Information

Earthsong Harvest Moon

Arrivals and Departures:

As everyones presence is a crucial ingredient of creating the magic and safety of our Earthsong community, we kindly ask everyone to arrive before 8pm on Saturday

(gate open from friday noon)

For the same reason we would like to stress the importance of staying until the Sunday, a vital day of transition and fond farewells.

Camper Vans:

What we offer at Earthsong is an 9 day experience of living on the land, this includes camping together in a circle, cooking on a communal fire and going back to the good old chop wood and carry water way of life.

To facilitate this in the best possible way and with respect for the sacred land we are on we have decided to admit camper vans and caravans for special needs only and on application at time of booking.

 

Boundaries

To create this safe space we have a strict policy of no alcohol, no drugs, no electric music, no late night noise. Mobile phones need to be switched off and calls made off site.

CD players, walkmans and portable computer games etc should be left at home, and people using cameras are asked to be sensitive about how and when they use them!

We have found that these boundaries help to create the “magic” we feel at camp. We ask that you sign your booking form to show that you are happy with these requirements.

   

 

Gate Lodge arrival and staying

On arrival at the site,we drive to the main gate and leave cars parked at car park indicated. Go to gate lodge where the gate crew will help you to get your bearings.

Everyone will receive a programme of events and be directed towards a camping circle. From there it is a short walk to the campsite on the excellent new track we have made.

Wheelbarrows will be provided to get your belongings to your camping circles, and members of the site crew will lend a hand where it is most needed.

During camp the gate lodge will be open as a place to get information.

 

Having a vehicle free campsite protects the land and also enhances our experience of being close to nature. The only vehicles on site will be work vehicles; e.g. vans for storing drums or bringing on firewood and camper vans, NB once camper vans on site they are not to be moved until camp is over.

Arrival day is Saturday; gate opens from 10am till 8pm, early arrivals on Friday 12 noon till 9pm. Try to be there in time for our welcome workshop on Saturday at 8pm.

If children are arriving late parents are asked to meet them at the gate or outside the camp. Absolutely no Visitors allowed onsite once camp starts, this maintains the saftey and integrity of our community.

Avoid arriving late or leaving early. Camp finishes officially on the Sunday at 10 am with a ‘grand-good-bye-and-safe-journey-homing ‘.

 

 

 

 

 

Workshops

Once you have paid the entrance fee every workshop is free. There will be lots of varied and brilliant workshops, and plenty of these will be beginner friendly.

Information on workshops and their relevant venues will be given out at the morning meetings.

 

 

 

Drums

Due to the huge demand for drums at earthsong drum workshops this year there is a cashback incentive for bringing your own drum to play.

 

Hygiene

Hygiene is tremendously important at camp because we live in such close proximity to each other!

High standards of basic hygiene ensures that bugs do not spread so always wash hands after visiting the toilets, and always wash up in very hot soapy water.

If we pass on healthy habits to those in our immediate vicinity everyone will benefit.

 

 

Meithel

All of us are encouraged to get involved and actively contribute to the successful running of the camp.

If each of us volunteers a few minutes to light lanterns, cut firewood, help out in the children's workshops, or clean the toilets, it makes a tremendous difference.

We create the camp together. Meithel jobs are allocated in the morning meetings

 

 

Morning Meeting

At 10.30 each morning we gather in the big top for the morning meeting. It is very important that you attend this meeting, and for camping circles to share important info from the meeting.

The programme for the day will be given out, venues allocated for workshops and any important camp related issues dealt with. Also information around recycling and other important issues will be addressed.

 

 

 

Teenagers

Teenagers from 14yrs up will have an option of camping in their own area.

They will have experienced coordinators who will support them around being responsible for running and looking after their campsite and circle, and deciding what teenage workshops they would most like to have.

They are invited to participate in all of the adult workshops and will also have seperate workshops in the teen space.

 

Teenagers are encouraged to return to their parents/guardian circles for main meal times. Teenagers staying in this area will have to comply with camp guidelines; failure to do so will mean they have to return to their parents/guardian camp circle.

No teenagers will be allowed on site without a parent or adult guardian who will be ultimatley responsible for their behavoir.

A teens and parent/guardian meeting will take place in the teen venue on saturday evening, a chance to get to know each other and ask/answer any questions.

 

 

Children

Children are very welcome at Earthsong.

The childrens area will co-ordinate at least two workshops daily, which will include lots of craft activities and wonderful workshops.

There will also be family friendly workshops which children can attend with their parents.

 

 

We do remind you that parents are ultimately responsible for their children's whereabouts at all times, and parents are asked to gather their children back to their circles by ten each night.


A crèche space is also provided for babies under five and their carers. This is not staffed; it is up to parents and any volunteers to co-ordinate this area with help from Earthsong.

 

 

Things to bring

Early on in the camp there will be a Camp market , where we can sell or buy craft items, second hand clothes and books etc, musical instruments, camp equipment, snacks etc etc. Please bring things to sell here.


Tents :  Good quality waterproof tents are essential. Twin doors allow ventilation on hot days.

Family tents are nice but don't give much privacy.  Children are often happy sharing their own tent. Teenagers are invited to camp in their own area.

 


Bedding :     Difficult to have too much, extra blankets always useful. Camping mats recommended.

Cooking :  We will be cooking on open fires, taking turns each night to prepare a meal for your circle. This means you will usually only be cooking one evening meal during camp. Bring enough food and a big enough pot to cook a large vegetarian meal for your circle. Breakfast and lunch is up to each individual.

Large heavy steel kettles, pans etc will be welcome, avoid non stick and aluminum. 

Remember others will bring cooking equipment to share so you don't have to bring everything. 

A cup, plate, knife and fork for every family member is a good idea, as is a large pan and a chopping board and knife.

 

Very Useful things :   

Water containers, washing up bowl, Eco friendly washing up liquid and shampoo, tin opener, lighter, fire lighters, sun tan cream.

Torches for all the family.


Things some folk like to bring :
 

Hot water bottles, ear plugs, clothes pegs and rope for a small washing line, wild dressing up clothes and face paints, grid or trivet for the fire,  small axe, saw, some tarpaulin, flags and wind chimes, beautiful objects.

Big umberellas are wonderful sun parasols and can be used for other things as well. 

An extra tent for supplies and stuff is useful if you have a large family.

Other items: fold away camping chairs, musical instruments.

Don't forget things to sell at the market.

 

 

 

Camping and facilities

Everyone will need a waterproof tent and teens if camping in the teen area will need their own.

Yurts, tipis, and benders are encouraged. We will camp in small circles of around 12 tents, each circle sharing a central fire.

The Earthsong site is a beautiful and secluded farm with several ancient sacred sites. Facilities on site will include Shower, toilets, running water, firewood and several fire points with fire extinguishers.

Also there will be a Childrens area, Crèche (parent run), Shop, Teenage area, and many wonderful venues for workshops including our famous Big Top!

 

 

 

Cooking

We share cooking with the members of our circle, negotiating who will cook an evening meal on which night, often two or more people sharing the task.This means we only cook dinner once or twice during the week.

Breakfast and lunch are up to individuals. Vegetarian food is encouraged, as it is easier to prepare hygienically.

 

Shop and cafe

A shop will be on site for all essentials, bread, milk, veg, rice, as well as sundries such as batteries loo roll and on occasion some other yummy stuff.

Do come prepared and try to avoid having to leave camp to shop, you won't want to!

Cafe was a great sucess last year and we look forward to all the delicious food on offer.

 

 

Late nights and noise;

There is to be only soft chattering after 11pm and the gentlest of whispers after 12pm.

All are encouraged to activley discourage early morning wood chopping or yodelling!

 

Feedback

You will be provided with feedback sheets and asked to share any ideas you may have for the improvement and healthy evolution of the camp.

We carefully read all feedback; it is how we can help to make the camp everything it can be!