No Meetings for July or August
In an ongoing effort to expand our CUUPS offerings to participants, there will be no July or August regular meetings, as we have other activities planned instead. This special newsletter announcement is to inform you of the details of these events.
July at the Midsummer Renaissance Fair
On July 26, 2025, we will be attending Legends of the High Seas Day at the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire at:
Sky Meadows
18601 Sky Meadows Ln, Snohomish, WA 98290
The theme for this weekend is “pirates,” so feel free to dress like a pirate if so inclined! We’ll be meeting at TUUC at 9 a.m. and leaving to go to the fair at 10 a.m. Teresa and I have room for a couple of people to ride with us.
Click here for more information
If interested, please email me at sencha@senchaskene.com
August Camping Trip
The annual TUUC camping trip is this year on August 22 - 24. Since several members of CUUPS have expressed an interest in a camping trip, a group of us will be going along.
This year’s trip will be in Bucoda, Washington. We’ll have the entire campground to ourselves!
Fun & Fascinating Facts
The “Boo‑coda” Halloween obsession
Every October, the town officially becomes “Boo‑coda,” celebrating with a month‑long haunted-themed spree—complete with hearse parades, the Scary Nights Haunted House, and ultra-spooky decorations.
Original name meaning “evil spirit”
The town was originally named “Seatco,” a Native American word meaning “evil spirit” or “devil.” It was renamed “Bucoda” in 1890—formed from the first two letters of Buckley, Coulter, and Davis.
Forest hauntings near prison site
Spirits are still rumored to roam the woods around the old Seatco Territorial Prison. Witnesses claim to see ghostly figures, orbs of light, and hear phantom chains in the trees.
The "Devil Tree"
The campground features a "Devil Tree" that is a hollow tree that was burned on the inside, but is still alive. Residents occasionally claim to see spirits haunting the tree and the area near it.
Picturesque riverside spot
The campground sits right along the Skookumchuck River, offering scenic beauty and easy river access for those who'd like to wade or swim.
The space features a covered picnic area, snack shack, but unfortunately, no showers. You can take a 'camper bath' in the river, though.
Full hookups & RV-friendly
There are 16 spots with power & water, plus a dump station (gray/black tanks available during business hours). It's compact enough for all campers to feel like part of a cozy group, yet spacious enough for privacy and comfort.
Ideal base camp
Close to Highway 507, and just minutes from Centralia–Tenino, this spot makes a great hub for exploring nearby parks, hiking, and dining. There's a local diner called "Joe's" that is within walking distance of the campground. It's a central community meeting place. The Tenino Trail is a few miles away, and is a local 'rail to trail' biking path.
If you’re interested in attending and would like further details, contact David Petit or email me at sencha@senchaskene.com
September Druidry Series
We’ll resume our regular meeting schedule of every fourth Saturday at 5:30 p.m. starting in September with a series on Druidry.
The Tahoma CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) chapter is excited to announce the beginning of a new series on Druidry, starting with our September 2025 meeting. This monthly series will explore the core beliefs, practices, and seasonal celebrations of Druidry from both historical and modern perspectives.
Each session will include discussion, guided meditation or ritual, and an opportunity for personal reflection and community sharing. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner, a curious seeker, or someone new to Earth-centered spirituality, this series is open and welcoming to all.
Join us as we journey through the Wheel of the Year, explore nature-based wisdom, and deepen our connection to the sacred through the lens of Druidic tradition.
The theme for September is a brief but convoluted history of Druidry in America and in the world. If you’d like a copy of the handout for the September meeting, email me at sencha@senchaskene.com using “Druidry Handout” as the subject.
Meetings are held at our regular time and location (fourth Saturday of every month at Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Fellowship Hall). Watch the newsletter or check this website for upcoming dates, topics, and guest presenters.
Our next meeting will be Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the TUUC Fellowship Hall downstairs. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m., and then the class will start at 6:00 p.m. Please bring a potluck dish to share! Hope to see you there!
If you have questions about these events or any other questions or suggestions, please email me at sencha@senchaskene.com