Tule Lake PILgrimage

Frequently Asked Questions – Medical & Health

Why do I need to provide you with emergency contacts?

Because of our remote location, we need to know your emergency contacts to assist you in case of an emergency. Please inform your designated emergency contacts that you are participating in the Pilgrimage and list them when you register. In your name badge holder, keep a copy of your emergency contacts, your medications and doses, your insurance cards, any medical conditions, and your primary care physician’s name and phone number.

What health information do I need to submit? Other Pilgrimages I have attended don’t require this.

The Tule Lake Pilgrimage is a 4-day event at elevations in excess of 4,400 feet. All cardiac or respiratory limitations or restrictions need to be listed so that the Tule Lake Pilgrimage Medical Team can be informed. If you have multiple medical restrictions, particularly respiratory issues, you should obtain your primary care physician’s approval for you to attend the Pilgrimage.

In 2024, you asked all Pilgrimage attendees to provide proof of COVID vaccination. What are the vaccination requirements for the 2026 Tule Lake Pilgrimage?

For 2026, the Tule Lake Committee created an Infectious Disease Policy to prevent the spread of infectious diseases to all Pilgrimage attendees. We have a responsibility to ourselves and those who are the most vulnerable (the very young, the very old, and those who are immunocompromised) to protect our collective health and well-being and minimize spreading of communicable diseases and illnesses. While we cannot predict which nationwide health issues will be trending in July 2026, we ask ALL Pilgrimage attendees to be current with their COVID vaccinations and boosters. We encourage you to consult your primary care physician for medical guidance. We will update our policies and inform registered pilgrims as conditions change.

In summary, what is the 2026 Tule Lake Pilgrimage Infectious Disease Policy?

Infectious Disease Policy (summarized): We recommend that all pilgrims be current on COVID vaccinations and all must conduct a self-assessment 48 hours before departure. Pilgrims are prohibited from attending the Pilgrimage if they, within the 48-hour self-assessment period: test positive for COVID; have evidence of fever; have a current gastrointestinal illness; and/or, have other symptoms indicating a contagious disease. All pilgrims must show evidence of a negative COVID test within 24 hours of departure. Refunds, less processing fees, will be issued for infectious disease-related cancellations ONLY to the infected pilgrim. Pilgrims who contract COVID during the Pilgrimage are not eligible for a refund. No companion or Special Needs Assistant will be refunded due to a pilgrim who is prohibited from attending the Pilgrimage. Please read the entire Infectious Disease Policy for details and all requirements.

I take daily medications that must be refrigerated. Will refrigerators be available in the housing?

Yes. If you are staying in the dormitories and have medical needs for a refrigerator, please be sure to request a refrigerator when you register. Fill out the “Health Issues” data field and you will be asked about your medications. Refrigerators in the dormitories are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Each Village Apartment has an unfurnished kitchen, including a refrigerator.

I have dietary restrictions. What food options will be available to me at the Pilgrimage?

Please indicate your dietary restrictions when you register. Meals will include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options to the best of our abilities. We recommend that you bring snacks and food if your dietary restrictions or needs are more specific. There will be no discounted registration fee if we are unable to accommodate your dietary needs.