Once spring council reaches a decision by consensus or by foot,

Topo Map of intersection of 110 & 117

Updated June 16 @ 7:30 a.m. California TimeSpring council is when gathering participants come together and figure out where home is and create the energy that puts the gathering into motion. As with all things gathering related, no experience is necessary. All you need is a desire to be of service to your family.Spring council is the planting of the seed that unfolds during seed camp (when we build the gathering), and blossoms on the 4th of July This year. Many year's spring council happens in the general area where the gathering will end up,people who are involved with spring council usually make the information freely available.: Sometimes the first set of directions and/or other information is incomplete, so check your sources before you head out to make sure you have the "updated directions."If you have not already connected up with the scouting process, but have sites, please email me so I can hook you up with others who are scouting.If you plan on coming to spring council, be prepared for cold and/or wet weather and rough conditions. Have your own methods to boil or filter water. Bring food. This is not a gathering so all the support systems normally in place won't be up until sometime during seed camp.That being said, people generally help each other out, seeing the gathering start from nothing and turn into a small town is an amazing experience, and the friendships you make with other people can be long lasting.Many years sensitive natural resources guide our behavior. This year spring council is happening on land sacred to the Sioux Nation and many tribes. At least some tribal members will participate. Please show respect for the people who consider the Black Hills sacred land and for their culture. We are asking people to treat spring council as a ceremony, treat our hosts with the utmost respect, and bend our traditions to accommodate theirs as best we can. If you have been drinking, please stay away as we are being welcomed to council here and we do not want to offend our First Nation brothers and sisters. Please wear appropriate clothing as some tribal members may take offense at nudity. This year, I hope that sensitive cultural intersections will guide our actions. Council in respect for all people in attendance and the beautiful land that is welcoming us.Spring council will take place in the state of South Dakota near Hill City South Dakota about 35 miles southwest of Rapid City, South Dakota. Rumor has it that a taxi ride from Rapid City to Hill City costs about $40. Directions to the spring council location will be available here and the usual places on June 15. If you plan on going, please know that the National Forest in South Dakota may have a fire ban. You must have a permit to build an open fire. Click here for details. Depending on how you read the regulation, it either expired on May 28 or is on-going. Consult with family already on the land before you build a campfire.From Rapid City, SD, take Hwy 16 south west to Hill City, South Dakota (about 30 miles)From Hill City, South Dakota go west 20 miles on Hwy 17 (Deerfield Road). Continue past Deerfield Lake 3 miles to the Intersection of 110 & 17. Go 12 miles up Castle Creek to the intersection of 117 & Castle Creek. You have found the spring council site.If you need more information, stop at the Hill City, SD Visitor Center. Click here for more info.