What are Oak Dragon Camps all about?
If you've never been to an Oak Dragon Camp, or maybe you haven't been for several years, the following should, we hope, give you an idea of what happens.
Oak Dragon camps started in 1987, following on from the Glastonbury Camps. Since then there have been many other camps set up along the same lines.
Oak Dragon Camps are a non-profit making organisation - we try and cover our costs for running the camp whilst keeping costs to the individual as low as possible. Our aim is simply to get a bunch of like-minded people together, learn, celebrate and expand ourselves in a safe and supportive community and have a very enjoyable time
Our summer camp (usually held in August) is the main event of the year and is usually attended by fifty to eighty people. We find that this is an optimum number - enough to form a nice community but not a small city! Click on Events to find out specific details of the next summer camp.
We also hold some smaller 'Gatherings' in Youth Hostels during the winter months.
Who are Oak Dragon Camps for?
The Camp has a 'new-age' flavour - the idea is to get in touch with our primitive side by being aware of the earth we stand on and the elements of nature that govern our existence. There is an element of mysticism, ceremony and ritual involved but the emphasis is on enjoyment, community and getting into 'a different headspace' and not in beliefs and dogma.
Amenities are rudimentary but more than adequate so, be warned, if you're a five-star-hotel kind of person, the camp is probably not for you! However, hot showers, toilets, hot tub, a small shop, children's area and even our own bakery are all provided.
How are the Camps run?
Basically, we borrow a field and put up a few tents and make it our home for a week - we do our best to choose a really nice spot... and usually succeed! A team of people set up the camp during the previous week so that most of the facilities are in place prior to the camp itself .
We try and run the camp as democratically as we can - everyone has a voice - everyone has an ear - everyone contributes in some way or other. However, to avoid total chaos, there are a small bunch of people (focalisers) who have been given the task of helping the camp run as smoothly as possible, ironing out problems which may arise such as rescheduling activities if somebody wants to hold an impromptu workshop. This small bunch of people are not viewed as some sort of Mafia, but rather as the first port of call, especially if you haven't been before, if you have a problem or query that isn't easily resolved.
We live and work in circles. This gives us a feeling of belonging to a big family where we honour and support each other. A camp is usually made up of five to eight circles, each circle having their own central fire and containing six to ten people (families and single people are all welcome!). In each circle there will be a teacher or someone who has been to Oak Dragon before so there will always be some help and guidance available.
During the camp, each circle usually cooks and eats together and shares all sorts of experiences around the fire. You will, of course, be expected to help with the day-to-day chores in some way or other! People tend to take it in turns to cook, wash up, collect wood, fetch water etc. for the whole circle, thus enjoying a community spirit.
Also each circle around the camp takes it in turns to do certain chores that need to be carried out for the whole camp or 'main circle'. So, for example it may be your circle's turn to keep the fire going for the showers and hot tub, or maybe clean the toilets. However, the next day it will be someone else's turn! Oak Dragon does not have a 'crew' as such and everyone helps. This can be FUN! It is a wonderful feeling to be part of a team working together to make a beautiful space for all of us to enjoy.
Campers are encouraged to visit each other's circles and drink a cup of tea around the fire, sing songs, listen to storytelling, and anything else which takes your fancy. People who have met at Oak Dragon camps have been known to form lifelong friendships.
Activities
During the camp there are a wide range of organised activities for you to enjoy. Most, but not all, are done in groups. There are plenty of things to do - none of them are obligatory but we encourage you to get the most out of your holiday!
On the activities page there are examples of what has gone on at previous events and a typical camp will include many of them plus some new ones depending on the camp theme and availability of teachers. You can be assured that there will be plenty to keep you occupied!.
A typical day (if such a thing exists!) starts with a morning meeting in the main circular marquee where the day's activities are explained. This may involve anything from archery to themed workshops and activities for children over the age of five. Usually, workshops take us to lunch and then continue in the afternoon. After camp circle dinners, the evenings may have organised activities or spontaneous happenings and self-made entertainments.
Of course, if you have any craft or skill that you might wish to share, there can be opportunities for impromptu mini-workshops. You may wish bring any props that might be needed.
Camping
If you have never camped before, here are a few general guidelines. These points may seem obvious, but nevertheless it may be useful to give them some thought whilst packing to come to the camp. Bear in mind how unpredictable the English weather is so bring some clothing for all eventualities. Remember that your clothes might get a bit muddy and are bound to end up smelling of wood-smoke so leave the Armani suit at home! We'll be living in a field (no electricity!) so bring a torch, some candles or a lamp. Bring something comfortable to sit on, some things to eat with and off and and, oh yes, a tent is very useful!
Click on this link for more information on useful things to bring.
Camp Rules
As a general rule we do not encourage drugs or alcohol, although occasionally a bottle of wine may be shared with a meal in the circle.
Our behaviour towards each other is generally based on love and respect. However, issues which may come up are talked about within the circle and usually resolved before they have a chance to get out of hand! If, and this rarely happens, someone's behaviour towards others is totally unacceptable, then they will be asked to leave.
Oak Dragon camps are not based on rules and regulations. We expect participants to be responsible people and to take on situations which may arise with honour and respect. In this way we grow as we learn and the camps are enlightening and wonderful places to do new things and make new friends.
ENJOY! There is just one rule, however, sorry, but NO DOGS or PETS!!!!!
Celebrate the energies of the Celtic cross-quarter days. Connect with friends and family
It is an Oak Dragon tradition to recreate the magic of the August camps by holding weekend gatherings during the winter months. There are usually three winter gatherings held in Youth Hostels:
The hostels provides basic but comfortable accommodation in shared rooms and dormitories, and as a group we have sole use of the hostel for the weekend.
We plan the gatherings to coincide as closely as possible to the cross-quarter days, and one of the highlights and the main focus of each weekend is the relevant ceremony.This is usually held early Saturday evening. Usually 2-3 people work together before the weekend to plan and co-ordinate the ceremony, and in true Oak Dragon tradition we collectively weave a spontaneous magical evening of ceremony, feasting, music, story-telling and celebration. If you would like to help co-ordinate any of the ceremonies please tick the box on the booking form.
One of the unique and most enriching things about Oak Dragon is that all ages enjoy the camps and gatherings. Due to the very communal living conditions at the hostel it is crucial for everyone's enjoyment that we all embrace an attitude of respect and care for one another throughout the weekend.
Children and teenagers are welcome at the weekend gatherings, but we ask that parents remain responsible for their discipline, and encourage them to become involved in the collective activities of the weekend such as sharing circles, ceremony and celebration..
Throughout the weekends we take shared responsibility for keeping the hostel clean and tidy. Many hands make light work.
Food
Simple vegetarian food is included in the price, but if you are interested in bringing a savoury dish, dessert, or cake enough for 8 portions, for a £5.00 discount off the weekend price, please tick the box on the booking form. To ensure adequate catering we will contact you a couple of weeks before the weekend to finalise food arrangements. Special diets can be catered for, but please let us know at time of booking.
What is Provided?
What to bring?
Prices & Booking
See the events page for specific details and a booking form for forthcoming gatherings
A 50% deposit is required with your booking to secure your place. The balance is due on arrival. The deposit is non-refundable if the booking is cancelled within one month of a gathering.
These are popular events, and numbers are strictly limited. Early booking is advised. To try and give everyone a chance to come to at least one gathering, please note your preference order for those gatherings you wish to book. If the gatherings are over-subscribed we will then try and satisfy everyone's first choice. If a gathering is already fully booked, do check again a month before the event, in case cancellations have freed up space.