What is a WitchCamp?

Share in six days of Reclaiming-style, earth based spirituality and magic. Come and study magic and ritual in an intensive format. WitchCamp is offered to women and men at all levels of experience. Newcomers can learn the basic skills of magic and ritual, working with the elements, movement, sound and the mythological and historical framework of the Goddess Tradition. Advanced classes offer the chance to apply the tools of ritual to personal healing and empowerment, or focus on taking the Craft out to the wider community through the creation of public ritual, forming ongoing groups and healing issues surrounding leadership and power.

This event is a deeply moving, life changing experience. The WitchCamp will help participants to explore ways of bringing this work and inspiration into our everyday lives - creating powerful and joyful times.

What is an 'Intensive'?

An intensive is a six-day event of ritual and magic designed for people who are dedicated to powerful spiritual learning experiences and personal growth. This intensive is not a festival. It is created to help you expand your conscious awareness, push your boundaries and is likely to change your life. Please also note that due to the nature of the magical work we will being doing together, children are unable to attend this event.

When is the WitchCamp?

The next EarthSong WitchCamp will run from Monday, 1st October to Saturday, 6th October 2012. This is six days (five nights).

Where is the WitchCamp held?

The 2012 WitchCamp will take place on private property overlooking the Yarra Ranges National Forest. The venue is located near the town of Healesville in Victoria, about an hour's drive from Melbourne.

The venue is relaxing, functional and private. To encourage privacy and safety, the exact location of the WitchCamp venue will not be posted publicly. This information will be available in your registration pack. Please connect with us to receive updates as they become available.

How do I get to WitchCamp?

Public transport is available via train and bus from Melbourne. Please consider using http://metlinkmelbourne.com.au to plan your journey. Limited lifts from the bus stop in Healesville will be available. More information will be included in your registration pack.

If you wish to drive please be aware that there is limited parking space. As such we strongly encourage you to carpool. Carpool information will be included in your registration pack.

What is the accommodation like?

The 2012 WitchCamp venue is roomy, comfortable and peaceful. Accommodation is "dorm-style" with each room sleeping 6-8 people in bunks. Each room is heated and has its own toilet and shower ensuite. There are a number of large indoor teaching and workshop spaces, as well as plenty of outdoor space in the surrounding area. The venue is situated almost a kilometre away from the main road.

Is there any provision for a campfire?

Due to fire regulations, a campfire may only be lit in the designated campfire area. Permission from the WitchCamp organisers is required to light a fire. Under no circumstances are standing trees or bushes to be used for firewood, or in any way interfered with. Fire restrictions apply.

What meals will be provided?

Those who attended the inaugural Australian WitchCamp will be pleased to know that Suzanna will once again be catering for us in 2012!

All meals are delicious vegetarian fare, served from dinner on the first night through to lunch on the final day. A breakfast bar will be set up with muesli, toast and a variety of spreads. Lunch offers soup with bread, or salad with bread on alternating days. Dinner features wonderful creations by the WitchCamp caterer. Coffee and tea are available at every meal as well as at morning and afternoon tea. All food is organic, local and seasonal. Vegan, gluten-free and most other dietary requirements are provided for.

Please supply detailed information about your requirements in the relevant section of your registration form. We are more than happy to try and accommodate you if you have special dietary needs. The kitchen is unable to cook separate meals unless providing for the above listed dietary requirements. If your needs are highly individual you may want to consider bringing your own snacks etc.

There is no need to bring your own cutlery or crockery as the dining hall has plenty!

What bathroom facilities are available?

Each room has its own toilet and shower ensuite.

What do I need to bring to WitchCamp?

A complete list of recommended items to bring to WitchCamp can be found here. This list will also be sent out in your Registration Pack

Is there anything I should not bring to WitchCamp?

Please be aware that some of our campers may be very allergic to products and scents so we ask that you consider bringing roll-on deodorants and insect repellents instead of sprays.

No camper is permitted to bring pets or other animals onto the property, or to disturb the natural environment in any way. Trail bikes are also not permitted on the property. WitchCamp is a strictly drug and alcohol-free event. Please do not bring either as they are inappropriate for this spiritual intensive.

Is the WitchCamp venue accessible to those with disabilities?

The WitchCamp venue is wheelchair accessible. We are currently assessing the accessibility of outdoor spaces and will provide more information soon.

What kind of behaviour is expected at the WitchCamp?

The WitchCamp is created for people from all walks of life with the unified intention of spiritual, magical and personal growth. We hope that all attendees will take this intention seriously and infuse it with joy, humour and fun. We strongly encourage a "live and let live" attitude.

That said, there are a small number of requests which must be adhered to. Noise is to be kept to a minimum after 10pm and noisy activities are to cease at 11pm. Food and drink may only be consumed in the dining room or outdoors. All buildings in the camp are smoke-free zones. There will be a designated area for smokers. Mobile phones are to be used in the designated area only. In the spirit of the WitchCamp, and of Pagan spirituality in general, we ask that everyone be considerate of our environment. This includes no littering, not using standing trees or bushes for firewood or interfering with them in any way, recycling where possible and always showing respect for the earth. EarthSong WitchCamp is a strictly drug and alcohol-free event.

We ask that all participants honour these few expectations.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Please make sure you read all information on this website. Detailed information about the finer aspects of WitchCamp will also be provided in your registration pack. Please contact us with any question you may have.