Every few years, I caravan with a dozen witchy friends to the Mendocino Redwoods State Park to attend the California Witch camp.
Maybe you didn’t know there is such a thing as a camp for witches? In fact, there are a couple dozen Reclaiming Witch camps scattered around the United States, Canada. Europe and Australia. In the US, there are camps in Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Maine and Vermont, as well as the one I’m attending, and a teen camp in California.
The camp is seven days of intensive ritual and magic. It’s definitely not a festival, although there is a lot of singing and drumming and bonfires. Instead, these seven days are likely to expand your consciousness (while being drug-free), push your edges, and oftentimes change your view of life.
Maybe you didn’t know there is such a thing as a camp for witches? In fact, there are a couple dozen Reclaiming Witch camps scattered around the United States, Canada. Europe and Australia. In the US, there are camps in Texas, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Maine and Vermont, as well as the one I’m attending, and a teen camp in California.
The camp is seven days of intensive ritual and magic. It’s definitely not a festival, although there is a lot of singing and drumming and bonfires. Instead, these seven days are likely to expand your consciousness (while being drug-free), push your edges, and oftentimes change your view of life.
We camp in rustic cabins surrounded by redwood forest. It gets cold, into the forties sometimes, and the cabins have only screens in the top half (to keep the mosquitoes from eating you alive. But they still do.) Because I bring flannel sheets, a sleeping bag and a down comforter, I sleep like a baby.
There are no electronics, including cell phones (and no reception even if you tried to cheat), and everyone is asked to commit to the full seven days, since each day builds on what we have learned and experienced previously.
My little Arizona contingent van-pools from Phoenix to Mendocino over two days. When we arrive, we find our cabins and haul all of our gear into camp in wagons. This year, instead of camping with the crew I’m traveling with, I’m bunking with two friends I met at the last camp. I have no idea where our cabin will be, but I’ll post pictures after we get it “glammed” up.
There are no electronics, including cell phones (and no reception even if you tried to cheat), and everyone is asked to commit to the full seven days, since each day builds on what we have learned and experienced previously.
My little Arizona contingent van-pools from Phoenix to Mendocino over two days. When we arrive, we find our cabins and haul all of our gear into camp in wagons. This year, instead of camping with the crew I’m traveling with, I’m bunking with two friends I met at the last camp. I have no idea where our cabin will be, but I’ll post pictures after we get it “glammed” up.
We also sign up for our work detail assignments while checking in. The camp doesn’t run itself, so everyone signs up for 3 chores. I’ve done everything from gathering and sorting firewood (pic), to cleaning the one large community shower. This year, I think I’ll wash lunch or dinner dishes. I know myself well enough to skip the breakfast help crew, since they report to work before 6:00 am. I did tell you I sleep soundly at camp, right?
On the first night, the teachers introduce themselves and explain the path (class) they’re teaching for the week. Then we campers get to choose our focus of study for the week.
Two years ago, my first time for Witch camp, I took the required newbie Elements class, and it was enjoyable. This year I’m leaning toward a class titled, “The Oracle of the Witches: Scrying in the Dark.” Doesn’t that sound delicious?
The overall theme for the camp varies annually. This year is, “Aradia, Queen of the Witches.” I specifically chose to attend this year because Aradia is one of my two patron goddesses. She is a stern teacher, so the week should be interesting.
Afternoons are for “affinity” groups, a place to share and get emotional support. A lot of heavy emotions, revelations and healing needs bubble to the surface during Witch camp, so it’s nice to have a small group of support campers you can share with and feel safe.
At night, the whole camp (usually around 100 campers) comes together for evening rituals around a huge bonfire (the camp has certified fire tenders to meet the Forest Service standards).
One evening is saved for an often hilarious, and always entertaining, talent show and fund-raiser auction. And then there is Chocolate Night, filled with sweets, massage, Reiki, and much more.
The best part: We don’t have to cook! There is a camp cooking staff, all vegetarian, and all amazingly delicious! They’ve even published a cookbook.
So, if you practice magic and would like to take your skills to the next level with a like-minded group, consider the Reclaiming Witchcamp of your choice. I highly recommend the experience, more than once, in fact.
Two years ago, my first time for Witch camp, I took the required newbie Elements class, and it was enjoyable. This year I’m leaning toward a class titled, “The Oracle of the Witches: Scrying in the Dark.” Doesn’t that sound delicious?
The overall theme for the camp varies annually. This year is, “Aradia, Queen of the Witches.” I specifically chose to attend this year because Aradia is one of my two patron goddesses. She is a stern teacher, so the week should be interesting.
Afternoons are for “affinity” groups, a place to share and get emotional support. A lot of heavy emotions, revelations and healing needs bubble to the surface during Witch camp, so it’s nice to have a small group of support campers you can share with and feel safe.
At night, the whole camp (usually around 100 campers) comes together for evening rituals around a huge bonfire (the camp has certified fire tenders to meet the Forest Service standards).
One evening is saved for an often hilarious, and always entertaining, talent show and fund-raiser auction. And then there is Chocolate Night, filled with sweets, massage, Reiki, and much more.
The best part: We don’t have to cook! There is a camp cooking staff, all vegetarian, and all amazingly delicious! They’ve even published a cookbook.
So, if you practice magic and would like to take your skills to the next level with a like-minded group, consider the Reclaiming Witchcamp of your choice. I highly recommend the experience, more than once, in fact.
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