Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Affinity Belonging Initiative?
See the Affinity Belonging Initiative for more information.
Who comes to Affinity-Belonging Camps?
We invite BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ folx and those who hold other systemically undervalued identities to apply, plus allies who are committed to the work of collective liberation. We will do our best to accommodate people with unique access needs of all kinds—from physical, to sensory, and financial.
Affinity-Belonging Camp is for those who
Identify as a Person of the Global Majority (BIPOC) and/or LGBTQIA2S+; OR are a committed ally
Value anti-oppression work, social change, personal growth and healing
Want to learn to be a better ally for affinity groups you're not a part of, and support others in marginalized groups
Want to share your learnings with your community outside of camp
Want to make the world a better place for everyone
What are Affinity-Belonging (AB) Camps like?
Like other events from the New Culture lineage, the core of the Camp experience is authentic Connection and compassionate Community! Within the context of a culture of rigorous consent that welcomes all aspects of being human, except for violence and bigotry.
AB Camps add a collective liberation lens with an intention to co-create a decolonized space steeped in a shared commitment to social change. With special attention spent on creating a space that is welcoming for BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA2S folx in particular.
Some of the activity highlights:
Dance & play, somatic ancestral healing, music & song, decolonizing our bodies together, liberation action plans, bodily autonomy & consent, touch & snuggle piles, co-creating the more beautiful world we know is possible, sharing circles, small group pods, sexual freedom, being in the moment, mutual aid, yummy multicultural food, ritual that respects lineage, gorgeous nature, and the power of community.
There will be a music jam so we invite you to bring music instruments for yourself and to share—the more the merrier!
YASHAPI ForUs is a community sharing circle where we can each share from our hearts, and be witnessed in a caring community.
All New Culture Camps are about being at-choice. You may choose to attend any of the workshops, share in the YASHAPI ForUs, or participate in the Sensual Space; or you may also choose instead to spend time resting, connecting with others, connecting with nature, or being with yourself. It's a great place to meet new friends and grow connections. Your experience is yours to craft– moment by moment.
When is camp happening?
Friday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 24
What are the arrival and departure times?
Arrival: Friday 9/19 as early as 2pm ET, unless you are coming early for Pre-Camp
Departure: Wednesday 9/24 by 2pm ET, unless you are staying for Post-Camp
Pre-Camp arrival: As early as 9/16 at 2pm ET
Post-Camp departure: No later than 9/27 by 12pm ET
Can I come to camp for part of the time?
In order to create the safety necessary for deep emotional work and transformation, we hold camp as a “closed container.” We ask all campers to be on-site and present at the beginning, in time for the orientation and culture-setting workshops that begin on Saturday morning. Drop-ins and latecomers are not allowed. If you only have time to stay for part of camp, it’s fine to leave early, as long as you start camp with the whole group and are present for the opening sessions. Leaving and re-entering camp would be disruptive both to the flow of our workshops and to the container/energy field. It also brings additional complications with regard to COVID risk. Because of this, we request that you keep any trips away from camp to an absolute minimum, and let us know in advance if you want to leave and come back.
Where will camp take place?
Camp Timber Trails
https://camptimbertrails.org
1266 East Otis Road, Tolland, MA 01034
What are the transportation options for getting to camp?
Closest Airports
Closest Train Stations
Rideshares
We will be arranging ride-shares among participants with rides to and from the airport.
Sign-up here for Ride-shares.
What can one expect with the campgrounds and its facilities?
Walking paths are hilly, rocky and uneven
Walking distance between buildings requires 5-15 minute walks
Cars can be used for transportation between buildings
No food of any sort is allowed in the camping cabins or tents as it may attract bears and insects
Personal refrigerator space is limited
Camping cabin clusters include an external facility with sinks and toilets
Electrical outlets are available at these sink facilities
All water that comes out of a faucet is potable
The camp building with the best WiFi is the Office; please only use it if *necessary*
Camp has no laundry facility
Swimming is only allowed when a lifeguard is on duty. (TBD if and when a lifeguard will be at camp.)
Orient yourself to the camp by checking out the Campgrounds Map.
For an idea of what accommodations are like check out the Housing Viewbook.
When is the pre-camp workshop?
Saturday, September 13 4-6pm ET
What is the scheduled programming?
See the pages for the Programming Schedule and Facilitators.
What is the Sensual Space?
The Sensual Space is a designated space for consensual, structured and unstructured exploration of sensual and sexual activity in community. Exhibitionism and voyeurism (watching) are welcome, as are all kinds of erotic, trance, touch, healing, and ecstatic experiences that may or may not also be explicitly sexual.
Our intention is to make the Sensual Space an inviting place for first timers and veterans alike to explore observing, listening, or playing in this radically accepting, sex and intimacy positive, consent-centric space. We'll welcome activities from cuddling to sexual connection in this space once it opens. The Opening Program on the first night will not involve sexuality; it will offer a chance to gently ease into the space.
Do I have to do Community Service?
We ask that all participants contribute at least 5 hours of community service to co-create the intentional community we are building together—and make our camp flow with ease.
Community Service may include food preparation to nourish our bodies, cleaning up for our health, tidying spaces to tend our nervous systems, timekeeping, etc. It can be a meaningful experience to both work and play together, and a unique way to get to know different layers of yourself and others. When we give with presence, curiosity, and a playful spirit, work can easily become play!
All community service is an act of caring for ourselves, each other, and our community.
How are meals and food?
Camp provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner beginning on 9/19 at dinner and ending with lunch on 9/24. Our Kitchen Lead and Nourishment Artisan is Johnny Chanthavong, who will bring a deep level of care, skill, ritual, and meaning to the sacred work of nourishing our community. Meals will primarily be vegetarian with vegan options and potentially fish. We will put great care into meeting the dietary needs of all our campers.
If you do want to bring any of your own food, there will be a designated Personal Foods Kitchen (PFK) for that purpose.
There will be a snack table and snack fridge available 24/7 where you can get snacks, leftovers, and food outside of mealtimes.
Does camp have a health and wellness policy?
Yes, check the Camp Health Policy page for more information.
How do we address harm at camp?
See our Ouch! Oops! Policy for more information.
What is the policy regarding alcohol and drugs?
AB Camp is a sober event. No alcohol or recreational drugs are allowed at camp. However, you are welcome to bring prescription drugs and medicine you need in order to be present with yourself and the group.
What things should one pack for camp?
Cabin Gear
Bedding or sleeping bag to stay warm like bottom sheet, top sheet, and warm blankets
Earplugs and eye mask, pillow and pillowcase
Pajamas and slippers for walking around the cabin at night
Camping Gear
Waterproof tent with sealant, ground cloth, tarps, cords and stakes
Sleeping bag, sleeping pad or air mattress, blankets and any other bedding needed to be comfortable
Clothing
Dress in layers to account for chilly mornings, warm afternoons, and cold nights
Bring a variety of shirts, shorts, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes for the different weather
Hoodies, sweaters and gloves or handwarmers for when the temperature is colder
Rain gear like jackets, ponchos, umbrellas, and/or boots in case it rains
Sandals and/or walking shoes appropriate for gravel roads
Towels and washcloth for bathing
Beanies or hat for colder weather
Sunglasses, bandana or hat for sun protection
Bathing suit
Toiletries
Any allergy and prescription medications you need
Scent free deodorant, soap, shampoo, and conditioner
Scent free hand lotion or moisturizer if you tend to need it
Floss, toothbrush and toothpaste
Nail clipper and tweezer
Hand sanitizer
Insect repellent
N95 Masks
Sunscreen
Safe sex supplies like condoms, lube, gloves, and wipes
Miscellaneous
Sealable, reusable water bottle
Flashlights or headlamps for walking between buildings at night
Batteries, cables and chargers for any devices you bring like camera, headlamp or phone
Notebook and pencil or pen if you want to journal or take notes
Bag or backpack to carry around water bottle, notebook, etc. between buildings
Any fidgets or stim toys
Any comfort objects
What are the policies for tent camping?
Tenting in the main big field is permitted ONLY with stakes that are 5 or less inches
Please check for a “No Tenting” sign before pitching your tent!
Camp stoves are strictly prohibited
No tenting on the field near the Barefoot Ballroom (there is a leach field there)
No tenting near the Ranger’s Cabin (private caretaker’s space)
No camping in parking lots unless you have explicit permission
No tenting around the maintenance/Morton building area
There is no camping on docks or near the shore
Tents must be 150 feet away from water and wetlands
Tents must be within 500 feet of a toilet or porta-potty
Do not take cabin mattresses into tents
What is the pricing for camp?
Pricing for camp is sliding scale between $100-1695, which includes 5 days of shared meals, a campsite nestled in beautiful nature, warm showers, and all the programming.
When is payment due?
Your due date to submit payment via check, money order, or credit/debit card via Stripe, or to make payment arrangements with the registrar by September 12th.
Note: Credit-card payments via Stripe will incur an additional 3% charge to cover payment processing costs.
What about refunds?
We understand that life happens, and some of you might have to cancel your plans to attend camp. If you cannot attend, please let us know ASAP so we can try to fill your spot. You cannot sell your spot. 3% Stripe processing fees are not refundable.
All cancellations must be received via email to the registrar by the following dates to receive the following refunds:
Before September 1st: Refund minus $50 admin fee.
By September 15th: Refund minus $100 cancellation fee*
After September 15th: No refund of camp fee up to $550*, any amount above that will be refunded.
*If you find yourself in sincere financial hardship, please let us know—we are willing to work with you.
Exception: Full refund for cancellations minus a $50 service charge due to contagious illness.