Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
How do I register for PSG?
- PSG registration will open soon. Registration must be in advance: no registrations will be accepted at the gate.
Can I attend PSG for less than a week? Is there a reduced admission rate or daily rates for partial attendance?
- It is possible to attend PSG for less than a week, but there is no reduced registration contribution. From its beginning in 1980, PSG has been a create-and-live-in Community experience. We encourage participants to help us create a Pagan Community through shared ritual, community volunteering, and other shared experiences over the 8-day length of the festival. By building such a community of like minds, a sense of safety and trust is created that can allow participants to totally immerse themselves in Pagan culture. From this experience of immersion and communal support, much of the magic of PSG arises, allowing participants the opportunity to experience a spiritual renewal. We therefore encourage participants to allow themselves the gift of attending the entire event.
What if I don't yet know if I can attend? Can I register at the gate?
- For planning and security purposes, we require all participants to pre-register. Please register by our final deadline.
Registration is not allowed at the gate.
Is work exchange available? Are there discounts for seniors, unemployed, students, groups, etc.?
- The only discounts we give are for early registration. Work exchange positions for PSG are few and fill quickly. Please email psg@circlesanctuary.org to inquire about any remaining availability. We usually have work exchange positions open at the festivals we sponsor in Wisconsin.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
- Written cancellation requests received by May 31st will be refunded minus a 15% fee for processing. After May 31, there will be no refund requests granted.
When will I receive our registration packets, including a map to the site and the gate passes?
- This depends on when you register. We usually do two large mailings of registration packets/gate passes to coincide with the registration deadlines. Please remember that it takes considerable time to process registrations, so if you want your registration materials early, or need your registration materials early because you are leaving early on summer travels to other events before attending PSG, please register early! Most packets will be mailed in May.
Programming Questions
Can I get a schedule of workshops, rituals, etc. before PSG starts?
- Due to the hundreds of programming activities that need to be scheduled for the gathering, the exact schedule cannot be finalized until just before the Gathering starts. You will be given a Town Guide at the Information Tent during your onsite registration, which includes the event schedule and a wealth of other information about the Gathering.
How do I submit a ritual, rite of passage request, or workshop proposal for consideration?
- A link to the workshop submission form is on the home page.
I sent in a program proposal for this year's PSG. When will I know if it's been accepted so I can prepare?
- Workshop submissions are reviewed in April, and you will be notified upon acceptance before the end of May.
Do workshops or ritual presenters pay a registration fee or receive any type of credit?
- PSG is a networking event with hundreds of programming events scheduled. Those who share their knowledge or skills through presenting workshops, rituals, or other programs do so in the interest of connecting with others of like mind as well as building and educating the Pagan Community. Programming does not count toward workshift credit.
Camping/Lodging Questions
What are the different camping sites?
- The descriptions of the various special camp areas at PSG are listed on the website. If you are interested in camping in one of those areas (Quieter Area, Drummer's Camp, Rainbow Center, Amethyst Circle), please so indicate on your registration form in the comment section. The site is laid out with areas marked for general camping. You will be given a map upon your arrival to PSG. Space in each area is allotted on a first come, first serve basis and is not guaranteed. You can not come on site early to set-up your camp and leave it there for the beginning of the festival.
Are camping spaces assigned? How can I be sure I can camp with my friend?
- Camping spaces at PSG are not assigned for most people -- the exceptions being merchants and pre-paid electric RV spots. Certain areas are reserved for certain purposes (such as the different types of camps mentioned above) but space within these areas and elsewhere are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Can I stay in a hotel and commute to the event?
- Yes, you may -- but with some limitations. The Gate is only open for entry during certain hours, and once you leave the site after-hours, you will not be allowed back in until the morning. If it is at all workable for you, consider staying onsite: PSG night-time activities are not to be missed!
Nearby places to stay include:
CrabnJacks is nearby and has 8 rooms attached to a bar/restaurant right on the Wolf River. Lodging | Crab n Jack's River Haven on the Wolf is a cabin that sleeps 12. Cabin Rental | River Haven on the Wolf | United States and there are many more on Vrbo and Airbnb.
Can I camp in an RV, travel trailer, or pop-up?
- Yes, absolutely!
- RVs may operate generators for personal electrical needs. RVs with generators will be parked in a dedicated area so as to not disturb other campers.
- There are very limited electrical hook-ups available.
- There is a dump station on site.
How does electrical service work? Please consult the
RV & Electrical page for more detail.
What about cabin rental?
- There will be 7 small cabins for rent at River Forest on a first come/first served basis with a waiting list created. If you are waitlisted for the cabins, the Circle office will notify you and send an invoice if a cabin becomes available. This invoice needs to be paid within 10 days or you will lose your place in line, and we will move to the next person on the waitlist.
- The cabins are relatively small, about 10' x 10" and each has a small refrigerator and air conditioning. You will need to provide your own bedding, etc. There is no running water in the cabins.
- Cabin Amanita - sits on the main road to the camp, and you are about halfway up the hill from the convenience store and the general campground. This cabin has a double bed lower bunk with a single upper bunk and another single set of bunk beds so it could sleep up to 5 people. This cabin also has a small table and bench. This area also is a nice location for a group camp outside of your rental cabin if you have more friends in your group. This cabin will be $650 for the week, and you can choose your roommates and collect directly from them.
- There is another area called The Village Hostel that has 6 cabins for rent. There is a fire ring, picnic tables, portapotty, and water spigot in this village area. There is no water in the cabins. This village is near the main campground but does have an incline to walk to get to the main campground area. There will be shuttle service available during certain times.
- In the Village Hostel cabins C1 and C2 each have a queen-sized bed and will be used for our presenters.
- In the Village Hostel cabins C3, C4, C5 & C6 will be rented by bunk. These cabins each have 2 single bunk beds so you could technically sleep four people here but there would be no room for your luggage, etc. So, we will be selling these by the bunk (one bed to sleep, one bed on the bunk for your luggage, etc.) Each bunk will be $250 for the week. You will be assigned a bunk in a cabin on a first come/first served bases - no choosing a bunk mate. If you have a particular person you want to bunk with - be sure to register together.
- In the Village Hostel cabins C7 & C8 will be sold as whole cabin rentals - great for picking your roommate! C7 has 2 bunks and again we suggest 2 people. Cost for the week is $500 and you choose/collect from your roommate. Cabin C8 has one queen sized bed, for yourself or you and a friend! Cost is $500 for the week.
- You can see a map of the campground and information about the cabins on the River Forest website: Wisconsin Campground, Campgrounds With Cabins - River Forest Campground & Outdoor Retreats - White Lake, Wisconsin
- Do not call or try to rent cabins via the venue - Circle is in charge of the rental for PSG.
Nearest Airports / Shuttle Questions
What are the nearest airports and is a shuttle available to the campground?
- We will not be operating an airport shuttle this year. You would need to make your own arrangements from the closest airports listed below:
Austin Straubel International Airport - Green Bay, WI (GRB / KGRB) is 76 miles from White Lake, WI.
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport - Rhinelander, WI (RHI / KRHI) is 68 miles from the center of White Lake, WI.
Central Wisconsin Airport - Mosinee, WI (CWA / KCWA) is 72 miles from White Lake, WI.
Outagamie County Regional Airport - Appleton, WI (ATW / KATW) is 84 miles from White Lake, WI.
Ford Airport - Kingsford, MI (IMT / KIMT) is 87 miles from White Lake, WI.
Milwaukee International Airport - Milwaukee, WI (MKE) is 196 miles from White Lake, WI.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport - Chicago, IL (ORD) is 266 miles from White Lake, WI.
Minneapolis – St Paul International Airport (MSP) – Minneapolis, MN is 250 miles from White Lake, WI
Food Questions
Are meals included in the PSG registration fee?
- No, PSG participants provide their own meals, either by bringing cooking equipment and food for the duration of their stay, or by purchasing meals from the on-site vendors.
Can I make a fire at my campsite for cooking?
- You may use any existing fire pits/rings but can not create new ones and you can not dig your own fire ring/pit. Most people who choose to cook their own meals at PSG bring a propane camp stove or a portable fire pit. Campfires are permitted in pre-existing rings or in above-ground portable fire pits only.
Other Questions
Can I bring my dog or other pet?
- Sorry, no pets or companion creatures are allowed. If you arrive at the gate with a pet, you will be turned away to find boarding.
- For more information on service animal requirements, please click here.
What sorts of work shifts are available for the 4 hours of community service shifts required of each adult participant?
- The complete list of community service shifts will be available at the Information Tent during registration. There are a wide variety of shifts available. Some are skilled positions and require previous training, such as for the first aid and the counseling center. If you have those skills you should indicate that on your registration form and you will be contacted. Other positions include: childcare, staffing the Information Tent, tiki torch filling and lighting, gate keeping, heralding, Info Center, Raffle Tent, Family Center, and more.
How do I become a part of the set-up / take-down crew?
- To apply for the set-up/take-down crew you must be physically able to work long hours of lifting and tent set-up. You must be able to arrive two days before the event and stay one day after the event. Childcare and food service is not available during this time. You will also be required to assist with community service shifts opening day. If you are interested, you should apply early to psg@circlesanctuary.org. Those that have been on the crew previously are offered to return and others will be placed on a waiting list. You do not receive any reduction of registration fees, what you do receive is an opportunity to create our community from beginning to end.
Questions Still Not Answered?
If you have questions not answered above or elsewhere on this website, you can contact the Circle office at psg@circlesanctuary.org or at (608)924-2216 and leave a voice mail message. The office will be open for questions up until the end of the business day on the Monday before PSG, after which we will be closed in order to travel to the site for set-up.
Please do not contact the venue for questions! Circle has rented the entire campground and is responsible for uses of the facilities.