Welcome to Rise Up Singing. We look forward to meeting you in the field this summer. This letter is both to welcome you and give you more information about the camp to help you settle into camp life.
The site
Our site is a beautiful Dartmoor meadow bisected by a small stream known as Holy Brook and nestled on the edge of National Trust woodland. We have run our camps here since the year 2000 and were lucky enough to be able to buy the land in 2013. The money was a legacy gifted to us by a longterm Rise Up Singing camper whose life was transformed by her experiences in the field. In 2015 we formed a CIC (Community Interest Company) which now owns and stewards the land.
What to expect on arrival
Arrival is between 2 and 6pm. You will be met near the gate by one of the team who will go through a simple registration and give you some basic information. You then unload and pitch your tent. There will be people around if you need help choosing a spot or are struggling with your tent. The rear of the camping area is reserved for camper vans. Please park your car in the parking area once you are sorted. There will also be someone around the central fire to help you get a cup of tea (bring your mug). Supper is served around 6.15, announced by the sound of a gong.
The first evening
After supper everyone meets in their small group with a member of the core team at about 7.30. Here you will be given a bit more information about the camp and about the next day’s schedule. This is also a chance to learn a few names and get to know your group. At around 8pm the whole camp meets in the big yurt across the stream for a ceremonial opening and some singing.
What is a small group?
During the camp you will belong to a small group. Your group of about a dozen or so people is a support for your journey through the camp. Your group will meet with a member of the core team every other day for a simple sharing circle where you can check in about your own experience of the camp and hear from others. Most people over the years have found these groups invaluable. On alternate days you also either cook lunch or supper together for the whole camp with the help of our kitchen managers, oversee the washing up or do some work around the site.
Daily pow-wow
At midday every day the whole camp meets for a “pow-wow”. Here we sing together (of course!) and get to experience the full circle of the camp. This is a place where information about each day is announced and any other camp business is discussed. We encourage everyone to come but if for any reason you miss it, it is worth checking in with someone who was there to keep up to speed with any announcements.
Singing sessions
Every day begins with an early morning sing from 7.30-8.30. The main morning session is 10-11.30 where the whole camp sings four part harmony. Between 2.30 and 4 there is a songwriting session for budding songsters. Between 4.30 and 6 there are two or three sessions running in parallel so it’s choosing time. In the evenings there are often musical sessions in the marquee or around the fire. It’s good to pace yourself and not feel under pressure to do everything!
Sharing Space
Each day one of yurts is set aside for an hour between 2.30 and 3.30 as a sharing space. This is a space for anyone to use who wants additional support on their journey through the camp. It is a held space where you can bring anything that arises for you. It is facilitated by a trained member of our core team
Facilities
There are a number of covered areas including two or three carpeted yurts, a wooden floored geodesic dome with woodstove known as “The Snug” for being cosy, a marquee with straw bale seating for eating and hanging out, an awning in front of the kitchen with straw bale seating also for eating and hanging out. There are also several structures for childrens activities. The camp is supplied by mains water and all taps are safe to drink from. Our loos are simple compost toilets.
We hope you have a great camp and look forward to getting to know you.
