About Camp

The Earthsong Camp was birthed by John Bowker and Angie Pinson, who were inspired by the Unicorn camps in England and wanted to bring a similar magic to Ireland; a week in a private, natural setting, working with beautiful music and teachings from world cultures. A space where we can explore our innate spirit of playful wildness and gentle sensitivity. The first Earthsong camp in 2007 was a runaway success. John continues to oversee the camp together with a core group.

Aims and objectives

The aim of the Earthsong camp is to create a safe and magical space for humans to meet, free from oppression, free from discrimination as regards religion, gender, sexual orientation, or age. We nurture a space where we can learn and explore wonderful music and ancient wisdom, sharing cultural gifts and healthy lifestyle options. Where we can share utmost peace and utter wildness, and learn and remember how to give careful respect to each other, our environment, and ourselves.

Living on the land

In living simply on the land we gradually attune to the rhythms of the natural world and become more aware of the impact we are having on the environment. We learn to appreciate and respect the land, to feel part of it and then we naturally wish to seek out ways to minimize our footprint and tread lightly on the earth. Our aim at Earthsong has always been to have a camp that is as gentle and harmonious as possible. This involves leaving the land as we found it, respecting animal and plant life, recycling as much as we can, and also looking at ways we can offset our fuel consumption by tree planting, lift sharing and communal cooking.

Spirituality

At Earthsong we honour and respect all spiritual paths and beliefs; we are not affiliated to any particular belief system. Workshop leaders are encouraged to talk about possibilities rather than fact when dealing with spiritual ideas, and we try to avoid Dogma. Through the many magical experiences of Earthsong, such as making powerful music together, we can celebrate our connection to community and spirit. 

Welcoming tears as well as laughter

Many of the magical ingredients that made Earthsong what it was last year have come out of the Tribal Spirit gatherings that John Bowker has been leading for the past number of years.  As well as the heart opening and healing gifts from the spirit in singing, drumming and dancing there are other ways that enable us to feel safe, included and more in touch with ourselves. One of these seems to be that we have come to trust how completely normal and natural it is to cry as well as laugh when we need to.  Once we know tears are welcome we may find we shed healing tears as we listen to beautiful singing or receive a friendly hug.

Listening wholeheartedly to each other without judgment, advice or opinions is another thing that people have found very valuable at the Tribal Spirit gatherings. This can be helpful in our camp circles too. If you have any questions the core group are an identifiable resource and will happily answer them.

Boundaries

To create this safe space we have a strict policy of no alcohol, no drugs, no electric music and no late night noise. Mobile phones need to be switched off and calls made off site. C.D players, walkmans and portable computer games etc. should be left at home, and when using cameras we are asked to be sensitive about how and when we use them!

We have found that these boundaries help to create the "magic" we feel at camp and deepen our experience of nature and community.

Photography and Filming

We welcome the use of cameras, however we ask that everyone exercises sensitivity and respect around the taking of photographs. If unsure always ask . You can also offer a copy to whomever you have taken a photo of.

A member of our team has been taking professional film footage of elements of camp over the last two years with the view to creating an inspiring documentary of our magical journey. If filming is taking place there will be forms on gate when you arrive to give permission or otherwise to being filmed. Again filming is done in a sensitive and creative way ensuring respect for all participants.

See short clip below of some of the wonderful filming so far, enjoy!