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2004
Imbolc Dates 30th
Jan- 3rd Feb
Beltane Dates Apr 24th
to May 2nd
Lughnasadh Dates Jul 22nd to
Aug 1s
Samhain Dates Oct 22nd to 31st
Oct
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Every camp needs at least 8 people to set up and take
down. Please get in touch if you can help
Beltaine '02 camp will be our 17th and looking back it's astonishing
how much has come out from a simple concept, most of it unforeseen.
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camps were originally set up as a chance for people in OBOD to get together
cheaply. It's as simple as that I think. The season was celebrated, grade groves
were held and a good time was had by all. |
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This
was good enough, but Julie and Ivan were inspired to take responsibility for
the creation of a cycle of camps, four a year, setting up benders and hearth
fires so that people could live comfortably and close to the land. For those
of you who imagine that camping is a pointless activity, something like living
in a hell that has frozen over - and I'd be you if we're talking about a thin
bit of nylon between me and the elements - let me describe the joy that is bender
living. |
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A bender is a structure about 8 feet tall, made from young willow
or hazel branches woven together and covered in tarpaulin. The floor is covered
first in a heavy duty ground sheet then carpets, and at the centre of it all
is a wood burning stove - our biggest one is called God not only because it
keeps us alive in winter, but also because it is such a thing of beauty.
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people arrive they bring wall hangings and lanterns and dream catchers,
so that the space becomes beautiful, and as more people arrive, spreading out
their beds, bringing in wood and tea and food the bender becomes a home. We
now have two yurts and several benders, all of them warm, dry and friendly,
and they never cease to bring a warmth to my heart. Blessings to the Crew who
spend weeks putting the camp together. From simple beginnings camp has
evolved to become many things; an opportunity to be with each other; to live
on and with the Land throughout the year; to perform magics ranging from seasonal
celebrations to the biggest enchantments I've ever experienced. |
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of the unforeseen aspects of camp has been the personal challenges that everyone
is confronted with, every camp. For some of us this means that we have to let
go, stop controlling; for some of us it means that we must take responsibility.
Sometimes it means that we're challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually.
I say all this in the present tense, because the challenges arise for everyone,
every camp. That's group living for you. But unlike student flat shares, the
process is understood by our companions and everyone treats each other with
love and care. |
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What goes on at these camps? Are they Mediaeval fayres? A rollicking
debauched orgy? Dark and forbidden underworld initiations? A tree-hugging fest?
Sweetness and light? Well the truth is that they are what we make them and
that
nothing stands still. We've had our throats cut and been reborn, eaten the
most revolting liquorish curry ever created, seen the King |
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Stag crowned, and the Hooblie chase screaming adults and children around
a 3 acre field. We've sat around the central fireand sang, and |
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Hooblies and Friend
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listened
to superb musicians and oratory. We've lain in bed and listened to the sounds
of sleeping community, of people quietly making love, of owls hunting and the
midnight song of the universe. We've sulked and wept and accused each other
of astonishing things and then got over it, coming to a resolution so filled
with acceptance and peace that it was shocking. We've listened to some of the
greatest drivel in the world, drivel that was divisive and threatened the whole
structure and meaning of camps, and got over it too, in love.
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We've watched our children grow, play safely from dawn till dusk,
be cared for by strangers and transform us from mortals to Deities. We've
watched the same process in ourselves and others. Our children lead us through
fire, literally and emotionally, and everyone's safe.
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We've welcomed our Ancestors (who were blown away by wellies) walked
in Fairy land, raced though the woods with the Fair Folk, heard the Morrigan
slop about in the mud, hit an alien over the head with kindling and once nearly
froze to death because SOMEONE who will remain nameless let the fire go out
in February!
The camps will continue to change but their essence is love, magic
and trust, qualities originating from the open hearts of the people who come
to camp - those who come regularly and those who have not yet come. I can't
wait for Beltaine!
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A few quotes:
"So far I have only been to one camp, and I enjoyed it so much,
that I do not really want to miss another one! "
"Sharing the new Yurt was a lovely experience: it strengthens
the sense of 'family' which the camp gave me anyway. And cooking porridge
in the morning - after doing the 'sacred flute' when I got the chance - is
so good! Another brilliant idea is the Gate Bender. It's a quiet place to
chill out when you need a rest, with someone to offer you a cuppa and a chat
instead of more jobs that urgently need doing. Always good for those who don't
know when to stop! It's great to share the druid ceremonies with so many like-minded
folks and I thoroughly recommend Camp: they are absolutely great - including
the Shitpits!" Sorcha Jay
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Love,
Clare and the whole camp team |
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