Click on the activity or facility for details
During the camp there are many organised activities for you to enjoy. We have listed just some examples of what has gone on before and a typical camp will include many of them plus some new ones depending on the camp theme and availability of tutors. Not all the activities listed are guaranteed to happen but you can be assured that there will be plenty for you to do.
Of course, if you have any craft or skill that you might wish to share, there are opportunities for impromptu mini-workshops and people are always keen to try new things out. You may wish bring any props that might be needed.
Based on a traditional American-Indian cleansing ceremony, the Sweat-Lodge is very popular on Oak Dragon camps.
The lodge is built from canvas over hazel bender-poles and is fairly small and low to the ground. The main ceremony itself usually happens at night and lasts for an hour or so although there is a lengthy preparation period beforehand. It is usual for those participating in the sweat lodge ceremony to collect the required materials and construct the lodge during the day.
There will be someone experienced to lead the Sweat-Lodge. A fire is built and stones are heated on the fire until they are red-hot. The stones are then put into the centre of the lodge and people sit round inside, usually in the dark. Water is ladled onto the stones to create steam and a primitive type of sauna.
The sacred ceremony can involve chanting, laughing and crying, and can be very moving and emotional.
People emerge from the sweat lodge feeling renewed, refreshed and invigorated.
The lodge is used for only one ceremony and is dismantled the following day.
During the camp there are usually several sessions or workshops run which involve music and dance. This may be some form of folk-dancing, folk-singing, Dances of Universal Peace, the 5 Rhythms, Free Dance, and a speciality, the Labyrinth Dance. Again, the emphasis is on enjoyment rather than getting all the steps right or hitting a note perfectly!
Our morning meetings often start or finish with a song or dance and most of the ceremonies involve some form of musical expression. Sometimes we dance to drums around the fire in the evening. Dancing brings joy and peace and a chance to 'let go and be yourself'.
Of course, there is always a bit of impulse singing and dancing around the fires - so if you have a portable instrument which doesn't require electricity or amplification, bring it along. Acoustic guitars, drums, accordions, penny-whistles, didgeridoos etc. your talents will be most welcome.
However, do note that there is a noise curfew at 11 p.m. for those trying to sleep!We also have invited guest to perform a concert one evening in the week
End of Camp Pageant, Feast and Cabaret
We like to finish the camp with a bang! What normally happens is that at the beginning of the week, a pageant theme is decided and campers are allocated a character. Everybody has the week to prepare their costume and perhaps a short routine or act relating to their character. This could be a character from mythology or folklore, an animal or just about anything really.
We usually bring along a good stock of material, face-paints and such for the purpose and there's always the surrounding natural resources. However, if you do have any 'dressing-up' material going spare, then bring it along - the chances are that it will get used.
On the final day, there is a procession of characters, everybody does their turn and then we retire for the communal feast.
Unlike the rest of the week where we tend to eat within our respective circles (unless you're lucky enough to be invited to dine with another circle!), we all get together under the main marquee and eat together. Each circle contributes a few dishes and something to drink, the result, a fine feast.
The feast is followed by a quite amateurish cabaret which is a great hoot. Each circle takes it in turns to entertain the rest of the camp. Acts can vary from serious and beautiful musical performance to riotous and outrageous impromptu happenings.
An event, which is certainly not to be missed! You won't believe how imaginative and extrovert people can be!
This is something that has become extremely popular over the years. We have been very fortunate to be on a site with wonderful woodland nearby, and the Vision Quest involves spending the night (or maybe part of the night) alone in the woods. This can be scary! But, don't worry, there are watchers who are aware of you and they will make sure that you are safe.
The idea of the Vision Quest is based on a traditional American-Indian rites of passage ritual and originally lasted for days or even longer. Participants spend a period of time alone to confront their demons, meditate and connect with the spirits of the land. When the Vision Quest ends, participants relate their experiences to a mentor who helps them to deconstruct their new-found knowledge.
People have emerged from the woods in the morning having been through some incredible transformations.
Workshops are a main feature of the camp.
There are usually two main workshops each day, and these vary depending on the theme of the camp. There will be three or four main teachers who may do a series of three or four workshops throughout the duration of the camp. There are also one-off workshops. You can find out what is available by coming to the morning meeting each day or looking at the notice board. Feedback to the focalisers is always welcome.
Of course, if you have any craft or skill that you might wish to share, you can always hold you own workshop. Please let the camp focalisers know as soon as possible if you would like to run one so that it can be slotted into the camp schedule and a venue can be sorted out. We can sometimes reduce your camp fee in return for providing 'teaching services'.
There are also opportunities for impromptu mini-workshops and people are always keen to try new things out. You may wish bring any props that might be needed.
Examples of some of the workshops held are:
Shrines are a focus for energies and represent whatever they are dedicated to. In recent camps we have had beautiful shrines for the four directions; east, south, west and north. The shrine for the east represents air and contains feathers and ribbons and streamers, the south is fire, west is water and north is earth. Pictures of these shrines can be found in the archive section of this website.
Sometimes people make a shrine for their circle or for a rites of passage or other ceremony and each person puts something on it that is meaningful for them.
Creativity is something that comes to everyone on the camp in one way or another.
There are sometimes workshops on making things, particularly ceremonial or magical objects, out of natural materials, coloured wool, clay, wood, paper, feathers, in fact anything that captures the imagination. People also decorate their circle and their living space, and some find a creativity they didn't know they had. Some of the costumes for the pageant are wonderful, and most of them are made from things that people bring along.
There can also be the opportunity to learn beading, pottery and other crafts.
The heart of the Dragon resounds to the beat of drums.
On most camps there will be drumming workshops for beginners and experienced drummers alike. Most people bring their own drums, but they can be borrowed from others. Drumming around the central fire takes place on some evenings, and drums can be part of the ceremonies.
We do ask that drumming ceases by 11 o'clock at night though, so that people can get to sleep!
One evening during the camp we have an invited performer to provide some musical entertainment, usually in the main marquee. In the past, this has been anything from a folk band to a Tibetan throat singer
Relax and enjoy!
For the past few years we have been lucky enough to have a visiting expert in certain subjects who comes to the camp just for an afternoon or evening to give us a talk. This is usually very enlightening and entertaining, and people gain knowledge and have a very enjoyable time.
Once upon a time the Dragon was in debt - it happens to the best of us sometimes. To help out, one evening during the week's camping we held a small fund-raising event - The Auction! This proved so popular that the auction continues as a tradition
We do try and keep the fee for camping as low as possible and there are always the overheads of buying and repairing our stock of tents, domes and other essential equipment. The money we raise from the auction helps a lot (excuse the pun!).
The quality of goods up for auction varies from what is, quite frankly, tat to objects of rarity and beauty and works of art done by members of the camp - some of which is also tat but some of which is quite accomplished!
As with any self-respecting auction, the lots are laid out for 'public' viewing for a short period before the actual proceedings take place. Bidding normally starts at ten pence and has been known to reach forty or fifty pounds. As with many of our activities, the auction is a great laugh.
Before you come to camp search your attics, cellars and car boots for something to contribute - every penny we raise helps us keep the camp fees down and allows us to invest in a few small camp luxuries and who knows, if we save up a bit, one day we might have our own piece of land
At the opening circle ceremony , when an Oak Dragon camp begins, we weave a huge spider's web. symbolising that we are all connected, everything we do touches everyone else.
We take coloured balls of wool and throw them to each other, when the wool is caught we peg it to the ground with a tent peg. This can help us learn each other's names as we call out to someone before we throw the ball of wool. There is a little surprise inside each ball of wool as you come to the end of it.
The web can sometimes be as large as 30 meters across depending on how many people attend the camp. If anyone pulls the wool too tightly, or lets it go slack, we can see the effect at once.
We are the weavers, we are the Web!
The web stays in place for the whole of the camp, then at the end there is another ceremony. At the close of the camp we all lift a peg, and hold the web firmly under tension. We are - with co-operation, laughter and hope - able to hold aloft the complete web! We are also able to walk the web in a complete circle, turning the wheel of the year.
We are united, we are one!
We then cut the wool from the pegs and each person keeps a few strands to remind them to keep in touch with all their new (and old) friends until we meet again.
On many camps we have built a labyrinth. This is usually marked out on the ground with chalk powder, or sometimes cut into the grass or even made from sawdust soaked in paraffin and lit up at night.
The labyrinth is a magical place based on ancient myths and you will find out more about it at the camp. Sometimes there will be ceremonies, which involve the whole camp walking into and out of the labyrinth, and sometimes we do the Labyrinth Dance, taking a partner along some of the way.
A wonderful way to pass an evening sitting round a fire is to listen to a story. There are often people on the camp who can tell the most amazing stories, some old and traditional, and some we have never heard before. Storytelling is not just for the children.
Each year we construct a dragon, the benevolent 'Oak Dragon'. The dragon is different every year and there is an unstated policy of trying to make a bigger and better dragon than the previous year's. One day we hope to build the ultimate: a dragon which actually flies!
We use a combination of readily available natural materials and anything else which comes to hand. Anybody and everybody can help with this creative activity and is a great project for children to get involved in.
As part of the closing ceremony, the dragon is 'flown' around the camp and then burnt on the central fire. This is a bittersweet affair which helps mark the end of our holiday. Of course, Oak Dragon never truly dies, the dragon is reborn the following year just like the phoenix rising from the ashes.
Perhaps one of the most important highlights of an Oak Dragon camp is Ceremony. This is something we work towards during the week, preparing ourselves magically for something that goes very deep and creates subtle changes in the way we are. Each camp is different of course, and so each ceremony is different. Sometimes we have no idea what will happen, but something magical and amazing always manifests.
Camp opening ceremony
When you book for the camp you will be told what time the opening ceremony will be. Please try and be on site for this - it is a very important ceremony and the first chance for everyone on the camp to be together in one circle. The ceremony includes the welcoming of the spirits of the north, south, east and west and the lighting of the main circle fire .This is usually followed by 'beating the bounds' where everyone processes round the site beating drums (or saucepan lids or rattles or anything that makes a noise) to mark out the boundaries of the sacred space. The opening ceremony is usually in the afternoon of the day following 'arrivals day'.
Camp closing ceremony
The closing ceremony is the last circle for everybody in the camp to get together before we all set off on our separate journeys home, and once again this is a very moving and magical experience. It is important to become grounded again before setting off into the other world.
As part of the closing ceremony we burn the dragon on the sacred central fire, take down the web and say our farewells to each other and the spirits that have helped us enjoy the past week.
Oak Dragon can make profound changes in people's lives. Some people come to the camp with issues they want to resolve or maybe they feel it is time to move on. Making a positive change in the form of a Rites of Passage ceremony is something, which is very important. We have had many beautiful and moving ceremonies with people changing from child to adult, from adult to elder, two people joining together in hand-fasting (marriage), and even a separation ceremony. If you feel it is time for you to make a rite of passage, you will find support and love from those around you when it is your turn to make this change.
This is one of the many activities that make a day at an Oak Dragon camp such a fulfilling time. There is always something going on. You'll be sitting round the fire chatting when suddenly you'll notice that someone has quietly set up a target and got out some bows and arrows. This activity is always popular with children (and grown-up children too).
We often have someone teaching T'ai Chi at the camps and this is usually in the early morning. Beginners and more experienced people are equally welcome at the workshops. More details will be available at the camp.
Service to another member of the Camp
At the start of the camp, everybody is allocated another camp member to do a small service for. The allocation is done randomly by picking names from a hat. The small service can be performed at any time during the camp and can be absolutely anything the provider chooses, from providing a meal to a massage, a tarot reading, child-minding or a lesson in tree and plant recognition.
The act of 'doing another a favour' is a good way of encouraging the community spirit and getting to know others a little better and as the saying goes - it is always better to give than to receive!
Occasionally there will be workshops involving spiritual or shamanic journeying. On a practical level you will need to bring something soft and comfortable to lie on and something to keep you warm as your mind will be leaving your body for a while. Journeying can be a wonderful experience, safe and yet exciting.
Runes can tell us many things and help and guide us when making important life decisions. At some camps there will be rune workshops, and there is usually someone on site with knowledge of how to read them, their meaning and how to use their power. If you feel this way of working is for you, there can be an opportunity to make your own set of runes from small stones, clay or pieces of wood.
Once or twice a week, a Pow-wow is held in the main marquee and everybody is encouraged to participate. A Pow-wow is a forum for people to speak from the heart, express their opinions, resolve problems, debate and, if necessary, argument! Subjects for discussion don't necessarily have to be camp-related and there is no theoretical time-limit. However, because we like to keep things reasonably civilised, we use a device called a 'Talking Stick'.
The Talking Stick is, erm, a stick, albeit a specially decorated ceremonial stick (the stick itself doesn't actually talk - it's not that special!).
The stick is picked up or passed around by individuals at the Pow-wow Whoever is holding the stick at any given moment is the person who holds the right to speak without fear of interruption, ridicule or heckling. The stick is given up or passed on when, and only when, the holder feels that they have made their point or expressed themselves sufficiently. In this way, everybody, even the shy ones, are allowed their voice and the meeting isn't hijacked by just a few dominating types. Of course, if you don't have a need to speak when the stick is passed to you, you can simply stay silent and pass it on to another person - nothing is obligatory at Oak Dragon!
The Pow-wow ends when everyone has felt that they have said what they want to.
The Morning Meeting and Notice Board
One of the first activities of the day is a short morning meeting which is held soon after breakfast. This is held in the main marquee and everybody is welcome to attend. The meeting opens with a short ceremony to welcome in the day and to say our 'good mornings' to each other.
Any issues relating to the camp are brought up briefly. Anybody can have a say (see talking stick) and any other announcements are made. Details of the day's programme are then discussed and the meeting ends with a short ceremony.
There will be a Notice Board either in the main marquee or Cosy Corner on which you will find a list of activities for the day. This board is written up by the focalisers each day. If you want to offer a impromptu mini-workshop, or request something that isn't on the board, please see one of the focalisers.
The camp is laid out in a magical way, and the whole evolves around a main circle
The Main Circle consists of:The Main Marquee
The main marquee which is large enough to accommodate everyone in the camp. Morning meetings, the Pow-wow and main activities are all held here.Cosy Corner
If the weather is wet and windy, what better place to meet for a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate, and a cake if you're lucky, and listen to music or storytellers, or just have a nice cosy chat. Cosy Corner is a square white marquee, often set up on the side of the main marquee. In the evenings it's a good social place to go, somewhere to meet people from other circles, and during the day it can be a place for a quiet chat, maybe to exchange skills and knowledge with others.The Central Fire
The central fire which is lit as part of the opening ceremony and kept alight for the duration of the camp. We treat the fire as sacred and it is used for some ceremonies and other gatherings - Cooking, boiling water, and burning rubbish on the central fire is frowned upon! On fine days we come together in the main circle for Pow-wow or dancing, or in the evenings for drumming and chanting. It is the central focus of the camp.
The shop is a wonderful place to go and browse.
Someone runs the shop and usually goes out early every day to get fresh milk and provisions. If you have anything special that you need and are not able to get into town, just ask the 'shopkeeper' and they will try and get it for you. The shop is also the place to buy beautiful and wonderful things. You can get sets of tarot cards, books, dream-catchers, crystals, scarves, jewellery, smudge bowls and sticks, colourful clothes, leather and beaded pouches, the list is endless!
Anyone is welcome to donate items to the shop, where proceeds go to Oak Dragon. For those wishing to sell their own items, they are welcome to fly-pitch outside the shop during shop hours (morning, lunch and late afternoon).
The shop also provides munchies and sweets, ideal for those midnight feasts and snack-attacks late at night.
At last we seem to have got this just right, and we now have a gas-heated hot-tub which actually stays hot. There's room for about 4 adults in the hot tub and it's a wonderful way to spend a summer evening gazing at the stars - very relaxing. We do ask that you shower before getting in.
The shower trailer provides for hot (or cold for the brave) showers. The wood burning boiler is usually lit at 7 o'clock in the morning allowing the early risers a nice hot shower and again lit in the early evening. The trailer contains two showers in a communal arrangement (communal showering is not obligatory! privacy is assured!) providing more than adequate washing facilities for the whole camp. The shower, by some plumbing wizardry, is thermostatically controlled and is suitable for children to use.
Toilets are covered rustic composting loos or earth-closets. They are situated in the woods, a short but not inconvenient distance from the main camp. There's even a communal loo especially designed for fainted-hearted children. Once a day someone has the unenviable task of tidying up the loos to keep the area hygienic and pong-free. Surprisingly, we usually have no shortage of volunteers for this job! We do ask that people pee in the woods where possible so that the toilets don't become overused.
There are several water-points and washing basins dotted around the camp.
Our children are our future.
Many of the current Oak Dragon children have been coming to camps since they were very young, and have grown up with strong bonds of friendship. New children are always welcome of course. We provide a kids' dome equipped with art and craft materials, paints, glue and paper, to fuel young imaginations.
Children have their own supervised workshops, usually twice a day during the time of the adult workshops. Activities can vary from a walk in the woods to putting on a dramatic production, and the children have a wonderful time. They learn new skills and have a great love and respect for each other. Children under the age of 5 are welcome, but we do ask that they have parental supervision during workshops.
Oak Dragon children grow up and we often have teenagers on the camps. We usually have a dome for the teenagers that they can use for their own during the camp. Most teenagers like to attend the adult workshops, but they also like to have their own space. The children's area focalisers will be aware of the needs and facilities available, and if you have any concerns please ask.
There are several geodesic 'Domes', some equipped with wood-burning stoves. Each dome generally has a specific function but some are used for general workshops and other activities too. These beautiful spaces are dry and warm on a cold day and just the right shape for people to sit round in a circle. On a hot day the canvas can be raised so that there is shade with a cool breeze.
The Welcome Dome (Gate Dome)
'You are now entering sacred space'. The Welcome Dome or Gate Dome marks the dividing line between the 'real' world that we inhabit for most of the year and 'camp' reality. On arrival you will be greeted at the camp dome and offered tea and biscuits and a chance to unwind after your journey. Later in the camp the Welcome Dome may be used for workshops, or as a quiet meditation space away from the centre of the camp.The Children's Dome - see Children's Facilities
The Women's Dome
The Youth Dome - see Facilities for Youth
The Sweat Lodge - see Sweat-Lodge
The Camp Shop - see Camp Shop and Bakery
The first people usually arrive on site a few days before the camp starts to connect up the taps, put up the marquee and domes, erect the showers, and generally get the space ready for the camp.
If you would like to help with this, please get in touch with the camp focalisers or indicate on the booking form,. We often need people to help load or unload the lorry and get things set up. This can be fun and you can learn about how to put up a dome or the marquee, and feel part of something very magical before the camp even starts.
At the end of the camp we take everything down again and get it ready to be put into storage for the winter. Again, if you can help in taking down the camp, please let us know.
Our own health and well-being is one of the most important aspects of having a successful camp. Obviously good common sense goes a long way to help with this. Children especially are asked to be thoughtful and responsible. However, if something goes wrong or an accident happens, there are people on the camp who have experience of healing and first aid. Remedies are available and people with skills to use them - please ask.
We have several fire-points dotted around the camp with prefilled water buckets and compressed-air horns to raise the alarm in case of incident.
We do have public liability insurance to cover the duration of the camp but this doesn't stop people considering taking out their own insurance if they feel it is appropiate - we all should retain primary responsibility for our own and our dependents welfare.
What should you bring to the Camp?
If you've done little or no camping then the following list might help. Some of the items listed may seem obvious but have been included so that you have a useful checklist and not just to insult your intelligence! This list is revised every year and if you can think of anything we've missed off, please let us know.
Many of the items will be either provided by Oak Dragon or other people in your circle but, if you already have them, will probably prove useful - don't go out and spend a small fortune.
Clothing could get muddy and are likely to end up smelling of wood-smoke - don't bring your Sunday-best - do bring something bright and cheerful!
...........And what not to bring to the Camp?
Camp can be quite noisy in some places at some times although we do our best to be sensitive to the feelings of all. Electronic sources of sound should not be brought along. Radios, cassette machines, 'Ghetto Blasters', noisy electronic games, electric guitars or any other electrically amplified instruments all go against the spirit of the event. Of course, if you really do need to listen to the football results, then please use earphones and be discreet. We also ask that the use of mobile 'phones is limited and as discreet as possible.
We do not accept payments for the camp on the field, so please make sure that you have paid your fees in full one month before the camp starts.
.And once again, sorry, but NO DOGS or PETS!!!!!
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets on the camp. From past experience we have found that animals do not enhance the spirit of the camp for many reasons. Dogs and cats tend to stray into other peoples' tents, or get lost, or have to be tied up. Caged animals can get too hot, or even too cold at night. Please leave your pets at home.
We have some experienced dowsers at Oak Dragon and occasionally there will be a workshop, but also help and advice if you want to dowse. Beautiful dowsing pendants are on sale in the camp shop.
Food - Cooking, Eating & Washing-up Arrangements
Apart from the end-of-camp feast, meals are cooked on and eaten around the circle fire.
Cooking and eating arrangements are decided within each circle. You may not know what arrangements, if any, have been decided on until you have met the rest of your circle so it is well to bring something along for the first evening and the following day's breakfast.
Some circles opt for the 'having a kitty' approach whereby everybody throws some money into a pot and somebody uses this to get supplies. You may want to have a cooking rota for all meals or perhaps just for the main evening meal and individuals sort out their own breakfasts and lunches - it is up to each circle to decide on an arrangement that is acceptable to everyone. Communal cooking and eating is encouraged for both practical and social reasons.
The camp is held not too far from a reasonably sized town where there are shops and supermarkets and supplies can be bought. There is also an nearby organic farm shop (an outlet for the organic farm we normally camp on) where fresh vegetables and other organic goodies can be purchased. If you are without transport, don't worry, someone will do your shopping for you or give you a lift to town. However, if you can bring along some staples (potatoes, pasta, rice etc), herbs and spices, seasonings, stock cubes, spreadables or snackables, it would be a good start.
We do have a camp shop where some basic supplies can be bought.
Of course, if you do have any special dietary requirements or you just can't do without your specialised hard-to-come-by Albanian pickled broccoli sauce, then don't forget to bring it along. Do ask if you want to be in a vegetarian circle, or if you have any special dietary requirements.
If you grow your own vegetables at home, it is always a great gesture to bring some along!
If you have got any large pots and pans, frying pans, ladles or kettles suitable for communal cooking and they can be put on an open fire without fear of damage, then bring them along. Oak Dragon own a few of these items and others in your circle are likely to bring something along but extra ones always come in useful.
Similarly, if you have a washing-up bowl that can withstand the rigours of camping and some scourers, washing-up liquid and the like, bring them along too as washing-up is also the responsibility of each circle.
There are several water-points and washing-up sinks dotted around the camp. As part of the camp set-up, pipes are laid from the water supply from the farm that leases us the land. Sometimes the water pressure is a bit low (this is usually at milking times and during the day) so it is advisable to collect and store water for cooking and washing-up purposes. If you have a suitably large portable water container, bring it along.
Wood for cooking is plentiful as we are camped close to a wood.
Focalisers are the people who set up and run the camp. They will have been working for many months beforehand making arrangements for teachers and workshops, and they will be around on the camp to answer any questions you may have or to help resolve issues. If you have been to a few camps and would like to be on the focalising team, please let one of the present focalisers know.