Typical Daily Schedule
7:15 a.m.        Morning Stretch or Meditation
7:30 - 8:30      Breakfast
8:45 - 9:00      Community Gathering
9:00 - 10:30    Conference Hour speaker
9:00 - 12:00    Children's Program
10:30 - noon   "Families"
12:00 - 1:00    Lunch
1 :00 - 2:30     Sports & Recreation, planning for Sacred Circle, free time
2:00 - 4:30      Workshops
5:45 - 6:45      Dinner
7:00 - 7:45      Sacred Circle
8:00 - 12:00    Evening Activities: dancing, singing and socializing

Conference Hour

    Each day one or two community members have agreed to share their personal stories and insights, reflecting their experiences and life choices as they relate to the week-long theme. The rest of the adult particpants in the conference devote open-hearted attention to the speaker, creating an environment where the presentation has deep significance and value for the speaker and the listeners alike.

Northfield Families

    For many, this is the heart of the Conference. A Northfield family is a group of about 10 individuals of different ages, interests, and from different "real" families, who gather together each day to get to know each other -- to talk, listen, share, and PLAY! Two people in each family agree to act as facilitators. The discussions in the family are held with total attention positive mutual support, and the shared information is kept confidential within the family.

Workshops

    Each afternoon there is a selection of workshops, each of which is offered by a member of the community. During the course of the week there are about 20-25 workshops. Many address topics related to spiritual, personal, or community growth and awareness. Others are oriented around creativity, art and play activities. All are optional.

Children's Activities

    In the mornings, while the adults are engaged in the Conference Hour and Northfield Families, the children have their own program run by enthusiastic teachers. The activities are quite varied and fun, with specific groups for different age ranges. These programs are appropriate for kids between ages 3 and 14.

Sacred Circle

    Sacred Circle brings the community together at the close of the day. It is a time to sing, meditate, and pray together. This is a daily celebration of Northfield's spiritual diversity. Our worship is personal, multi-faith and intergenerational, and it is honored in traditional and innovative ways. Each day's Circle is planned by whoever chooses to get involved earlier in the day at a planning meeting.

Evening Activities

    A lot of things happen in the evenings, including dancing, group art projects, games, socializing, song-swapping, and more. Special events take place on some evenings, including a Talent Show and perhaps a community dance or music activity.