GENERAL What is SpiritWalk?
SpiritWalk is
the third annual fundraiser hike to benefit the University of Santa Monica's
Tuition Assistance Loan Program. SpiritWalkers will participate in a unique outdoor journey that will inspire reflection
and celebration. The event is being run by volunteers from the class of
2013 and the USM community with the intention of supporting current and future
USM graduate students in financial need.
When is SpiritWalk?
SpiritWalk will
take place on Sunday, April 28th,
2013. SpiritWalkers will gather at the La Jolla Canyon Trailhead in Point Mugu
State Park at 8:30 a.m. for pre-hike registration and ceremonies. Please arrive
promptly. The hike will begin at 9:30 a.m. After the hike, we will
celebrate together with a special event that will include food, music, and fun.
We anticipate the event will end by 4 p.m.
What is the University of Santa Monica?
The University
of Santa Monica is a private graduate school in Santa Monica, California,
offering Masters degrees in Spiritual Psychology. Its pioneering educational
programs are among the most innovative in the country. Founded in 1976, the USM
curriculum transforms the lives of hundreds of graduate students every year.
Graduates of its soul-centered educational programs are bringing spirituality
and transformation into virtually every field of human endeavor, from the arts
to law, business, medicine and the healing practices. To learn more about the
impact USM is making in the lives of students and our community, take a few
minutes to view the videos posted here
or visit the University of Santa Monica website.
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BE A SPIRITWALKER
How can I participate?
To become a
SpiritWalker, simply complete your registration here. As a SpiritWalker, you commit to raising $500 or more to benefit USM's Tuition Assistance Loan Program. You can also
participate in SpiritWalk by sponsoring a SpiritWalker with a donation, by making a general donation, or by volunteering!
What if I don't live in the Los Angeles Area?
Satellite events are in the planning stages. Would you like to participate in or plan a satellite
event in your area? Let us
know!
Contact us at spiritwalkglobalusm@yahoo.com to get started or have your questions answered.
Who can participate?
We hope to see current students, alumni, staff and USM volunteers. Include your non-USM friends, family, and supporters in SpiritWalk! Just commit to raising an additional $250 per guest walker , or $100 for kids participating in KidWalk, in addition to your $500 fundraising goal. They can enjoy the hike and festivities and you can enjoy having your "Support Team" there to walk with you!
Is babysitting available?
Yes! Children age 5
through 12 can participate in KidWalk, where they will experience their own
mini-version of SpiritWalk. You
can enjoy hiking the SpiritWalk trail while the kids are supervised near
SpiritWalk Headquarters. KidWalk
will include a short hike, art project, games and snack. Just commit to raising an additional $100 per child , in addition to your $500 fundraising goal. Please fill out the KidWalk Release Form and bring it with you to the event.
What about older children?
Children age 12
or older who are physically able can participate. Just commit to raising an additional $250 per guest walker, in addition to your $500 fundraising goal.
What if I prefer not to hike?
You are a
Spiritwalker if you raise $500! You do not need to hike to be a
SpiritWalker. You will have the opportunity to complete a list of
“SpiritWalk Intentions” you wish to manifest in your life, and to place your
Intentions in the SpiritWalk 2013 time capsule. Someone will walk for you, and place your
Intentions in the energy field of SpiritWalk. But if you’re a SpiritWalker, don’t hesitate to join our
fabulous post-hike celebration!
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DONATIONS
How do I support a SpiritWalker with a donation?
Thanks for
asking! If you like support a SpiritWalker with a pledge donation, click
on the Donate to a Walker link find the
SpiritWalker's name and individual fundraising page. On that page, you will find
a link to make a secure online donation. Online donations are strongly
preferred. If you wish to donate by cash or check, just download and complete
our SpiritWalk Donation Form and mail or deliver
the completed form with your check to the University of Santa Monica,
Attention: SpiritWalk, 2107 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403-5735. Please
make checks payable to the University of Santa Monica. Please do not mail cash
donations.
Can I make a general donation to support Spiritwalk?
Of course! If
you would like to make a general donation or are not sure who to sponsor, just
click here. Your donation will be added to the total
amount raised by SpiritWalk and will go directly to underwriting the cost of the event. Once those costs have been covered, additional general donations will benefit the University of Santa
Monica's Tuition Assistance Loan Program.
How will my donation be used?
All donations
made to SpiritWalkers will go directly to the University of Santa Monica's
Tuition Assistance Loan Program, where it will be used to provide loans to
students in financial need. Your support will make a huge difference in the
lives of students and will support the University in achieving its transformative
educational mission.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes! All
donations are 100% tax-deductible! Each SpiritWalk donor will receive a receipt
confirming their tax-deductible contribution.
Can I make food and/or supply donations?
Yes! We need
in-kind donations of food and supplies to support our event day
celebration. If you feel called to assist, please contact us at spiritwalkusm@yahoo.com.
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FUNDRAISING
How much do I need to raise to participate as a SpiritWalker?
Each
SpiritWalker commits to raise a minimum of $500 to benefit the USM Tuition
Assistance Loan Program. Of course, we support and encourage all SpiritWalkers
to set their intentions even higher!
What if I don't meet my fundraising commitment?
Only
SpiritWalkers who raise $500 or more will be eligible to hike on April
28th. The success of SpiritWalk depends on SpiritWalkers holding the
intention and taking regular, consistent action steps to meet their fundraising
commitment. If you encounter resistance, please consult our Fundraising Tips page, reach out to your
SpiritWalk team, and/or contact our fundraising support volunteers for ideas,
suggestions, and encouragement. Together we can make a difference!
Can you give me tips on fundraising?
Yes! The
SpiritWalk support team is here to provide tools, tips, and resources to help
all SpiritWalkers meet and exceed their fundraising commitment with grace,
ease, fun, and creativity! Please
see the Fundraising Info page or contact our
fundraising support volunteers!
What if one of my sponsors prefers to donate by cash or check?
Online
donations are strongly preferred, but donations by cash or check are gladly
accepted. Just assist your sponsor
to download and complete our SpiritWalk Donation Form 2013 and mail or deliver
the completed form with your check to the University of Santa Monica,
Attention: SpiritWalk, 2107 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403-5735. Please
make checks payable to the University of Santa Monica. Please do not mail cash
donations.
Will off-line donations get reflected on my pledge page?
Yes. You can update your pledge page to reflect off-line donations. Your manually entered donations will reflect in your total goal, but will not be counted towards your actual goal until received by USM by mail, or when brought to the SpiritWalk event on April 28th.
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EVENT DETAILS
Where is SpiritWalk?
SpiritWalk will
take place in La Jolla Canyon in Point Mugu State Park, which is by the ocean
just beyond the northern tip of Malibu. La Jolla Canyon is accessed through a
large unmarked driveway on the north side of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH),
about one mile north of the main entrance to Point Mugu State Park (9000 W.
Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265). Our gathering place will be well
marked. Link to Map of Event Location.
How do I get there?
Here are
driving directions to the La Jolla Canyon entrance to Point Mugu State Park: Map of Event Location.
From the South/Santa Monica: Take
IS 405 to IS 10 West. Proceed until the IS 10 West becomes the Pacific Coast
Highway (PCH). Drive north on PCH to the La Jolla Canyon entrance, which is a
driveway located on the north side of PCH about 1 mile north of the main
entrance to Point Mugu State Park (9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA
90265). The site is approximately 34 miles north of Santa Monica; 21 miles
north of the intersection of Malibu Canyon Road and PCH; and 8 miles south of
Oxnard on PCH.
From Agoura: Take Kanan Road to
PCH and turn right (north). Proceed north on PCH for about 8 miles.The entrance
to La Jolla Canyon is a large driveway located on the north side of PCH, about
1 mile north of the main entrance to Point Mugu State Park (9000 W. Pacific
Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265).
From Woodland Hills: Take
Topanga Canyon Boulevard to PCH and turn right (north).Proceed north on PCH for
about 27 miles. The entrance to La Jolla Canyon is a driveway located on the
north side of PCH about 1 mile north of the main entrance to Point Mugu State
Park (9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265).
From Ojai/Santa Barbara: Take US
Hwy 101 South. Take Rice Avenue/Santa Clara Avenue exit (located about 36 miles
south of Santa Barbara).Proceed 0.3 miles then right on Rice Ave. Proceed 3.8
miles and then exit onto PCH heading south toward Santa Monica. Proceed about
10 miles. The entrance to La Jolla Canyon is a driveway located on the north
side of PCH about 1 mile north of the main entrance to Point Mugu State Park
(9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265).
Are there parking fees?
There is free
parking at designated points along PCH near the La Jolla Canyon entrance. There
also is a paid lot ($12) at the La Jolla Canyon Trailhead. Please arrive early
so that you have adequate time to park and walk to the La Jolla Canyon
Trailhead. Carpooling is
encouraged!
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, dogs
and other pets are not allowed on the hiking route, per State Park guidelines.
What if it rains?
The event is
held rain or shine, so be prepared for all conditions!
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HIKING QUESTIONS
How difficult is the hike?
The SpiritWalk
route was selected both for its natural beauty and challenge. Last year we had
many people of all different abilities complete the walk. The SpiritWalk hiking
route is 6.8 miles and is of moderate difficulty. The hike will take anywhere
from 3 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your individual pace. SpiritWalkers
will have plenty of support and opportunity for rest along the way.
Physical Fitness for the Hike
Of course,
hiking is an inherently risky activity.
The SpiritWalk team is available to answer general questions about the
trail and to provide support. However, all SpiritWalkers are responsible for
addressing questions or concerns about their fitness to hike with a qualified
health care professional. All SpiritWalkers will be required to review and
sign a release waiver before participating in the event.
What should I bring with me to the event?
Please bring
2-3 liters of water and several sports bars or similar snacks to provide an
energy boost during the hike. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are highly recommended. Lunch will be provided at our post-hike celebration. We will have designated
safety officers in attendance, and we suggest wearing any medical alert
bracelets and bringing any first aid or medications you may need.
What should I wear?
Wear shoes that are appropriate for dirt and
rock trails and inclines. Hiking boots
with ankle support are a good idea. Your best bet is to bring layers of clothing with you, so you can adapt to temperature
and weather changes the day of the hike. Suggested clothing: Shorts, thin pants, a long and short sleeve shirt, a thin wind breaker and a sweatshirt. In April it is usually cold
in the morning, warm to hot on the trail during the day, windy at the top and
cooler on the hike down. Please consult with a qualified trainer or health care
professional if you have questions or concerns about appropriate attire or
equipment in light of your specific physical condition.
What if I can't finish the hike?
If you
decide to discontinue the hike at any time, a SpiritWalk volunteer will be
on-hand to support you in returning to the trailhead right away. SpiritWalk volunteers
also will be on hand to address unexpected injuries or other contingencies.
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VOLUNTERING
How do I volunteer to help?
Every year, we
take a select group of qualified volunteers to work as event day staff and
trail angels. We also have spots available for nurses, physicians and EMT's to
administer first aid, both on and off the trail. Please note that last year we
had a wait list of volunteers, so if you are interested do not hesitate to email your volunteer intention to spiritwalkusm@yahoo.com. Prior volunteers stated the blessings they
received from volunteering far exceeded the energy they put out. In essence,
volunteering for SpiritWalk is not only a wonderful learning experience, but a
true privilege.
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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Can I contact someone with further questions?
Email your questions or comments to spiritwalkusm@yahoo.com
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