Top Ten Things To Know For Camp 2016!
Witchlets in the Woods 2016:
Top Ten Things to Know and Remember For Camp
**Please read this whether this is your first time at camp or your 15th! Some of this information is new!**
1) All of camp is a peanut-free zone.
At least one of our beloved campers has a life-threatening peanut allergy. To keep them safe, we ask that you not bring any items with peanuts to camp, including peanuts, peanut butter, peanut butter based candy, and energy bars with peanuts.
2) All of camp is a fragrance-free zone
Several of our campers have extreme chemical sensitivity and/or scent-based allergies. Because of this, we ask that you refrain from using any perfumed or scented products at camp. This includes perfumes and items like scented lotions or hair care products, and especially includes scented mosquito repellants. (please see number 7)
3) All campers contribute to the work of camp
Everyone who works on this camp is a volunteer, and everyone who comes to camp also volunteers to help! All campers age 12 and above are required to do tasks such as dishwashing, clean up, and others. When you arrive at camp, you must sign up for work shifts. Remember, this keeps camp costs down.
4) Fire Safety and Big changes to The Smoking Section
The ONLY places where open flame is allowed in camp is at the smoking tables, and at the two fire circles. This is a HUGE fire safety issue.
In order to meet the varied needs of all of our campers, please note the following changes to our smoking policy:
-there will be two separate smoking tables; one for tobacco products and one for medicinal marijuana
-the smoking tables will be located in the parking lot near the gate house (where we register). These will be the only places in camp where smoking of any kind is allowed.
-California law has recently changed, making it unlawful for people under the age of 21 to use tobacco products.
5) All of Camp is a drug and alcohol free zone
As a Reclaiming camp, we seek to change consciousness at will rather than through the use of intoxicating substances. We also seek to be a welcoming and inclusive place for those members of our community who are in recovery. Accordingly, we ask that all recreational drugs and alcohol be left home. Please note that people with a prescription for medical marijuana are welcome to use their medicine at the designated smoking table.
6) The kitchen closes at 7:00 p.m.
Our cooks work very hard all day, and they are off duty after 7 p.m. ! So please don’t ask them for things at that point. Please do not use the kitchen after 7pm unless you have made arrangements with the Kitchen Liaison (who will be announced at camp!)
7) Mosquitos Are Abundant at the Woodlands!
As discussed in number 2, we ask you not to use mosquito repellents with a scent, including herbal repellants. Here are some approaches for dealing with mosquitos that work for people: odorless Deet (some will be available at camp). Eating large amounts of B-Vitamins and garlic for two weeks before camp is said to make you untasty to mosquitos. Vitamin B patches also seem to help (google them!), Mosquitos are most active at dusk and dawn, and in the shade. Covering up your skin as much as possible can help as well.
8) Arrival and Departure Times
Registration is from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 6. Please arrive during this window to get properly checked in and registered. We ask that all campers stay and participate in All Camp Clean-up on the final day (Wednesday, August 10). If you need to arrive late or leave early, please check in with Rahula (coordinator) or Joe Fajen (registrar) beforehand.
9) Witchlets in the Woods is co-created by all of us
In addition to taking on the tasks to keep camp running smoothly (see number 3), everyone at camp is invited to help make the magic of camp run smoothly as well! Evening rituals are co-created by campers (there is a lunchtime Ritual Planning Table) and everyone is welcome and invited to participate in shaping ritual and in taking on roles during ritual.
10) Witchlets Strives to be an Inclusive Space
We recognize all kinds of families; however you define your family is wonderful. Witchlets is in accord with the Reclaiming Principles of Unity which states in part “We welcome all genders, all gender histories, all races, all ages and sexual orientations and all those differences of life situation, background, and ability that increase our diversity.” http://www.reclaiming.org/about/directions/unity.html
People come to camp from all different walks of life, and WITW is a place where many of us let our hair down in ways we might not during our daily life. It is a place where we can be ourselves and express ourselves. For some this includes the opportunity to be skyclad at camp (ie, without clothing). (We also require that anyone who is not wearing clothing place a towel under themselves when sitting on the benches at camp.) Please talk about inclusion and these various forms of self expression with your family members before camp, both so they can be aware, and also so they may participate.
Accessibility: The woodlands is a minimally developed camp. Some trails are chair accessible, but all cabins and the dining hall have a step up to enter. Bathrooms with running water are all uphill, however, a porta potty on level ground at the center of camp is provided for those who need it. If you have additional questions about accessibility, please contact rahula at info@witchlets.org
THANK YOU AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO PLAY IN THE WOODS WITH YOU!
