Camp Guidelines
A Shared Commitment to Respect and Care
Rancho Las Maravillas is a place for prayer, ceremony, and community. Walking in the Čhaŋnúŋpa tradition calls for mutual respect and shared responsibility.
These guidelines help us care for the ceremonial space, respect one another, and create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Thank you for helping us uphold them throughout the gathering.
Essential Ceremonial Rules
1. Ceremonial Medicines & Substances
To honor the Čhaŋnúŋpa tradition and protect the integrity of the ceremonial space, no other traditional medicines nor substances may be brought into, shared, or used at the gathering.
2. Alcohol & Recreational Drug-Free
To maintain a safe and respectful environment, alcohol and recreational drugs are not permitted anywhere on the property.
We ask everyone to respect this guideline throughout their stay at the ranch.
3. No Photography or Recordings
To protect everyone's privacy and preserve the ceremonial nature of the gathering, photography and all forms of recording are not allowed throughout the entire property.
This applies to ceremonial areas, campgrounds, and shared spaces at all times.
Dressing with Respect for the Ceremony
We ask everyone to wear modest, simple, and comfortable clothing that honors the ceremonial space and the traditions we follow. Proper attire is necessary throughout the ceremony and for entering the sweatlodges (Inipis):
1. Ceremonial Circle & Camp Areas
- Long skirts or dresses that cover the ankles.
- Blouses or tops with sleeves that cover the shoulders (avoid low necklines, exposed midriffs, and sheer or see-through fabrics).
- Long trousers.
- Shirts or T-shirts that cover the shoulders (no shirtless attire or sleeveless tank tops near the dance arbor or ceremonial work areas).
2. Clothing for the Inipi (Sweatlodge)
- A long skirt that covers the ankles, with a blouse or top that has sleeves and covers the shoulders.
- Or a dress that covers the shoulders and reaches below the ankles.
- Modest swim trunks or board shorts.
- Briefs, underwear, and tight-fitting Lycra-style swimwear are not allowed.
Remove all metal jewelry and accessories (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and watches) and all other shiny objects before entering. Remove glasses and contact lenses before entering the Inipi for your safety in the heat and steam.
Sundance Protocols
A Guide for Supporters and Visitors
Welcome! Whether this is your first Sundance or you are coming to support family and loved ones, we are grateful that you are joining us. The Sundance is a sacred time of prayer, sacrifice, service, and community. Every person present contributes to the atmosphere of the gathering. By following these protocols, you help protect the ceremonial space and support the Sundancers in their prayers:
1. Respect for the Sundancers
- Respect private areas: Please stay away from the Sundancers’ designated rest area and private tipis.
- Give Sundancers space: Do not touch or talk to Sundancers during the days of the Sundance.
- Respect their focus: Do not wave, seek eye contact, or attempt to communicate with Sundancers while they are inside the Hocokan (sacred circle). Allow them to remain fully focused on their prayers.
2. The Arbor and Sacred Circle
- Respect the East Gate: Never cross through the East Gate. If you are unsure where you may walk, please ask a member of the ceremonial team.
- Enter only when invited: Do not enter the sacred circle unless the ceremonial leaders specifically invite or direct you to do so. If invited, remove your shoes and enter through the designated gate.
- Keep food and water away from the circle: Please do not bring these items under the arbor, in respect for the Sundancers’ ceremonial commitments.
- Receive the Čhaŋnúŋpa with respect: If you are asked to receive or hold the sacred pipe, do so with humility and reverence.
- Maintain a respectful atmosphere: Please avoid gossip, joking at someone’s expense, or any behavior that distracts from the prayers.
3. Families and Children
- Children are welcome: The children’s energy and joy are part of our shared vision. Please help them feel safe, welcome, and included while respecting the sacred nature of the Sundance ceremony.
- Parents are responsible: Please keep children closely supervised at all times, especially near the arbor, ceremonial areas, fires, and river.
- Safe environment: We encourage all participants to look out for one another, recognizing that each guardian remains responsible for their own children.
4. Honoring the Ceremony
Each Sundance follows its own ceremonial protocols and guidance. We ask everyone to honor the directions given by the ceremonial leaders, even when a protocol is unfamiliar.
If you have questions or are uncertain about what to do, please ask rather than assume. If you feel unable to follow the ceremonial guidelines, we ask you to reconsider attending.
Sharing the Space with Care and Respect
Communal Living & Caring for the Land
Rancho Las Maravillas is a natural environment that we are privileged to share. Caring for the land, keeping our surroundings clean, and helping one another are all part of creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful gathering:
Please take all personal waste, wrappers, packaging, and other trash with you when you leave. Help us keep the ranch and surrounding natural areas clean and litter-free. Check your camping area thoroughly before departing.
Meals are part of our communal experience. We expect everyone to share the meals prepared at the camp kitchen. Do not bring outside snacks or prepare separate meals in your camp area.
To maintain a safe and peaceful ceremonial space, pets are not permitted on the property. Please arrange care for your animals before traveling.
The ranch uses ecological dry toilets to conserve water and protect the land. Please follow the posted instructions and use the provided sawdust as directed after each use to keep facilities clean and functional.
“If there is something you do not understand, observe. If you still have questions, ask.”
Aho Mitakuye Oyasin