moss-covered trails wound beneath a canopy of towering Douglas firs and magnificent Madrona trees; while meandering paths led down to two enchanting beaches that overlooked the waters of the Salish Sea. The warmth and kindness of everyone made the experience even more special… the collaborative spirit was remarkable… and the thoughtful programming both engaging and deeply valued by all participants. My little cabin became a cherished home for nearly two months, a perfect sanctuary in this remarkable place. The entire experience was one I’ll treasure always.” Abbe, Pennsylvania
“I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for when I first came to stay at Indralaya, but as I reflect on my time here feeling connected to the beautiful land, the giving people contributing in both spirit and work to the special energetic container Indralaya holds, and at times an inner stillness that fostered a more loving relationship with myself. I know I received exactly what I needed here. Thank you for the loving hospitality offered here that allowed me to leave with my cup so full and thank you for all your work maintaining this brilliant community!” Justin, New Jersey
Stewardship applications open after the 2026 program schedule is posted on our website. Apply at https://www.indralaya.org/get-involved/stewardship/
Outreach
Orcas Island Garden Club Supports Indralaya Garden Restoration
In early 2025, long-time camp garden advocate and consultant Laurie Rotecki and Steward Sharon James, with the board’s support, applied for a grant from the Orcas Island Garden Club (OIGF). Indralaya was awarded a $500 grant that helped support construction of the new garden beds. This grant, as well as the Board’s commitment to direct consistent steward resources to the garden, succeeded in providing much needed produce for our programs. In mid-September, 25 members of the club came to camp on a beautiful afternoon to visit the garden. The beds and thriving vegetables impressed them, as well as the overall restoration of the garden. Many thanks to Laurie as well as Stewards Sharon, Jack, Susan and Abbe and Facilities Manager Christopher Barry who supported volunteers in the garden and oversaw daily watering and maintenance.
After the visit in the garden, club members wanted to learn about Indralaya. A few had come to a program, but many had driven by our sign and always wondered about what was at the end of the road. We met around a large table in the dining hall with camp plums for a treat. They were eager to hear the history of camp, its theosophical origins and values over nearly 100 years. Mostly we talked about the role of ahimsa, service/volunteerism, community and caring intergenerational connections that encourage awareness of one’s self and others. When long-time local camp members were mentioned, they would nod their heads in recognition. We talked about the facilities and how they were built over the years by volunteers. After walking to the grove and the library, and giving them a camp map as a guide, they took a self-guided hike on the trails. Many returned to ask if they could come back.
Most visitors had not known that the camp was open to the public, or that they could register for work parties and programs. They suggested that we let them know when we have a work party in the garden so they can join. Some may ‘test the waters’ at a work party or a program. We will send our 2026 brochure to the club and hope to encourage more lasting connections between camp and the Orcas community.
Linda Rose Shields (Nov 25, 1945 – September 15, 2025)
The beloved Linda Rose Fletcher Shields, Theosophist and manager of Quest Bookshop in Seattle for over forty years, died this fall.
Linda Shields is one of those people you always remember, kind, unassuming, joyful and discerning. Born in Northern California, a few years after she finished college she moved to Ojai CA where she encountered the Van Gelder family with roots in Theosophy and Indralaya. She joined the Society in 1974 and for several years lived with Warren and Gweneth Blakely, also Theosophical Society members who came to Indralaya in the early days of the camp.
Moving to Seattle in 1979, Linda stopped by camp and volunteered as Kitchen Coordinator for the season. Linda was an incredible cook and was a wonderful kitchen coordinator!!! Not long after, she joined the Indralaya board for a term. Linda loved Indralaya, the beauty of nature, the community and the guiding theosophical perspective.
Once in Seattle she lived with the Kunz family for a few months before she found her own place. Linda became a key member of an Indralaya enclave in Seattle that met for a few years to share Sunday brunches and fun).
While taking classes for certification in American Sign Language (ASL) Linda met her future husband, Archie Shields. They had a lovely wedding in Linda Jo Pym’s garden in Seattle. Archie was deaf and Linda became highly skilled at translating theosophy from English to ASL for him. It was so beautiful to watch her sign during TS programs. Archie passed in 2010.
Linda wanted to be of service in her life. Becoming the manager at Quest Bookshop in 1985 was a perfect fit for her. As bookshop manager she tended not only to the books and items for sale, but also the physical and the energetic well-being of the bookshop. Dedicated to the bookshop, and Theosophy, Linda over the years became the mainstay the library and the lodge, also, the ‘go to” person, always casting a compassionate and clear seeing eye on things. In the months after her cancer diagnosis (sarcoma with metastases) until her passing, she worked hard to make sure that the bookshop was in good hands, and the transition was as smooth as possible. Just prior to her passing, she celebrated 40 years as Quest bookshop manager at a moving event held both online and in the Seattle TS library.
Linda was unable to make it to Indralaya as much as she would have liked, but over the years she was able to attend a few programs with Archie and also led a couple silent meditation retreats.
Linda also had a deep commitment to healing. She had joined a healing meditation group developed by Melanie Van Gelder in the early ‘70’s that worked with healing angels. Many of you may have experienced this meditation at Indralaya programs over the years. She continued to work with this meditation herself and in 1988 with a couple of other TS members established a weekly healing meditation group which has continued for all these years.
In 2022 Linda learned and fell in love with Therapeutic Touch®, an energetic modality developed by Dora Kunz (one of Indralaya’s founders) and Dolores Krieger at Indralaya. She continued to work with Therapeutic Touch at Indralaya workshops and in her daily life. Committed to both healing practices, she was able to meld them together in her own practice.
In 2025 she attended Indralaya for the last time as a healing partner (patient) at Therapeutic Touch. In a piece she wrote about her prognosis and healing journey in a Therapeutic Touch newsletter in the Spring 2025 she said: “I may or may not make it to my 80th birthday in late November, but while I am alive, I will continue to work with the healing field for the benefit of all beings. And when I cross over, I hope to continue the work from the other side.”
Linda will be remembered for her wisdom, guidance, joy, and inspiration, as well as decades of service Linda learned Therapeutic Touch at camp. In 2025, she attended the second week of TT as a healing partner. She was still feeling well and was able to connect with people she hadn’t seen in decades while there. She always be cherished for her incredible kindness, sweet manner, gentle and genuine spirit and her ultimate patience. She met her husband later in life and found deep love. Linda was such a beautiful soul inside and out and will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
Announcements and Opportunities
Indralaya turns 100 in 2027
Indralaya Turns 100! Mark your calendars for the 100th year celebrations for Camp Indralaya in 2027.
There will be special events, activities, and celebrations at each work party and program for the entire year, including scavenger hunts, historical tours, and a community quilt-making, and opportunities to share your camp stories.
As part of the celebration, there will be a 3-day celebration program/party Thursday July 29 dinner to Sunday August 1 lunch, 2027.
Send us your ideas!!
- Please pass on your ideas for special merchandise for the event. MaddyToland has kindly offered to head up this portfolio. A person at the recent Friends’ Meeting suggested having an opportunity to pre-order items.
- We are making a cookbook! If you have a great recipe, please share it for the 100th cookbook or write us a story about a historical favourite camp recipe like the apple crisp
You can send your ideas to andriebates@hotmail.com to be shared with the team.
Preview – 2026 Programs at Indralaya
Thanks to Leonie Van Gelder, Viola Marx and Andrie Levey-Bates the Programs are ready for 2026.
Mark your calendars and look forward to another incredible year.
The 2026 program will be online soon. Registration will open February 1, 2026.
- Feb 13 – 16 (Friday dinner-Monday breakfast)
Opening Work Party - March 20 – 23 (Friday dinner-Monday breakfast)
Spring Equinox Work Party - April 24 – 27 (Friday dinner-Monday breakfast)
Earth Day Work Party - April 30 – May 3 (Thursday Dinner – Sunday Breakfast)
Yoga – Awakened Breath, Embodied Grace - May 7 – 10 (Thursday Dinner – Sunday Breakfast)
Divination / Astrology/Tarot with Callie French and Stephanie Austin - May 22 – 25 (Friday Dinner – Monday Breakfast)
Early Summer Work Party - May 27 – 31 (Wednesday Dinner – Sunday Breakfast)
Theosophy Program with Juliana Cesano - June 6 – 12 (Saturday Dinner – Friday breakfast)
TT Week 1 (6-10 Foundations; 6-12 Mentorship, 6-12 Healing Partners) - June 15 – 21 (Monday Dinner – Sunday breakfast)
TT Week 2 (Path and Healing Partners) - June 25 – July 1 (Thursday Dinner – Wednesday Breakfast)
Deep Singing with Barbara Bellamy and Tiffany Stoker - July 5 – 11 (Sunday dinner – Saturday breakfast)
Family Camp 1 - July 15 – 20 (Wednesday Dinner – Monday breakfast)
Finding Light in the Darkness: Awakening a Special Kind of Courage Through Meditation, Nature, & Community with Joel and Michele Levey - July 25 – 31 (Saturday Dinner – Friday breakfast)
Family Camp 2 - August 4 – 9 (Tuesday Dinner – Sunday breakfast)
Art in Nature with Kimberlee Hummel, Karen Abel-Dickinson, and April Claxton - August 12 – 18 (Wednesday Dinner – Tuesday breakfast)
Connections - August 21 – 24 (Friday Dinner-Monday breakfast)
Eurhythmy with Andrea Preiss - August 27 – 30 (Thursday dinner – Sunday breakfast)
Qi Gong with Bob Shapiro - September 4 – 7 (Friday dinner – Monday breakfast)
Plum picking Work Party - September 10 – 13 (Thursday Dinner – Sunday breakfast)
Cultivating Joy and Enchantment in Life – Jamal Rahman - September 17 – 20 (Thursday Dinner – Sunday Breakfast) |
Deep Singing Weekend with Barbara Bellamy and Tiffany Stoker - September 24 – 27 (Thursday dinner – Sunday Breakfast)
Silent Meditation with Leonie Van Gelder and Minor Lile - October 2 – 5 (Friday dinner – Monday breakfast)
Harvest Work Party - November 6 – 9 (Friday dinner – Monday breakfast)
Year End Work Party
Board Transitions
Reflecting on 12 Years of Service on the Camp Indralaya Board
As I step back from my role on the Board of Directors of Camp Indralaya after 12 years of service, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude and humility on what this journey has meant — not only to the camp community but to me personally.
Camp Indralaya has always been more than a place. It’s a living, breathing space of connection, growth, and quiet transformation — grounded in the Theosophical principles of unity, selfless service, and respect for all life. Over the past decade-plus, I’ve had the privilege of helping steward this sacred space, ensuring it remains a place where people of all ages can come to reflect, learn, and reconnect with both nature and inner purpose.
During my tenure, I’ve witnessed and contributed to both subtle evolutions and significant transformations. Whether it was strengthening our stewardship of the land, supporting the next generation of campers and volunteers, navigating challenges like the pandemic, or collaborating on long-term planning — each moment was an opportunity to serve something larger than myself.
I’ve worked alongside incredible individuals: fellow Board members, staff, volunteers, campers, and the wider Indralaya family. The depth of dedication and love for this place and its mission never ceased to inspire me. It has been a profound honor to be part of a group that holds both the practical and spiritual well-being of the camp with such care.
Leaving the Board doesn’t mean leaving the Indralaya community. My commitment to its values and vision continues. I look forward to supporting Camp Indralaya in new ways and seeing fresh leadership bring their energy and insight into guiding its future.
To all who have walked this path with me — thank you. These 12 years have been a gift I will carry with me always.
With love and gratitude,
Victoria Fonseca-Bennett
